Investors demand higher compensation on new AT1 debt from banks
Summary
Investors in high-risk debt issued by US and European banks are increasingly demanding higher compensation for new deals, indicating a shift in market conditions as the favorable easy-money environment begins to diminish. This trend suggests that while investors are becoming more selective about risky credit, it does not represent a total withdrawal from bank debt, as they remain willing to participate under improved terms. Should this pattern continue, it could lead to increased funding costs for banks relying on Additional Tier 1 (AT1) instruments.
Analysis
US Banks: US banks are financial institutions that raise capital through deposits, loans, and wholesale debt markets, including additional tier 1 instruments. The news indicates that investors are seeking greater compensation for the risk of buying newly issued AT1 debt from these banks, which could raise funding costs. investors: Investors are the buyers assessing the returns and risks of bank-issued AT1 bonds. In the reported development, they are becoming less willing to accept previously favorable terms and are pressing banks for higher compensation. European Banks: European banks use additional tier 1 bonds as a form of loss-absorbing regulatory capital. The news indicates that demand for higher compensation is also emerging in their new AT1 deals, signaling less favorable financing conditions for riskier bank debt. Funding costs: Higher required compensation on new AT1 deals would increase the cost of this form of bank funding if the trend persists. Risk appetite: The shift reflects greater selectivity toward risky credit rather than an outright retreat from bank debt, as investors continue participating when terms improve. Market conditions: Recent credit-market commentary describes investors as demanding higher payouts for the riskiest debt, suggesting that the easy-money environment is weakening.
Categories
macro
Related sources
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-23/at1s-easy-money-run-fades-as-banks-pay-up-for-riskiest-debt
- https://opencurrentdigest.com/?source=Bloomberg
- https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/options/articles/jpmorgan-goldman-boost-yield-volta-232556640.html
- https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/insights/blackrock-investment-institute/global-weekly-commentary
- https://www.expansion.com/empresas/banca/2026/10/23/6ad2161be5fdea54478b458e.html
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-17/gramercy-says-easy-money-is-gone-in-world-s-riskiest-debt
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-14/the-785-billion-junk-bond-maturity-wall-has-never-been-so-close
- https://levelbox.ai/blog/bank-stocks-bond-losses-selloff-october-2026
- https://bworldonline.com/banking-finance/2026/10/21/788385/bond-sell-off-revives-debate-on-euro-zone-banks-doom-loop/
- https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/09/junk-bonds-are-flashing-yellow-watch-these-warning-signs.html