Do you fancy working for the CISI in Bahrain?

The timing is, perhaps, a little strange, but financial services training provider the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment has kick-started an office in Bahrain.

The kingdom is, of course, in the midst of civil unrest that has lasted for over a year now and which has prompted some large international financial services organisations to leave.

The Times suggests that the CISI was waiting for the outcome of the Bahrain Grand Prix before giving the go-ahead to the new office, but that the decision was taken in principal several weeks ago.

There’s some good news for anyone still willing to base themselves in Bahrain – the CISI is about to start recruiting someone to lead the new practice.

Simon Culhane, the CISI chief executive, said: “We are opening an office in Bahrain because there is a demand for learning from young Bahrainis. We are not endorsing any one group or regime but offering education for all.”

The office will offer education to financial services professionals across the Gulf, but if targeting local candidates is the primary aim, then moving to Bahrain is a wise move. Bahrainis comprise 65% of the financial services workforce in the kingdom – a significantly higher proportion of locals than in places like Qatar, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.