Ripple expands into Bahrain through partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay

By Puja Sharma

Ripple, a provider of digital asset infrastructure for financial institutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB), the Kingdom’s FinTech incubator and ecosystem builder. The partnership aims to support the development and adoption of blockchain and digital asset technology in Bahrain.

Under the agreement, Ripple and BFB will work together to support proofs-of-concept and pilot projects relevant to Bahrain’s FinTech ecosystem. They will showcase solutions across blockchain technology, cross-border payments, digital assets, stablecoins, and tokenisation. The collaboration will also involve educational initiatives, accelerator programmes, and participation in local ecosystem events to foster industry partnerships and innovation.

Reece Merrick, Managing Director, Middle East and Africa at Ripple, said Bahrain has emerged as an early adopter of blockchain technology and one of the first jurisdictions globally to regulate cryptoassets. He added that Ripple looks forward to offering its digital assets custody solution and stablecoin Ripple USD (RLUSD) to financial institutions in the Kingdom.

Suzy Al Zeerah, Chief Operating Officer at Bahrain Fintech Bay, said the partnership reflects BFB’s commitment to connecting global innovators with the local ecosystem. She noted it would create opportunities for pilots, talent development, and solutions that will shape the future of finance.

Ripple, which has over a decade of experience in digital assets, holds more than 60 regulatory licences globally, including a licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority in March 2025. The company was present at Fintech Forward 2025 in Sakhir, where it engaged with fintechs, banks, governments and regulators on international finance trends.