Bahrain’s Fintech Forward 2026 concluded with more than 60 memorandums of understanding (MoUs), strategic agreements and announcements as 2,900 participants gathered at Exhibition World Bahrain to discuss the future of financial services and technology.
The fourth edition of the forum recorded a 65% increase in announcements and signings compared with the previous year according to organisers.
Several announcements built on partnerships established at the 2025 edition with initiatives spanning digital ledger infrastructure, trade finance, digital identity and payments.
BBK Explores Google Cloud Universal Ledger
BBK showcased a pilot involving Google Cloud Universal Ledger, developed in collaboration with ARRAY Innovation, a portfolio company of Bahrain’s SWF: Mumtalakat Holding Company.
The project explores the application of advanced digital ledger technology within BBK’s core banking operations, including potential uses in tokenised payments and programmable settlement.
The initiative reflects growing interest among financial institutions in the infrastructure underpinning digital assets and next-generation payment systems.
Beyon Expands Fintech Partnerships
Beyon and barq Group (Technologies Union) also announced an agreement bringing together Beyon Money’s operations with barq’s fintech platform. Beyon is set to retain an economic interest in barq, subject to final documentation and regulatory approvals.
Separately, Beyon Connect announced plans to launch an anti-money laundering (AML) referral programme, with AMAN Compliance Solutions joining as its first referral partner.
Beyon Connect and BENEFIT also signed an MoU to explore fintech opportunities in Bahrain and international markets. The proposed collaboration will draw on their respective capabilities in digital identity, payments, credit and information services, and data analytics.
BENEFIT and Huawei signed a further MoU to explore cooperation in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
Trade Finance and Banking Innovation
BENEFIT named the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) as the first participating bank and anchor banking partner in its Trade Finance Registry pilot.
Developed in collaboration with Singapore-based trade finance fraud prevention specialist MonetaGo and Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB), the initiative aims to reduce risks associated with trade finance.
Kuwait Finance House–Bahrain and stc Bahrain also signed an MoU to expand their existing partnership, exploring digital solutions and integrated applications across cash management, reconciliation and trade finance.
Financial Services
Bahrain’s financial services and insurance sector accounted for 17.6% of real gross domestic product in 2025, making it the largest contributor to the economy according to figures cited by the organisers.
The sector is supported by the Central Bank of Bahrain’s regulatory framework, digital infrastructure and an established financial services workforce.
This year’s forum was held under the theme Finance in the Age of Intelligent Infrastructure.
Stay Up to Date with the Latest Updates at Finance ME
How Al Masraf Is Building Islamic Trade Finance Corridors
EDGE’s Rodrigo Torres on Risk, Sovereignty and Defence Finance in a Multipolar World
Presight AI to Expand Kazakhstan AI Hub, Open Azerbaijan Office
