Bahrain has launched a benchmark-sized 10-year USD bond with initial pricing thoughts (IPTs) in the 7.5 per cent area as it looks to strengthen state finances in the face of rising debt, expanding deficits and increased regional uncertainty. The sovereign is rated B with a stable outlook by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch. Joint Lead Managers and Bookrunners include Bank ABC, Citi, First Abu Dhabi Bank, National Bank of Bahrain, JP Morgan and Standard Chartered Bank. [...]