On 20 January, Pepper Group (Pepper) launched its new auto and equipment asset-backed securities (ABS) transaction, Pepper SPARKZ Trust 2. Total capped volume for the deal is A$616.7 million (US$424.4 million), with pricing expected on 23 January. Bank of America, MUFG Securities, National Australia Bank, RBC Capital Markets, Societe Generale and Westpac Institutional Bank are joint lead managers.