It's the first new bank in Connecticut in nearly 10 years.

A European bank is now officially opening its U.S. headquarters in Stamford – and it's bringing plenty of new jobs to the state.

"And what a beautiful day to open a new bank," said Banking Circle U.S. CEO Kjeld Olson.

Stamford and Connecticut are getting credit for a new bank that's been years in the making.

"This is the first in the United States," said Olson.

Banking Circle U.S. opened last month at a sixth-floor suite on Washington Boulevard.

Workers there focus on internet payment and domestic payments in foreign exchange for banks and financial institutions.

"It's focusing on servicing other banks and what we call payment service providers," said Olson.

It's plain to see outside the company's window what attracted Banking Circle U.S. to Stamford.

"What brought them here includes the existing ecosystem of financial service companies, the proximity to the train and New York City is something that made this a very accessible location," said Stamford director of economic development Leah Kagan.

The governor says the new bank is a great way to grow jobs and the local economy, and makes Stamford a growing leader of financial technology companies.

"As we try and reinvent ourselves we have a lot of older legacy banking companies that folks like Banking Circle and the DCG also represent the next generation I'm really glad they're right here in Stamford," said Gov. Ned Lamont.

The group of two dozen employees is expected to become hundreds in the coming years.

Banking Circle US already has four well-established locations in Europe.