Independent funding specialist Bibby Financial Services (BFS) is opening its first branch in Singapore.

The firm says the new office fits into its strategy of expanding into growth markets, as Singapore is expected to outpace global trade with growth of 121% by 2026.

Simon Featherstone, BFS’s global chief executive, says: “Our opening in Singapore reaffirms our commitment to building a strong presence in the heartland of Asia. As the fastest growing economic region in the world, we are ensuring the delivery of local expertise in key markets to enable our clients to take advantage of existing and emerging trade flows.

“The levels of exports coming out of Asia into European and North American markets, where we already have a strong presence, make this an important step in maximising our network across these three continents.”

The Singapore office complements the firm’s Hong Kong and New Zealand operations (opened in 2011), as well as other branches in India and Australia.

BFS operates in 15 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas.