Zain Bahrain launches new FinTech company, Bede app

By Delisha Fernandes

Zain FinTech, the financial services arm of Zain Group, has launched a new FinTech company, the Bede app, as part of its development strategy in the Middle East and Africa.

Bede is an innovative Shariah-compliant FinTech mobile app offering a seamless and convenient consumer microfinance service in just a few taps. Applicants can download the app and receive instant, hassle-free approvals based on their credit profile, thereby making accessing the funds they require easier than ever.

In due course, subject to local regulatory and commercial considerations across Zain’s footprint, the range of services offered by Bede will extend beyond consumer micro-finance to also include payments, remittances and credit cards.

Bader Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice-Chairman and Group CEO, said, “The launch of the new fintech brand Bede, first in Bahrain is another milestone of the Board of Director’s initiated ‘4Sight’ strategy and vision to expand much-needed fintech services in Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and soon in Kuwait and Sudan. The expansion of innovative FinTech services drives financial inclusion and advances the region’s digital ecosystem, supporting the socio-economic visions of the countries we serve.”

The Zain FinTech institution represents the financial services arm of Zain Group, being an important tool in the financial institution’s `4Sight` strategy by overseeing Zain’s FinTech solutions across its operations in the regions of the Middle East and Africa. It also focuses on launching new products and services related to payments, remittances, credit cards, as well as micro-finance within the Zain ecosystem, and beyond.

The impact of Bede in Bahrain will go beyond convenience and efficiency. It is designed with inclusivity at its core, ensuring that it is accessible and beneficial to everyone, whether the individual is looking to fund an emergency or manage their day-to-day expenses more efficiently.