#Bahrain #Manama #Fintech Forward #FF26

Fintech Forward 2026 Concludes with Great Success

The Fintech Forward 2026 (FF26) conference wrapped up today at the Exhibition World Bahrain, marking a significant milestone in the financial sector of the Gulf region. The fourth edition of this premier financial forum saw the participation of over 2,900 local and international attendees and resulted in the signing of more than 60 agreements, including strategic partnerships and major announcements.

This year’s event witnessed a remarkable increase of 65% in the number of announcements and agreements compared to last year, demonstrating the evolving role of FF26 as a catalyst for tangible economic outcomes. Many of the agreements signed during FF26 were built upon connections established at the previous FF25 edition, exemplifying how Bahrain's vibrant financial ecosystem is transforming dialogue and access to decision-makers into a sustainable momentum.

Team Bahrain's approach is evident as it leverages public-private partnerships to promote innovation while reinforcing its financial ecosystem and exploring new growth avenues. Such collaborative efforts are becoming increasingly crucial in the fast-paced world of financial technology.

Among the noteworthy announcements made during the conference was the initiation of a pilot project called the “Google Cloud Universal Ledger”, presented by BBK. Collaborating with ARRAY Innovation, a company under Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company’s portfolio, this initiative investigates the use of advanced digital ledger technology within BBK’s core banking operations. The implications of this technology could extend to tokenized payments and programmable settlements.

Additionally, Beyon and Barq Technologies Union concurred to integrate Beyon Money’s operations into Barq’s fintech platform, with Beyon maintaining a financial stake in Barq, contingent upon finalizing contractual papers and regulatory approvals.

During the event, BENEFIT announced that the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) would serve as the first participating bank in the “Trade Finance Registry” pilot project. This initiative, developed alongside MonetaGo, a Singaporean company specializing in fraud prevention for international trade financing, aims to mitigate risks associated with trade funding. Furthermore, Bahrain FinTech Bay unveiled its latest report on the fintech ecosystem, delineating advancements made toward regulatory implementation while highlighting opportunities in artificial intelligence, tokenization, and international payments.

Continuing the trend of innovation, the NBB revealed the third edition of its innovation program in partnership with Bahrain FinTech Bay, reinforcing its commitment to the fintech landscape for a second consecutive year. Among other announcements was Beyon Connect’s plan to launch a sponsorship program targeting anti-money laundering (AML) in collaboration with AMAN Compliance Solutions, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Beyon Connect and BENEFIT to explore communal opportunities at both local and international levels in fintech.

The collaboration will integrate their diverse capabilities in areas such as digital identity, payments, credit, and information services and data analytics. In addition, BENEFIT and Huawei inked an MoU aimed at examining potential cooperation in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies, reflecting the growing interaction between financial services and innovative technologies.

Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain also announced the signing of an MoU with stc Bahrain to further their existing partnership by exploring new collaborative areas in digital solutions and integrated use cases while enhancing cash management, accounting reconciliation, and international trade financing capabilities.

Another significant development during the conference was the introduction of the “Tech Talent Hub” in collaboration with Citi, J.P. Morgan, and KPMG. This initiative underscores the pivotal role of Bahraini talents in supporting international clients and operations conducted from the Kingdom, focusing on the skills and career paths that will shape the future of financial services and technology. Bahrain’s highly skilled, forward-looking, and diverse talent pool continues to be a vital asset for the Kingdom’s economy, bolstered by a high participation rate in the workforce.

Over the decades, Bahrain has established a well-rounded financial services ecosystem, reinforced by modern regulations, state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, and a commitment to innovation. Financial and insurance activities remain the primary engine of the Kingdom's economy, accounting for 17.6% of the real GDP in 2025. This sector continues to play a central role in fostering economic growth and attracting investments, benefiting from a forward-thinking regulatory framework overseen by the Central Bank of Bahrain, alongside a skilled workforce and robust digital infrastructure.

Organized by the Bahrain Economic Development Board and programmed by Forbes Middle East, FF26 was underpinned by the support of the Central Bank of Bahrain, the Tamkeen Employment Fund, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, and Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB). It unfolded under the theme “Finance in the Age of Smart Infrastructure,” encapsulating the essence of the evolving financial landscape.

As Bahrain moves forward, the momentum generated by FF26 is poised to significantly influence the future trajectory of the financial technology sector, paving the way for greater collaboration, innovation, and economic development in the region.