Manama:HE Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), underscored the critical contribution of the financial services sector to Bahrain's economic development at the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum 2026. He highlighted the sector's role in bolstering growth, enhancing the Kingdom's competitiveness, and the significance of attracting investments through technological and innovative advancements.
According to Central Bank Of Bahrain, during a panel titled 'Regulating for Scale,' HE Humaidan discussed these themes alongside industry leaders Mr. Hazem Ben-Gazem, CEO of BlueFive Capital, and Mr. Nicholas Pont, Head of Capital Formation at OneIM, moderated by Mr. Manus Cranny from The National.
HE the Governor also emphasized the transformative potential of technology in financial services, citing the CBB's efforts in digital payments, supervisory technology (Suptech), and artificial intelligence (AI). He pointed out the role of emerging technologies such as blockchain, smart contracts, and programmable money in enhancing efficiency and regulatory oversight.
He concluded by reiterating the CBB's commitment to a regulatory framework that supports innovation and financial stability. The importance of international regulatory collaboration and alignment with global practices was also stressed to enhance the resilience of Bahrain's financial sector.
Gateway Gulf 2026 serves as a platform for participants from various regions to explore investment opportunities and understand global economic trends. The forum aims to position the Gulf region as a prime international investment destination, highlighting Bahrain's strategic role as a gateway to the region.