ICBC will issue the first counter-based CDB bonds this year as the exclusive agent to personal and non-financial institutional customers from January 30 to February 4. The 2015 CDB Bond II is one-year fixed-rate bond with a coupon rate of 3.64%. Customers can subscribe through ICBC e-banking or at ICBC outlets.

According to an official with ICBC, the Bank will work with CDB this year to issue counter-based CDB bonds on a regular basis. During the issuance, customers can subscribe the bond through ICBC internet banking, mobile banking, or telephone banking or at ICBC outlets by selecting the fund account for bond trading and opening a bond custody account. For example, the personal internet banking customer may log onto internet banking, enter "Online bond", click "Subscribe" on the right side of selected bond in "Quotation and Transaction" and then complete the subscription by following the instructions. After the issuance, the counter-based CDB bond will be circulated on the market and customers can purchase and sell the bond  through ICBC e-banking channels or at ICBC outlets during trading hours with the real-time fund settlement. For personal and non-financial institutional customers with bond investment demand, the counter-based CDB bond boasts high credit rating and security, with both the threshold and the minimum incremental unit of investment at RMB100, thus expanding the investment channels and satisfying diversified investment demands.

Experts indicate that as a development-oriented financial institution, CDB enjoys a quasi sovereign credit. Moody's, S&P and other rating agencies have consistently rated CDB with the same level for China's sovereign rating. CDB primarily raises funds by issuing bonds to support national key projects including basic industries, infrastructure and pillar industries, develop sectors concerning public welfare including affordable housing, SMEs, agriculture,and education, and help businesses go global. Distributing bonds and conducting bond deals via banking channels can expand CDB's financing channels and better play out the support of finance to real economy.