BEIRUT: Banque Libano-Francaise recently announced the opening of its first Baghdad branch, which will serve Lebanese and Iraqi businessmen as well as international companies.

According to the bank, establishing a physical presence in Iraq is a strategic choice that comes in line with its expansionary goals. BLF says it is embracing a global expansion strategy to maintain a closer relationship with Lebanese abroad.

Over the last few years, the bank has expanded from Lebanon to establish a presence in France and Cyprus (Banque SBA), Switzerland (LF Finance Suisse), Syria (Bank Al-Sharq), the United Arab Emirates (Representative Office in Abu Dhabi) and Nigeria (Representative Office in Lagos). It will also open more branches in the next couple of years in Lebanon.