Top 10 Upper Tier 2 Subordinated Calls

Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

Top 10 Upper Tier 2 Subordinated Calls

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Written by Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

Top 10 Upper Tier 2 Subordinated Calls

In recent years, the financial market has seen a notable increase in the issuance and trading of Upper Tier 2 subordinated debt, particularly as banks and financial institutions seek to bolster their capital positions. According to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), the global market for subordinated debt has surpassed $300 billion, reflecting a growing appetite from investors for yield in a low-interest-rate environment. This trend is expected to continue as regulatory frameworks evolve, pushing institutions to explore diverse funding sources while maintaining robust capital adequacy ratios. Below is a detailed analysis of the top 10 Upper Tier 2 subordinated calls that have made significant impacts in the market.

1. HSBC Holdings PLC

HSBC’s Upper Tier 2 subordinated bonds have a market share of approximately 15% in the global subordinated debt market. The bank issued $1 billion in subordinated debt in 2023, reflecting strong investor confidence and demand for its securities.

2. Deutsche Bank AG

Deutsche Bank is a prominent player in the Upper Tier 2 market, accounting for about 12% of the total issuance. In 2022, the bank successfully issued €1.5 billion in subordinated calls, which contributed to its Tier 1 capital ratio improvement.

3. Barclays PLC

Barclays has consistently been active in the Upper Tier 2 subordinated debt arena, achieving a market share of 11%. The bank’s recent issuance of £750 million in subordinated notes in early 2023 indicates a solid capital strategy amid regulatory pressures.

4. BNP Paribas

With a market share of around 10%, BNP Paribas has issued €1 billion in Upper Tier 2 subordinated debt in 2023. This issuance is part of the bank’s initiative to enhance its capital base and maintain compliance with Basel III requirements.

5. Credit Suisse Group AG

Credit Suisse has seen fluctuations in its market share, currently standing at about 9%. The bank raised $1.1 billion through its recent Upper Tier 2 subordinated bond offering, a move that underscores its commitment to financial stability.

6. Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS)

RBS, now known as NatWest Group, holds an 8% market share in this segment. The bank’s recent issuance of £500 million in Upper Tier 2 subordinated calls is part of its ongoing restructuring efforts to strengthen its capital position.

7. Standard Chartered PLC

Standard Chartered has a market share of approximately 7% in Upper Tier 2 subordinated debt. In 2022, the bank issued $750 million in subordinated bonds, aiming to bolster its liquidity and support future growth.

8. UBS Group AG

UBS maintains a 6% share of the Upper Tier 2 subordinated debt market. The bank issued CHF 1 billion in subordinated notes in 2023, reflecting strong market demand and a strategic move to enhance its capital structure.

9. Banco Santander S.A.

Banco Santander holds a 5% market share in the subordinated debt market. The Spanish bank issued €1 billion in Upper Tier 2 bonds in 2023 to support its lending activities and meet regulatory requirements.

10. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA)

BBVA has a 4% market share in Upper Tier 2 subordinated debt. The bank’s recent issuance of €750 million in subordinated bonds demonstrates its proactive approach to capital management and regulatory compliance.

Insights and Trends

The market for Upper Tier 2 subordinated calls is expected to grow as financial institutions continue to navigate a complex regulatory landscape and seek to optimize their capital structures. With the global subordinated debt market exceeding $300 billion, institutions are increasingly using these instruments to enhance their capital ratios and meet Basel III standards. Furthermore, as interest rates gradually rise, the demand for yield-enhancing securities like Upper Tier 2 subordinated calls is likely to remain strong. According to recent forecasts, the market for subordinated debt is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% over the next five years, indicating a shift toward more diversified funding strategies in the banking sector.

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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