Impactful Partnerships Established at Fintech Forward 2025 Event in Bahrain

Fintech Forward 2025: A New Era in Fintech Collaboration

Fintech Forward 2025 (FF25), organized by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), wrapped up today at Exhibition World Bahrain. This landmark event marked its third iteration and attracted a record number of 2,000 participants, including policymakers, investors, and industry leaders from around the globe, all united to explore the future of financial services.

Record-Breaking Partnerships

The FF25 event was a significant platform for collaboration, evidenced by the signing of 38 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and strategic agreements within the realms of fintech, digital infrastructure, and financial services. This showcases a growing confidence in Bahrain's fintech ecosystem and its capability to foster meaningful industry connections.

Among the most notable partnerships was the successful pilot program of Google Cloud's infrastructure for payments, involving key players: the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), and BENEFIT. This collaboration will allow clients to make instant payments using digital commercial bank money, positioning Bahrain as a leading testbed for next-generation financial technologies.

Global Participation

FF25 attracted strong international participation, with representatives from numerous countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, the US, and India. A significant highlight was the attendance of a 70-member delegation from the UK's Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the largest the department has ever sent to any nation, further underlining Bahrain's stature as a key player in global fintech.

Three UK-based companies, including Umazi, Ajyad, and Aman by Themis, announced their market entry into Bahrain, solidifying the Kingdom’s reputation as an attractive gateway for international fintech expansion.

Pioneering Discussions

The event's theme, “The Era of Integration: The Maturing Age of Fintech,” encapsulated the spirit of the meeting. The agenda featured over 40 speakers, sparking crucial discussions on pivotal topics such as the rise of embedded infrastructure, AI in finance, open banking initiatives, Islamic fintech, digital payments, and regulatory futures. Thought leaders like Changpeng Zhao, former CEO of Binance, and Dhiraj Mukherjee, co-founder of Shazam, graced the stage, sharing their insights on technological advancements and their impact on global finance.

Bahrain's Financial Landscape

In recent years, Bahrain has made significant strides in transforming its financial services landscape, driven by progressive regulations and advanced digital infrastructures. The financial sector is a critical component of the Kingdom's economy, comprising 17.2% of GDP in 2024. This growth has been supported by the Central Bank of Bahrain, which plays a vital role as the Kingdom's agile regulator.

Over the next few years, Bahrain aims to amplify innovations and facilitate talent development, guided by the Financial Services Sector Development Strategy (2022–2026). The Kingdom's highly skilled workforce, conducive business environment, and strategic location continue to present it as a launchpad for fintech solutions in the larger GCC market, estimated at USD 2.15 trillion.

Looking Forward

FF25 concluded with a reinforced commitment to shaping the future of finance in the region. Fintech Forward will return in 2026, aspiring to continue its mission of fostering investment and innovation in digital finance. This momentum not only propels the fintech sector forward but also highlights Bahrain's growing role as a regional leader in this transformative industry.

For details on next year’s FF26 edition, stay tuned for upcoming announcements.