Ukrainian Financial Housing Company eyes EUR 1 bln post-war intl securitized debt launch – CEO

PJSC Ukrainian Financial Housing Company (Ukrfinzhytlo), which operates the state eOselia mortgage program, is preparing for a potential issuance of securitized securities on international capital markets after the conclusion of the war initiated by Russia, with the possible volume reaching approximately EUR 1 billion, stated Chair of the Management Board Yevhen Metsger.

The company claims to be the first to carry out such a securitization, and has JPMorgan advising on navigating public capital markets. To achieve this, Ukrfinzhytlo intends to create mortgage pools valued at $2-3 billion. The CEO emphasized that it is still necessary to decide which markets to enter, as U.S. and European markets have distinct differences; both the U.S. and European markets will be considered.

The necessary legal framework for the issuance of securitized securities was established by the law on securitization and covered bonds (No. 15172), drafted jointly with the National Securities and Stock Market Commission and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Metsger acknowledged that there are numerous investors on the international market with experience in the housing finance market, including the Belgian fund Revive.

However, he expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such endeavors during the ongoing conflict, believing it would likely occur in the coming year. The company is actively working towards this goal, with Metsger concluding that they are optimistic about utilizing the current and following year to prepare for securitization.