Sanaa:Fintech Forward 2026 (FF26), the premier financial forum in the region, concluded at Exhibition World Bahrain with significant achievements, including over 60 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), strategic agreements, and key announcements. The event attracted more than 2,900 participants from both local and international spheres, marking its fourth edition as the most attended yet, with a record number of sponsors and exhibitors, reflecting strong industry involvement and a collective vision for the future of financial services.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the forum saw a 65% increase in announcements and signings compared to previous years, emphasizing its role as a driving force for economic outcomes. Some of the MoUs and announcements at FF26 built on networks established during FF25, showcasing Bahrain's adaptive financial environment's ability to transform discussions and accessibility into ongoing progress. This demonstrates the "Team Bahrain" approach, which leverages public-private partnerships to foster innovation, enhance the ecosystem, and create new growth opportunities.
One of the significant developments at FF26 included the unveiling of a Google Cloud Universal Ledger pilot by BBK, in collaboration with ARRAY Innovation, a company under the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company. This pilot explores the integration of advanced digital ledger technology within BBK's core banking operations, with potential uses in tokenized payments and programmable settlement.
Additionally, Beyon and barq Group's Technologies Union announced a strategic agreement to integrate Beyon Money's operations with barq's fintech platform. Beyon will maintain an economic interest in barq, pending completion of documentation and regulatory approvals.
At FF26, BENEFIT declared the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) as the first bank to participate in the Trade Finance Registry pilot, developed with MonetaGo, a trade finance fraud prevention specialist, and Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB). This pilot aims to mitigate risks in trade finance. Furthermore, Bahrain FinTech Bay released its fourth Fintech Ecosystem Report (2024-2026), outlining Bahrain’s transition to regulated execution and identifying opportunities in AI, tokenization, and cross-border payments. The third edition of the NBB Innovation Programme was also announced in partnership with BFB.
Further announcements included Beyon Connect's plan to launch an AML Referral Programme in partnership with AMAN Compliance Solutions, and a MoU between Beyon Connect and BENEFIT to explore fintech opportunities. BENEFIT and Huawei signed a MoU to collaborate on digital infrastructure and AI technologies.
Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain and stc Bahrain expanded their partnership through an MoU, exploring new collaborations in digital solutions. These developments underscore Bahrain's fintech ecosystem's growth, highlighting collaboration between financial institutions, technology providers, and partners to deliver innovative solutions.
The event also introduced the Tech Talent Hub, featuring Citi, J.P. Morgan, and KPMG, showcasing Bahraini talent's contribution to global operations and the future of financial services and tech careers.
High-level delegations from the United Kingdom and Switzerland engaged with Bahrain's fintech environment. The UK delegation comprised 20 fintech and venture capital firms, while Switzerland made its first appearance with six companies. These exchanges reinforced connections between Bahrain and major international financial markets.
FF26 featured over 40 speakers, including government officials, industry leaders, and innovators, discussing topics like AI, digital payments, and the role of technology in banking. Hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board and organized by Forbes Middle East, the event was supported by the Central Bank of Bahrain, the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, and Bahrain FinTech Bay, under the theme 'Finance in the Age of Intelligent Infrastructure.'