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- Ripple partners with BFB to boost Bahrain’s digital finance ecosystem.
- Stablecoin and cross-border payment pilots planned.
- Bahrain’s regulatory framework supports innovative blockchain solutions.
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Ripple, the blockchain firm behind the XRP cryptocurrency, has announced a strategic expansion into the Kingdom of Bahrain. The move comes through a partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB), a leading local fintech incubator closely linked with government institutions, including the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).
The collaboration will focus on strengthening Bahrain’s digital asset ecosystem. Ripple and BFB plan to launch fintech pilot programs and test blockchain solutions in areas such as cross-border payments, tokenization, stablecoins, and more. Reece Merrick, Ripple’s Middle East managing director, emphasized that the company aims to introduce its digital asset custody services and the Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin to local financial institutions.
Bahrain Fintech Bay: Driving Innovation
BFB was established in 2018 in Manama as a public-private initiative supported by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) and the FinTech Consortium. Since its inception, it has positioned itself as a central player in Bahrain’s fintech landscape, collaborating closely with the CBB and facilitating innovation in digital finance.
Tariq Mattar, BFB’s director of business development, recently highlighted Bahrain’s fintech growth at the Bahraini-Emirati Business Forum, stressing the hub’s role in connecting global innovators with the local market. BFB’s work is designed to attract talent, promote pilot projects, and develop cutting-edge financial solutions.
Stablecoin Regulation and Opportunities
Bahrain’s regulatory environment supports the issuance of stablecoins pegged to the Bahraini dinar, US dollar, or other approved fiat currencies. In July 2025, the CBB introduced a framework to license and regulate stablecoin issuers, opening new opportunities for blockchain companies like Ripple. Suzy Al Zeerah, BFB’s chief operating officer, described the partnership as a milestone in bridging global digital finance with Bahrain’s ecosystem.
Also Read: Ripple CTO David Schwartz Steps Down as RLUSD Nears $800M
Ripple’s Bahrain expansion underscores its growing international footprint, as the company now holds more than 60 regulatory approvals worldwide. The move also comes as XRP ranks as the fifth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, following recent market shifts favoring competitors like BNB.
Ripple’s collaboration with Bahrain Fintech Bay signals a strong push toward integrating blockchain innovation into Bahrain’s financial sector. By focusing on stablecoins, cross-border payments, and tokenization, the partnership is set to shape the future of digital finance in the region while providing a model for public-private fintech collaborations worldwide.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
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