Top 3 considerations when selecting an IPA partner

May 17, 2023

When choosing an issuing and paying agent (IPA) partner for programme debt, look for these three features.

Companies and financial institutions that frequently issue bonds typically set up a debt programme that enables them to access the market efficiently and securely on a regular basis.

The benefits of issuing through a debt programme are compelling. Establishing a programme will lead to a consistent and cost-effective means of issuance for commercial paper, shelf registration debt or medium-term notes that avoids unnecessary duplication.

However, there are specific features you want to look for when selecting an issuing and paying agent (IPA) partner.

 

1. 24/7 access

When choosing an IPA provider, 24/7 round the clock access to data is crucial to any business. Though issuing into the European market is typically done via the Euroclear and Clearstream securities clearing houses (instead of the U.S.-based depository trust company system,) European clients still want a consistent experience – no matter where they’re based.

“24/7 access to their programme data is critical irrespective of clients’ location, no matter where the transactions take place,” says Darren Mockus, programme debt product manager at U.S. Bank. “Look for a system that’s real-time and allows you to access your data at any time, from any location.” 

 

2. Ability to enhance systems

While many European providers’ systems are long-established and therefore difficult to update, a new entrant can start from scratch and take advantage of cutting-edge technology to make digital enhancements. This ability to enhance systems can prove critical to delivering the right service.

“We have the benefit of building a system for today’s markets – taking into account all the current operational, technological and regulatory challenges that exist today and building a system to meet those head on,” says Cameron Munden, a London-based sales manager at U.S. Bank. “We’ve designed it in such a way that it can easily adapt to meet the inevitable new challenges of tomorrow.”

In practical terms, systems can be enhanced through the ability to extract data in multiple formats, as well as the ability to set up an extract of automatic data files transfer via FTP. The IPA service you choose should come with these capabilities and use technology that can grow with clients to meet increased demands in the future.

“We’ve created our IPA service to be scalable, so that if clients need to issue with increased frequency, the programme can easily adapt,” says Mockus. “And we’ll hand hold each of your transactions for as long as you need with dedicated support.” 

 

3. Exceptional customer service

With any IPA provider, don’t underestimate the need for quality customer service. “Clients want exceptional service,” says Mockus. “They want us to take action on their behalf in a timely manner; they want smooth and timely settlements.”

While U.S. investors have been enjoying IPA partners with this level of customer service, European investors have been looking for offerings of equal calibre. Now, providers in Europe are starting to offer solutions to the EU market that come with swift and attentive customer service so clients can issue in a quick and cost-effective way.

The logic behind the push for more IPA options is simple: Investor appetite for prompt payment and settlement is growing in Europe. “Clients are looking to achieve a consistent international model for issuance,” explains Munden.

Given that global issuance volumes have increased exponentially over the last 20 years, it makes sense that the demand for programme debt has risen as well.

 

U.S. Bank is an experienced corporate trust provider with a solution for programme debt that provides 24/7 access, excellent client service and a future-proof mindset. Learn more about our European trustee solutions.

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U.S. Bank Global Corporate Trust is a trading name of U.S. Bank Global Corporate Trust Limited, U.S. Bank Trustees Limited and U.S. Bank Europe DAC (each a U.S. Bancorp group company). U.S. Bank Global Corporate Trust Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales having the registration number 05521133 and a registered address of 125 Old Broad Street, Fifth Floor, London, EC2N 1AR. U.S. Bank Global Corporate Trust Limited, Dublin Branch is registered in Ireland with the Companies Registration Office under Reg. No. 909340 with its registered office at Block F1, Cherrywood Business Park, Cherrywood, Dublin 18, Ireland D18 W2X7. U.S. Bank Trustees Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales having the registration number 02379632 and a registered address of 125 Old Broad Street, Fifth Floor, London, EC2N 1AR. U.S. Bank Europe DAC, trading as U.S. Bank Global Corporate Trust, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Registered in Ireland with the Companies Registration Office, Reg. No. 418442. The liability of the member is limited. Registered Office: Block F1, Cherrywood Business Park, Cherrywood, Dublin 18, Ireland D18 W2X7. Directors: A list of names and personal details of every director of the company is available for inspection to the public at the company’s registered office for a nominal fee. In the UK, U.S. Bank Europe DAC trades as U.S. Bank Global Corporate Trust through its UK Branch from its establishment at 125 Old Broad Street, Fifth Floor, London, EC2N 1AR (registered with the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales under Registration No. BR020005). Authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority are available from us on request. In Luxembourg, U.S. Bank Europe DAC trades as U.S. Bank Global Corporate Trust through its Luxembourg Branch under RCS number B244276 with its registered office at 4, rue Albert Borschette, L-1246 Luxembourg, and is regulated and authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) as well as by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF). Details about the extent of our authorisation and regulation by the CBI and the CSSF are available from us on request. All banking services are provided through U.S. Bank Europe DAC. U.S. Bank Global Corporate Trust Limited and U.S. Bank Trustees Limited are Trust Corporations and not banking institutions and are not authorised to carry on banking business in the United Kingdom, Ireland or any other jurisdiction.

All banking services are provided through U.S. Bank Europe DAC. U.S. Bank Global Corporate Trust Limited and U.S. Bank Trustees Limited are Trust Corporations and not banking institutions and are not authorised to carry on banking business in the United Kingdom, Ireland or any other jurisdiction.

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