The investor base for sovereign debt: Why diversification matters Staff analytical paper 2026-29 Sam Foxall, Jeffrey Gao Sovereign borrowing is rising, just as central banks are stepping back. Meanwhile, commercial bank holdings of sovereign bonds remain well below pre-global financial crisis levels. This leaves foreign investors and investment funds, often hedge funds, to absorb more of this growing supply. Their greater involvement supports liquidity and robust auction results, but it can also concentrate risk. Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff analytical paper JEL Code(s): G, G1, G18, G2, G28, H, H6, H63 Research Theme(s): Financial markets and funds management, Funds management, Market functioning, Market structure, Financial system, Financial institutions and intermediation