Ripple has entered into a strategic partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay, the Kingdom’s leading fintech hub. According to Ripple, the collaboration aims to accelerate the growth of Bahrain’s digital assets ecosystem through education, innovation, and pilot projects that demonstrate blockchain’s practical applications.
Under the new partnership, both entities will work closely to design proof-of-concept programs that support Bahrain’s fintech community. They will also promote the use of blockchain in payments, tokenization, stablecoins, and digital asset custody through a series of initiatives and knowledge-sharing platforms.
Next up → the Kingdom of Bahrain.
We're expanding our presence in the Middle East through a partnership with Bahrain @FinTechBay: https://t.co/6ygStbtPPv
Building on our Dubai regulatory license, this move reinforces our commitment to the MENA region.
Together, we'll…
— Ripple (October 9, 2025)
Strengthening the Middle East Fintech Landscape
Ripple’s expansion into Bahrain follows its growing presence in the Middle East, bolstered by a DFSA license in Dubai earlier this year. This move enables Ripple to extend its regulated digital asset services to more financial institutions across the Gulf region.
Reece Merrick, Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa at Ripple, noted that Bahrain’s early regulatory stance on cryptoassets makes it a crucial market for blockchain development. He added that Ripple plans to introduce its stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), to local institutions as part of its broader strategy to enhance financial infrastructure.
Bahrain Fintech Bay’s Chief Operating Officer, Suzy Al Zeerah, emphasized that the partnership aligns with the Kingdom’s long-standing reputation as a regional financial hub. She explained that the collaboration will open doors for pilot programs, local talent development, and cutting‑edge solutions that drive innovation in the digital economy.
Ripple’s involvement in Bahrain Fintech Bay initiatives will also include participation in ecosystem events such as Fintech Forward 2025, highlighting the growing synergy between regulators, fintechs, and blockchain providers.
A Step Toward Broader Digital Integration
This partnership underscores Ripple’s commitment to building compliant and secure digital asset infrastructure in regulated markets.
By joining forces with Bahrain Fintech Bay, Ripple aims to reinforce its regional footprint and contribute to the Kingdom’s vision of becoming a hub for fintech innovation and blockchain adoption.