The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has granted a licence to leading international energy and infrastructure project finance advisory firm, Taylor-DeJongh (TDJ).

Washington DC-headquartered TDJ is a specialist merchant banking firm focused on energy, oil and gas, metals and mining, as well as infrastructure, with a global client base.

TDJ Bahrain is being established as a branch office of the firm’s London office, which is regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA). TDJ Bahrain will target its advisory services to corporate clients and governmental institutions, as well as private equity investors. Its activities will focus on project finance, mergers & acquisitions, debt and equity raising and private placements.

“We are delighted to welcome Taylor-DeJongh to Bahrain’s well-diversified international financial centre,” said Mr. Ahmed Al Bassam, Director, Licensing & Policy, at the CBB.

“The business environment for advisory firms, such as Taylor-DeJongh, is particularly positive, given the massive economic expansion taking place in the GCC region”, he said.

“The infrastructure sector, in particular, is attracting phenomenal investment from both governments and private sector investors,” said Mr. Al Bassam. According to industry estimates, projects worth more than US$1.8 trillion are planned for in the GCC region.

“Bahrain is strategically positioned enabling easy access to the region’s business from a well-regulated jurisdiction,” said Mr. Al Bassam.

Terry Newendorp, Chairman and CEO of Taylor-DeJongh, said: “We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Government of Bahrain and are delighted to be establishing our regional presence in the Kingdom. We have greatly valued the strong support from the CBB which has shown utmost professionalism in the handling of our application”.

The office will be headed by Timothy Holder, who has almost twenty years investment banking experience in the region. Mr Holder stated that “TDJ sees outstanding potential in the region and is looking forward to building on its established advisory track record through its presence in Bahrain”.