
Buying and Selling Bonds
Securities transactions can be attractive to private investors. Bonds are financial instruments that, in some cases, require special knowledge about the securities market to acquire and dispose of. Therefore, we recommend using the services of an experienced legal representative when purchasing and disposing of bonds. This will secure your investments and allow you to receive a guaranteed income.
What are bonds?
Bonds are classified as equity securities. This means that the bonds are placed in issues, have equal volume and terms of exercise of rights within one issue, regardless of the time of purchase of the bond.
Who are the issuers?
The bonds are issued by issuers. These are Belarusian or foreign companies that issue securities and, on their behalf, bear obligations to bondholders to exercise the rights certified by the bonds.
What opportunities do bonds offer?
The bond entitles its holder to receive the nominal value of the bond or other equivalent from the issuer of the bond within the period specified in the bond.
A bond may give its owner the right to receive a certain percentage of its value or other property rights.
The income from a bond is the interest and/or discount and/or other type of income that is indicated in the bond issue prospectus.

Bondholders’ Representative
Thus, representing the interests of private clients in the purchase and sale of bonds in Belarus requires in-depth knowledge of the financial and legal field in order to provide clients with protection and effective management of their interests. Our lawyers have such knowledge and are ready to represent your interests in matters related to bonds.
Who is the representative of the bondholders?
The representative of the bondholders acts on behalf of and in the interests of the bondholders. The bond issuer has the right to appoint a representative of the owners.
Belarusian legislation requires the appointment of a bondholders’ representative before approving the bond issue prospectus in cases where bonds are placed in Belarus by non-resident issuers, or when the bond issue is secured by real estate, the secured obligations exceed 50% of the property’s estimated value, and the bondholders are an unlimited number of persons.
In other cases, a representative of the bondholders may be appointed or elected by the general meeting both before the approval of the bond issue prospectus and after the registration of the bond issue.
A contract is concluded with a representative of the bondholders and information about it is indicated in the bond issue prospectus.

Representative of the bondholders
A representative of the bondholders can be appointed or selected:
- A professional participant in the securities market (broker, depository, trustee).
- An investment fund management organization, a specialized depository of an investment fund.
- Another commercial organization that has been on the market for at least three years.
The same representative may represent bondholders in relation to several bond issues of one or more issuers.
A representative of the bondholders without a power of attorney acts on behalf of the bondholders on the basis of the prospectus and the agreement concluded with the issuer.
The services of a representative of the bondholders are paid by the issuer who appointed him or the bondholders who elected a representative at the general meeting.

Representative’s Duties
A representative of the bondholders represents their interests before government agencies, the issuer, the persons who provided security for the fulfillment of obligations under the bonds and other persons.
Duties of the representative of the bondholders:
- To execute the decisions of the general meeting.
- To protect the interests of bondholders.
- To make claims on behalf of the bondholders to the issuer, the person who provided the collateral, etc.
- The representative of the bondholders has the right, in particular, to receive a register of bondholders from the issuer’s depository.
Key Types of Bonds
Bonds come in various forms, each serving different investment goals and risk profiles. By maturity, they can be short-term, long-term, or even perpetual, though perpetual bonds are rare.
Interest structures also vary. Some bonds have a fixed rate, while others link returns to benchmarks like the refinancing rate. Discount bonds generate income through a predetermined redemption value at maturity. Bought early, they’re cheaper; prices rise as maturity nears.

Main Types of Bonds
Belarusian bonds are typically classified by how they are issued and recorded. Documentary bonds are traditional paper instruments issued without the owner’s name, often bought without presenting personal identification—unless Belarusian law specifically requires it.
Internet bonds are entirely digital, making them easy to purchase from home. Unlike paper bonds, they always record the buyer’s name, ensuring ownership is clearly documented from the moment of acquisition.
How Do Bonds Differ from Bank Deposits?
Purpose. A deposit mainly protects your money from inflation — it’s about saving. Bonds, however, are an investment tool designed to potentially earn higher returns than traditional deposits.
Issuer. Deposits are available only through banks. Bonds, on the other hand, can be issued by banks, corporations, or even governments, offering broader options.
Flexibility. Deposits can be short- or long-term. Interest is credited monthly, and if the deposit is revocable, you can withdraw funds anytime. Bonds typically involve longer holding periods, pay income every 3-6 months, and may restrict early redemption.
Risks. Bank deposits are insured by the government, guaranteeing a return of your funds. Bonds don’t carry such state guarantees; issuer bankruptcy could mean losing your invested capital.
Our Services
FAQ
You can purchase documentary bonds at any bank branch authorized to handle bond transactions, subject to the availability of blank bond certificates from the relevant issue.
Documentary bonds are bearer securities and typically do not require personal identification. However, if the transaction exceeds 1,000 base units in Belarusian rubles, identification is required under anti-money laundering regulations.
You must apply to the court located near the bank branch that issued the bond, requesting restoration of rights. The court will issue an order to suspend any payments, and upon a final ruling, the bank can repay the face value and any unpaid interest.
Early redemption is only possible if allowed by the bond issue documentation. Otherwise, bonds may be sold on the secondary market at a negotiated price, either via a stock exchange or over-the-counter.
Banks can offer trust management services in foreign currency, allowing clients to invest in international securities. You can choose the securities yourself or delegate portfolio selection to the bank.
Regardless of the terms in the bond prospectus, settlements follow national law. Amounts are converted into Belarusian rubles at the official exchange rate on the day of the transaction, unless otherwise specified in the bond documentation.
Contact us
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LawyerLegal assistance is provided by advocate Anton Grinewich, Specialized Legal Bar No. 2 in Minsk.
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E-mail
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AddressOffice: 1 Krasnaya str., Minsk, Republic of Belarus Postal address: 1 Krasnaya str., Minsk, Republic of Belarus
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Working hoursMonday-Friday 9:00-19:00