International small business funding specialist Bibby Financial Services (BFS) has announced it is expanding its presence in Asia Pacific by opening its first operation in Singapore.

The move follows the launch of the company’s Hong Kong and New Zealand operations in 2011. They complement existing operations in India and Australia and the appointment of Ian Watson as CEO for the Asia Pacific region in 2010.

As a key hub in international trade, with total value of exports valued at $351.2 billion, forecasters predict that Singapore will outpace global trade with growth of 121% by 2026. BFS’ expansion into the market is in line with its continuing focus on delivering a full range of international trade products to clients worldwide.

BFS now operates in 15 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas, advancing funding of about $9.7 billion to SME businesses across the world.