Manama:Khalid Ibrahim Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), underlined the critical role of the financial services sector in bolstering economic growth and enhancing Bahrain's competitive edge during his participation in Gateway Gulf 2026.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Humaidan participated in a panel discussion titled "Regulating for Scale" alongside BlueFive Capital's Founder and CEO, Hazem Ben-Gazem, and Nicholas Pont, Partner and Head of Capital Formation at OneIM. The session was moderated by Manus Cranny, Geo-Economics Editor at The National.
Humaidan emphasized the significance of technology in shaping the financial services sector's future, detailing CBB's initiatives in digital payments, supervisory technology (Suptech), and artificial intelligence (AI). He noted the importance of emerging technologies like blockchain, smart contracts, and programmable money in enhancing efficiency and fostering innovation.
Furthermore, Humaidan reiterated CBB's dedication to creating a regulatory environment conducive to innovation and growth while ensuring financial stability. He highlighted the necessity of international regulatory collaboration, adopting global best practices, and strengthening partnerships with industry stakeholders to boost Bahrain's financial sector resilience and competitiveness.
Gateway Gulf 2026 gathers participants from regions including the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America to explore investment opportunities and discuss global economic trends. The forum aims to position the Gulf region as a premier global investment destination and reinforce Bahrain's status as a strategic entry point to the region.