Bond Contingent Capital Instruments Loss Absorption Features 2026

Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

Bond Contingent Capital Instruments Loss Absorption Features 2026

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Written by Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

Bond Contingent Capital Instruments Loss Absorption Features 2026

The market for Bond Contingent Capital Instruments (CoCos) is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing regulatory requirements and the need for financial institutions to enhance their loss absorption capabilities. As of 2023, the global CoCo market is valued at approximately $60 billion, with projections indicating a rise to $90 billion by 2026. This growth is largely attributed to the growing emphasis on capital adequacy in banks and financial institutions, especially in the wake of economic uncertainties and the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. European Union

As a significant regulatory entity, the European Union has seen a rise in the issuance of CoCos, particularly after the implementation of the Basel III framework. In 2022, CoCos issued in the EU reached €20 billion, representing a 15% increase from the previous year.

2. United Kingdom

The UK remains a major player in the CoCo market, with major banks like HSBC and Barclays actively issuing these instruments. In 2022, the UK market accounted for approximately 25% of the global CoCo issuance.

3. Switzerland

Switzerland’s financial institutions, particularly Credit Suisse and UBS, have been at the forefront of CoCo issuance, with combined issuance reaching CHF 15 billion in 2022. The country’s rigorous regulatory environment necessitates robust loss absorption mechanisms.

4. United States

The US market has seen a cautious approach towards CoCos, with a limited but growing presence. In 2022, CoCo instruments accounted for approximately $5 billion in the US, primarily driven by regional banks.

5. Germany

Germany has emerged as a key issuer in Europe, with a total of €12 billion in CoCo bonds issued by major banks such as Deutsche Bank in 2022. This reflects a strong demand for loss-absorbing instruments.

6. France

French banks, including BNP Paribas and Société Générale, have issued a cumulative €10 billion in CoCos as of 2022, highlighting the importance of these instruments in maintaining capital buffers.

7. Japan

Japan’s CoCo market is slowly evolving, with growth seen in instruments issued by major banks like Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. In 2022, CoCo issuance reached Â¥1 trillion, reflecting increasing investor interest.

8. Canada

Canadian banks have cautiously embraced CoCos, with a total issuance of CAD 4 billion in 2022. This is driven by the need for enhanced capital adequacy in a competitive banking landscape.

9. Australia

Australia’s financial sector has seen CoCo instruments gaining traction, with issuances reaching AUD 3 billion in 2022. Major banks like Commonwealth Bank and ANZ have been primary contributors.

10. Singapore

Singapore has become a hub for CoCo issuance in Asia, with total issuance reaching SGD 2 billion in 2022. The Monetary Authority of Singapore encourages the use of such instruments as part of risk management strategies.

11. Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s financial institutions, particularly HSBC, have actively participated in the CoCo market, contributing to an issuance of HKD 30 billion in 2022. This reflects a strong appetite for loss-absorbing capital.

12. Italy

Italy has seen a resurgence in CoCo instruments, with total issuance reaching €5 billion in 2022. Major banks like UniCredit have played a significant role in this growth.

13. Spain

Spanish banks have issued approximately €4 billion in CoCos in 2022, with Banco Santander leading the way. The instruments are essential for maintaining adequate capital levels amid economic fluctuations.

14. Nordic Countries

The Nordic region has collectively issued around €3 billion in CoCos, with Swedish banks like Nordea taking the lead. This represents a growing recognition of the need for loss absorption in the banking sector.

15. Brazil

Brazil’s CoCo market is in its infancy, with a total issuance of BRL 2 billion as of 2022. Local banks are beginning to explore these instruments as part of capital management strategies.

16. Mexico

Mexico has seen limited CoCo issuance, with approximately MXN 1 billion in 2022. However, there is potential for growth as local banks seek to bolster their capital base.

17. South Africa

South African banks have issued about ZAR 1.5 billion in CoCos. This growth is essential for enhancing the resilience of the banking sector in a challenging economic environment.

18. India

India’s CoCo market is emerging, with an estimated INR 500 million in instruments issued in 2022. As the banking sector looks to strengthen its capital position, this market is expected to grow.

19. China

China’s financial institutions have begun exploring CoCo instruments, with an estimated issuance of CNY 1 billion in 2022. Regulatory support for capital enhancement is likely to drive future growth.

20. Russia

Russia’s CoCo market remains limited, with an estimated issuance of RUB 200 million in 2022. The country’s financial landscape is evolving, and there is potential for future growth in loss-absorbing instruments.

Insights

The Bond Contingent Capital Instruments market is on an upward trajectory, with a projected growth rate of around 10% annually through 2026. Increasing regulatory pressures and the need for financial resilience are driving institutions to adopt these instruments. With a global market forecasted to reach $90 billion by 2026, key players across various regions are expected to innovate and adapt their CoCo offerings to meet evolving investor demands. As economies recover and regulatory frameworks evolve, the importance of CoCos in providing loss absorption will become more pronounced, making them a critical component of financial stability.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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