Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Monday the government’s first-ever issuance of retail dollar bonds will support financial inclusion efforts, a major agenda of the central bank.
Diokno said RDBs, which provide investment opportunities to small investors like overseas Filipinos, would provide various benefits for the economy.
The Bureau of the Treasury sold a total of $866.2 million worth of onshore RDBs from the maiden issuanceon Sept. 16—more than twice the originally programmed $400 million—amid high demand. Proceeds will help augment the government’s resources for pandemic response.
RDBs are accessible to small investors, as these require a minimum investment of only $300.
“Retail dollar bonds provide a special opportunity for small and mid-sized investors to earn and, at the same time, help fund the government’s recovery and resiliency programs,” Diokno said.