BBK, a prominent retail and corporate banking institution in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Binance, the world's leading blockchain ecosystem and crypto-asset exchange. This agreement positions BBK as the first bank and entity in the GCC to join the Binance Link Program, pending final regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB). The announcement was made during the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum Bahrain 2025, signifying a pivotal moment for the region's digital finance sector.
This strategic partnership will enable BBK to integrate Binance’s white label Crypto-as-a-Service solution directly into its Mobile Banking App. Leveraging Plug & Play APIs, this integration will offer BBK customers the ability to seamlessly trade and manage crypto assets without the necessity of separate Binance accounts. A dedicated dashboard within the BBK Mobile App will serve as a central hub for viewing holdings and executing transactions, thereby consolidating traditional and digital investments into a single, convenient platform.
Industry Reactions and Strategic Vision
“This partnership reflects BBK’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric digital transformation,” stated Mr. Yaser Alsharifi, Group Chief Executive of BBK. “By integrating Binance’s capabilities into our mobile platform, we are empowering our customers with secure, convenient access to a broader range of investment opportunities.”
Mr. Tameem Al Moosawi, General Manager of Binance Bahrain, added, “We are proud to collaborate with BBK on this groundbreaking initiative. This not only enhances financial inclusion but also reinforces Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in crypto-asset innovation.”
Ms. Catherine Chen, Head of VIP & Institutional at Binance, remarked, “As demand for crypto assets rises globally, we are pleased to collaborate with BBK to help them offer these assets to their clients at scale, unlocking new growth potential.”
The collaboration is designed to support Bahrain’s national objective of becoming a prominent crypto-asset trading hub within the region. Furthermore, it aligns with BBK’s embedded banking strategy, which aims to provide a comprehensive suite of financial solutions—encompassing deposits, traditional investments, and digital assets—all accessible through a unified, user-friendly platform.
Upon completion of regulatory approvals, BBK customers will gain immediate access to Binance’s offerings alongside BBK’s own financial products, all managed conveniently through the BBK Mobile App.
About Binance
Binance stands as a leading global blockchain ecosystem, recognized for operating the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and user base. With over 290 million users across 100+ countries, Binance is trusted for its advanced security, transparency, rapid trading engine, investor protections, and a comprehensive array of digital asset products and services. These offerings span trading, finance, education, research, social impact initiatives, payments, institutional services, and Web3 features. Binance is dedicated to fostering an inclusive crypto ecosystem, aiming to increase financial freedom and access globally through the use of crypto as a fundamental tool.
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