Bank of America has granted OpenAI a $520 million credit line, the company's first bank loan as it prepares for an initial public offering, a person familiar with the matter said. The extension places Bank of America among OpenAI's largest lenders and reinforces the bank's prominence in AI-focused capital markets financing.
According to internal data, Bank of America has been heavily involved in AI-related capital raising since 2025, helping to raise nearly $500 billion across investment-grade debt, leveraged finance and equity capital markets and accounting for roughly 60% of that activity. A person familiar with the situation requested anonymity to discuss confidential details.
Bank of America is also exploring advisory opportunities tied to the planned public listings of both OpenAI and Anthropic, according to a second person familiar with the bank's strategic plans. That interest follows the bank's prominent role in a recent, high-profile technology listing in which it served as a joint bookrunner and led U.S. retail distribution efforts.
The technology company that led that blockbuster listing debuted at a valuation above $2 trillion after completing what was described as the world's largest IPO. OpenAI confidentially filed for a U.S. IPO last month, and the company reportedly is targeting a valuation in excess of $1 trillion for a listing that could take place as soon as this year.
Market attention on major initial public offerings is heightened because such deals typically produce significant fees for underwriting banks while creating opportunities for follow-on business over subsequent years. The $520 million credit line therefore not only provides direct financing support to OpenAI but also strengthens Bank of America's position to capture advisory and underwriting revenue should the AI maker proceed with a public offering.
OpenAI, founded in 2015 as a research-focused nonprofit before forming a for-profit arm in 2019 to finance rising development costs, did not immediately provide comment on the credit facility.
Context and implications
- For Bank of America, the facility highlights an ongoing strategic emphasis on AI-related clients and deal flow across debt and equity markets.
- For OpenAI, the credit line offers a source of capital as it navigates the costs and preparations associated with a prospective IPO.
- The development underscores the strong market demand among large banks to support and advise leading AI companies ahead of major public listings.