Isakov, an Uzbek national, previously a director in HSBC’s sovereign bond origination team, has been named adviser to the minister and head of the new Sovereign and Corporate Debt Division, the ministry of finance said.
Isakov will oversee the once-closed nation’s efforts to obtain a credit rating and issue a Eurobond. HSBC declined to comment on Isakov’s appointment.
Uzbekistan is targeting a roadshow for the bond in the first quarter of next year, the person said. Uzbek officials had previously said the debut Eurobond would be issued this year.
A source also said JP Morgan had been added to the list of banks that would advise on the issue, in addition to Citi. Citi and JP Morgan declined to comment.
Isakov’s appointment would mark a step forward in Uzbekistan’s engagement with markets. Last September, it liberalised its exchange-rate regime and kicked off various reforms that have unlocked funding from lenders such as the World Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
