Ripple has formed a strategic partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB) to advance the adoption of blockchain technology and digital assets in Bahrain, with a key focus on promoting its stablecoin, RLUSD. The collaboration, announced during the Fintech Forward 2025 event, aims to enhance Bahrain's fintech ecosystem by developing proofs-of-concept and pilot projects for cross-border payments, tokenization, and digital custody solutions.
Reece Merrick, Ripple's Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized Bahrain's leadership in blockchain adoption, stating, "Bahrain has emerged as a leader in the blockchain space, being one of the first global jurisdictions to regulate crypto assets. We look forward to supporting the Kingdom's efforts in developing a robust digital asset industry." The partnership will provide local financial institutions with tools to integrate RLUSD, which is designed to streamline payments, enhance liquidity, and ensure stable value transactions.
Suzy Al Zeerah, Chief Operating Officer of Bahrain Fintech Bay, highlighted the collaboration's role in bridging global innovation with local expertise, noting, "This partnership reflects our commitment to creating new opportunities for pilots and talent development in the digital finance space. Together, we aim to shape the future of finance in the region." Ripple, which holds over 60 regulatory licenses globally and recently received a license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority in March 2025, aims to establish Bahrain as a regional hub for digital finance, leveraging its experience in secure and compliant digital asset infrastructure.
