Overview of Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen (WIBank)

For the german Version click here.

WIBank is an economically and organizationally independent, yet legally non-autonomous, public-law institution (Anstalt des öffentlichen Rechts) within Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Girozentrale – Helaba, operating under the “AidA” concept.

WIBank performs the monetary promotional activities of the State of Hesse and is a promotional institution within the meaning of the “Brussels Understanding II”. Within the scope of its public mandate, WIBank covers the promotional segments start-up & growth, supply & modernization, construction & housing, as well as education & employment.

In order to achieve the greatest possible maturity matching in its promotional lending business, WIBank raises refinancing funds through global loans from national and international promotional institutions and complements these with capital market products, including promissory note loans (Schuldscheindarlehen), registered bonds (Namensschuldverschreibungen), and bearer bonds (Inhaberschuldverschreibungen).

Statutory Guarantee and Direct Guarantee of the State of Hesse

Based on the “Understanding II” agreed between the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union, WIBank benefits from the statutory maintenance obligation (Gewährträgerhaftung) of the State of Hesse. In addition, due to the direct guarantee of the State of Hesse, WIBank qualifies for preferential treatment as an eligible counterparty in accordance with Article 116 (4) of the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR). Accordingly, claims against WIBank are assigned the same regulatory risk weight as exposures to the State of Hesse (Article 2, Section 6 of the Act on the Reorganization of Monetary Promotion in Hesse dated July 16, 2009 – GVBl. I p. 256 et seq.).

Consequently, the State of Hesse unconditionally, irrevocably, and without limitation as to time assumes liability for all liabilities incurred by WIBank and undertakes payment upon first demand. As a result, securities issued by WIBank benefit from a risk weight of 0% under the CRR (formerly “Solvency 0 status”), which leads to:

• no capital charge requirements  
• no inclusion in large exposure limits  

Issuer Rating by Standard & Poor’s  
Issuer Rating (AA+ / Stable / A-1+)

According to the current rating report dated October 24, 2025, Standard & Poor’s affirmed the long-term issuer rating of the State of Hesse at “AA+” and the short-term issuer rating at “A-1+”. The outlook was confirmed as “stable”.

Due to the statutory maintenance obligation and refinancing guarantee provided by the State of Hesse in favor of WIBank, and its resulting status as a government-related entity (GRE), Standard & Poor’s likewise affirmed WIBank’s long- and short-term issuer ratings. The outlook for WIBank was maintained at “stable”, in line with that of the State of Hesse.

Information on WIBank’s issuances can be found on our Euro Benchmarks page.

Disclaimer

The information and documents provided on this website do not constitute an offer or an invitation to subscribe for or purchase securities. They are provided solely for information purposes and do not form the basis for any contractual or other commitment. In particular, no advisory relationship is established.

The information provided is not intended to replace individual investment advice. Although the information has been prepared with due care and to the best of our knowledge, no representation or warranty is given as to its timeliness, accuracy, quality, or completeness. Accordingly, WIBank accepts no liability for the use or non-use of the information provided.

Attention is drawn to the fact that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future developments, forecasts, or expectations.

Further legal information can be found under Data Protection.