DFSED-SG Bonds Bookrunners

Tender description

The Scottish Government is seeking to appoint external service providers to assist in accessing the sterling public bond market. From 2016, the Scottish Government’s annual limit for Capital Borrowing has been GBP 450 million, with a cumulative limit of GBP 3 billion. The 2023 Fiscal Framework review increased these limits in line with inflation, and the Scottish Government has been reviewing its capital borrowing policy options under these new limits. On 4 December 2024, the Scottish Government published a memorandum detailing the outcome of the initial due diligence and its updated capital borrowing policy in the context of the revised Fiscal Framework limits. The key objectives for the issuance of bonds includes diversifying capital funding sources, enhancing fiscal sustainability, raising Scotland’s profile among financial investors, and developing institutional fiscal discipline. On 12th November 2025 Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s assigned inaugural credit ratings for the Scottish Government of Aa3/AA respectively, both with a stable outlook. The strength and diversity of Scotland’s economy, its strong institutional framework, as well as the Scottish Government’s prudent financial management and low levels of debt are factors highlighted in the agencies’ reports. A GBP 1.5 billion programme is expected to commence over the next parliament, with a debut benchmark bond issuance currently anticipated for late 2026 or early 2027, subject to the outcome of the Scottish Parliament election, in-year borrowing requirements and market conditions. The Scottish Government intends to host a Supplier Information Day at Scotland House, London, during the last week of January. Further details can be found in the Additional Information section of this Prior Information Notice (PIN). Lot 1: The Scottish Government intends to establish a multi-supplier framework agreement, expected to run for four years and cover multiple debt issuance. The framework will include several banks, each with the opportunity to act as Lead Manager for the inaugural and any future bond issuance. Call-off procedures are still being developed, but the Invitation to Tender (ITT) is planned for publication in January 2026. Please note: -This requirement is exempt from the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 under regulation 11(1)(f). -It is also excluded under Section 4 of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014. Despite these exemptions, the Scottish Government will adhere to the principles set out in the Scottish Procurement Policy Handbook, ensuring: -Value for Money (VfM) -Transparency, fairness, and accountability -Compliance with internal procurement policies and financial regulations. Any potential service providers interested in this upcoming requirement should register their interest via this Prior Information Notice (PIN). All future communications and updates will be published through this PIN.