Sparebanken Sør Boligkreditt made its euro-denominated covered bond debut on Tuesday – joining the market to meet increased funding needs, according to the issuer’s CEO – and bankers said the Eu500m five year issue positioned the Norwegian issuer well next to its peers.

Danske Bank sold a twice-subscribed $1bn five year senior unsecured bond on Monday, with a lead noting it priced close to a recent issue from Swedbank, which is more established in the US market. Sparebanken Sør is expected next week with an inaugural euro benchmark covered bond.