Ripple has partnered with Bahrain Fintech Bay to advance blockchain innovation and expand digital asset adoption across the region. The collaboration aims to strengthen Ripple’s presence in the Middle East while building on its growing network of partnerships.

Ripple and Bahrain Fintech Bay Join Forces for Crypto Expansion

Ripple has announced a strategic collaboration with Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB) to advance blockchain innovation and digital asset adoption across the Kingdom. The partnership brings together one of the world’s leading blockchain infrastructure providers and Bahrain’s primary fintech hub.

The initiative marks a milestone in Ripple’s Middle East expansion, coming months after the company received authorization from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to operate in the region. The organizations will collaborate on developing pilot projects and proof-of-concept models that showcase the real-world use of blockchain in areas such as cross-border payments, tokenization, stablecoins, and digital asset custody. The plan also includes educational initiatives to support local talent and foster a deeper understanding of blockchain applications among financial institutions.

Driving Blockchain Innovation and Financial Inclusion

Reece Merrick, Ripple’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, commended Bahrain’s forward-thinking approach to fintech regulation and noted that Ripple intends to introduce its stablecoin RLUSD and institutional custody services through the partnership. He said the collaboration reflects Ripple’s long-term goal of providing secure, compliant, and efficient digital asset infrastructure in regulated and growing markets.

Suzy Al Zeerah, Chief Operating Officer of Bahrain Fintech Bay, described the alliance as a bridge between Bahrain’s financial ecosystem and global blockchain innovators. She highlighted the potential for new pilot programs and capacity-building efforts that can help shape the region’s future.

Bahrain has maintained a clear and progressive stance toward digital finance since 2019 under the guidance of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CNN), making it one of the earliest countries to regulate cryptoassets. This environment has positioned Bahrain as an emerging fintech hub, attracting companies that seek a balanced approach between innovation and compliance with BFB at its center.

Estimates from the Bahrain Economic Development Board suggested that Ripple’s entry could attract up to $500 million in investment over the next five years and create as many as 30 new jobs in the digital finance sector during the initial rollout. As this move increases the circulation of RLUSD, analysts project it could strengthen market confidence in XRP, potentially driving its market capitalization upward by around ten percent.

Strengthening Regional Presence and Global Trust

The announcement, made during Ripple’s participation at the Fintech Forward 2025 conference in Sakhir, Bahrain, followed the recent integration of its RLUSD stablecoin into BlackRock and VanEck’s tokenized money market funds in September. The conference, organized by Economist Impact, gathered global leaders, regulators, and innovators to discuss financial transformation. Ripple’s presence underscores its active collaboration with policymakers and its commitment to expanding in key international markets.