In this discussion, Joseph Cotterill, a Financial Times expert, delves into Ukraine's ambitious debt restructuring deal amid ongoing conflict, addressing the unrealistic IMF projections and bondholder dynamics. He explains the complexities of including state-owned enterprise debts like Ukrenergo and the urgency behind restoring investor confidence. The conversation also touches on Mozambique's contentious tuna bonds saga, including a recent High Court ruling that awarded significant damages and the ramifications of corruption and legal battles on the country's financial landscape.
Ukraine is restructuring $24 billion in debt amidst financial challenges, but optimistic IMF projections raise concerns among bondholders about economic recovery.
The Mozambique tuna bonds case illustrates the complexities of corruption in sovereign borrowing, with recent rulings impacting accountability and potential litigation against multi-national entities.
Deep dives
Ukraine's Debt Restructuring Efforts
Ukraine is actively working on restructuring approximately $24 billion in euro bonds as it faces ongoing financial challenges due to the war with Russia. Following a two-year suspension of payments, an agreement in principle was reached with a creditor committee representing around 25% of the bondholders, and an exchange offer is anticipated soon. This agreement aims to restore market access for Ukraine while navigating the complexities of its current economic situation, which has worsened due to hostilities. Bondholders are set to experience significant haircuts, with a structured framework put in place to address varying scenarios regarding the length and outcome of the conflict.
IMF Projections and Sustainability Assumptions
The sustainability assumptions underlying Ukraine's restructuring reflect significant uncertainties and hinge on the end of hostilities by 2027, a scenario many analysts find improbable. The IMF's forecasts estimate a rapid decrease in Ukraine's budget deficit, predicting it to fall from 16% of GDP last year to over 3% by the following year, which some believe is overly optimistic given the ongoing war. Analysts suggest that realistic projections of a prolonged conflict would mean a deficit closer to 11-12% over the next two years. This discrepancy raises concerns among bondholders about the viability of the restructuring terms and the expectations around Ukraine's economic recovery.
Challenges Facing Bondholders and Restructuring Terms
Bondholders are grappling with the precarious nature of the restructuring, which comes under the shadow of potential future adjustments. A notable aspect is the upfront haircut of 37% on the original claims, which paves the way for new bonds with split terms—one offering immediate but reduced coupon payments and another functioning as a zero-coupon bond tied to Ukraine's economic recovery. This dual structure reflects the tension between maintaining investor interest while preparing for the possibility of future restructuring. Bondholders must weigh these terms against the probability of enduring conflict and how it affects their payouts, all while balancing the inclusion or exclusion of state-owned enterprise debts.
Mozambican Tuna Bonds and Legal Proceedings
The ongoing saga surrounding Mozambique's tuna bonds has yielded significant judicial developments, including a recent ruling awarding Mozambique $825 million in damages linked to corrupt agreements. The case involves complex allegations against various parties, including Credit Suisse and Gulf shipbuilder Privenvest, accused of facilitating bribery which led to the bonds' collapse. While this judgment marks a critical moment in Mozambique's quest for accountability, the road ahead is fraught with appeals and potential further litigation, particularly concerning the role of key government officials. Not only does this case illustrate the pervasive issues of corruption in sovereign borrowing, but it also highlights challenges in legal proceedings against multi-national entities involved in such scandals.
Ukraine's Preliminary Debt Restructuring Deal
Ukraine reportedly has reached terms with a subset of its bondholders, agreeing to restructure the country's roughly $24 billion in bond debt. What to make of the deal? It seems (to our view) to be premised on the IMF's entirely unrealistic assumptions about Ukraine's future debt repayment capacity. The reports we have seen about deal terms also don't explain what will happen to some important parts of the debt stock – including that of state-owned energy company Ukrenergo. Joseph Cotterill of the Financial Times joins us to explain the basic parameters of the deal, the underlying assumptions, and whether another restructuring of private debt is in the cards. And while we have Joseph, we also ask some questions about recent developments in litigation arising out of Mozambique's "tuna bonds" debacle.
Producer: Leanna Doty
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