Indian private sector bank,HDFC, has said it has opened a branch in Bahrain. The new location, which is the bank’s first outside of India, will offer wealth management services for non-resident Indians as part of its services.

Aditya Puri, managing director of HDFC Bank, said: “Bahrain has always been the financial gateway and the banking hub to the Gulf with a firm regulatory framework, and an overall dynamic financial sector.  With increased bilateral business partnerships and investments between Gulf Cooperation Council nations and India, it was logical for HDFC Bank to use Bahrain as its first stepping stone to increase its direct international presence by opening its first full fledged overseas branch here to tap the growth potential in the region."