MANAMA — EDB has hailed the decision of BSI Bank, one of the oldest banks in Switzerland, to base its regional headquarters in Bahrain, saying that it will be a to the kingdom's financial sector. BSI Bank, which has assets in excess of $85 billion, is the latest in a string of leading international financial firms to have decided to move to Bahrain. Last year, Notz Stucki, Canara Bank and PineBridge Investments opened regional offices in Bahrain which now hosts more than 400 financial institutions. To mark BSI Bank's expansion in Bahrain, its CEO, Stefano Coduri, is touring the kingdom where he will meet the new enlarged team. While in the region, Coduri is scheduled to meet with key officials who have supported BSI Bank during the process of getting a full license, including Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, and Mahmood Al Kooheji, Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat. Bahrain EDB was involved in the intial process of the conversion of BSI Bank's representative office in Bahrain. In the past year, BSI Bank has tripled the size of its team in Bahrain and the new license will allow the bank to provide the region with comprehensive wealth-planning services. The company is seeking to take advantage of the growing demand for wealth management services in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The asset management team has started to provide full range of wealth management and custody services for its private and institutional clientele (both Islamic and conventional) in the region. BSI Bank will shortly start offering comprehensive wealth planning solutions throughout the region. Edmondo Sarteur, Chief Executive of BSI Bahrain, commented: “We believe that Bahrain is the ideal place for BSI to locate its Middle East operations, and I am delighted to welcome our group CEO, whose visit is a reflection of BSI Bank's commitment to Bahrain and our business in the GCC.” Coduri added: “BSI has had a presence in the kingdom for the past few years and during this time we have been impressed with the high level of professionalism, both of the regulatory entities as well as with the other private institutions. The decision to expand our operations in the kingdom has been born out of these positive experiences and we would like to thank the Central Bank of Bahrain and the Bahrain Economic Development Board for their assistance throughout this process.” Kamal Bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), said: “We are delighted that BSI Bank has decided to establish their regional headquarters in Manama. Their decision to expand their operations is a reflection of the enduring strength of Bahrain's financial services sector and GCC economy which now exceeds one trillion dollars. Bahrain EDB is proud of the support that we have been able to offer the bank during the process of upgrading their license.” Bahrain EDB continues to support businesses like BSI Bank, which wish to start operating in the kingdom. By working closely with businesses and their management, the EDB provides advice and support to companies wishing to benefit from the kingdom's access to the Gulf. — SG
