Ripple Becomes First Blockchain Payments Provider in the Kingdom of Bahrain

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Ripple has entered the Kingdom of Bahrain through a new partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB), the country’s main fintech incubator. The move marks Ripple’s next step in building its presence across the Middle East after securing a license from Dubai’s financial regulator earlier this year.

The partnership will help develop Bahrain’s blockchain ecosystem. Ripple and BFB will work together on pilot projects, educational programs, and new digital payment solutions. They will also focus on practical uses of blockchain in areas such as cross-border payments, stablecoins, and tokenization.

Strengthening the Middle East Footprint

Ripple’s expansion into Bahrain builds on its growing presence across the Middle East. Earlier this year, Ripple secured a license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), becoming the first blockchain-enabled payments provider to achieve this milestone.

“The Kingdom of Bahrain has been an early adopter of blockchain and one of the first countries to regulate crypto assets,” said Reece Merrick, Ripple’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa. He said that Ripple aims to introduce its digital asset custody services and Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin to Bahrain’s financial institutions in the near future.

Bahrain’s Growing Role in Digital Finance

Bahrain has earned a reputation as a forward-thinking financial hub, and this new partnership further reinforces its position in the blockchain space. Suzy Al Zeerah, Chief Operating Officer at Bahrain Fintech Bay, said the collaboration with Ripple will connect global innovators with Bahrain’s local ecosystem, drive pilot projects, and develop fintech talent.

Ripple is also participating in Fintech Forward 2025, a major regional event hosted in Sakhir, bringing together leaders from banking, government, and fintech to discuss the future of global finance.