Citibank has opened its new branch at Amwaj Islands in Bahrain.

Citi chief executive officer Europe, the Middle East and Africa Alberto Verme said the bank has been investing in Bahrain since 1970 and has employed 600 people in the kingdom, of whom 50 per cent were Bahrainis.

He said the bank would be rolling out its new high technology global customer platform in Bahrain next year and introducing more smart technology.

"Globally, we are living in a very challenging environment but we believe the measures taken by the government here will see a recovery next year to growth of four per cent and we will continue to invest in Bahrain," he added.

He said the bank was looking to advise on providing fianancing for a number of infrastructure projects in the kingdom and remained committed to providing the highest level of technology in banking for retail customers.

"Bahrain is a good place to be because of the regulatory environment, transparency and best practice displayed by the industry and because of the high quality and professionalism of its highly skilled workforce," Verme said.

"In the short-term, we look forward with caution and in the medium-term with optimism. Our comfort level with Bahrain is high," he added.

The new branch is inside the Lagoon Mall of the modern Amwaj Islands suburb and is the area's first full-fledged branch providing customers with a comprehensive suite of banking services close to their homes and in proximity to their workplaces.

It displays latest smart banking technology and offers a wide range of personalised financial planning solutions to help customers achieve their financial goals in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere.

"We want to serve clients at Amwaj Islands by offering Citi's comprehensive banking platform through the most convenient location in the Lagoon Mall," said Citibank Bahrain consumer banking head Navneet Kampani.

"This modern branch will offer customers and corporate clients the convenience of performing full banking transactions at their location of choice," he said.

"Citibank has been a partner in Bahrain's progress for four decades, and intends to enhance its value-added services to clients and investors as well as expand its foothold in Bahrain's rising suburbs," said Citi Bahrain chief executive officer Mazin Manna.

"The opening of Amwaj Islands branch is in line with our goal to serve clients in the most efficient manner, and help transfer best banking practices to the kingdom," he added. – TradeArabia News Service