XRP News Today: Bahrain Leverages Ripple Partnership to Accelerate Blockchain-Driven Fintech Ambitions

Ripple, a leading provider of digital asset infrastructure for financial institutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB), the Kingdom of Bahrain's primary fintech incubator and ecosystem builder. The collaboration aims to advance the development of blockchain technology, cross-border payments, and stablecoin solutions in the region, leveraging Bahrain's progressive regulatory environment. This partnership extends Ripple's Middle East footprint, building on its recent Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) license, which made it the first blockchain-enabled payments provider to receive such approval in the region .

The agreement outlines joint efforts to support proofs-of-concept (PoCs), pilot projects, and educational initiatives focused on blockchain, tokenization, and stablecoins. Ripple plans to introduce its digital asset custody solutions and the RLUSD stablecoin to Bahrain's financial institutions, aligning with the country's ambition to become a regional fintech hub. "Bahrain has emerged as a leader in blockchain adoption, being one of the first jurisdictions globally to regulate cryptoassets," said Reece Merrick, Ripple's Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa . The partnership also includes participation in local fintech events to foster innovation and new industry collaborations.

Bahrain Fintech Bay, established in 2018 through a public-private initiative, has long collaborated with regulators like the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB). Suzy Al Zeerah, BFB's Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the partnership's role in bridging global innovators with the local ecosystem, enabling pilot projects, talent development, and cutting-edge solutions. The CBB recently introduced a framework for stablecoin regulation, permitting the issuance of single-currency stablecoins pegged to the U.S. dollar or Bahraini dinar, a regulatory clarity that underpins Ripple's expansion .

Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin, designed for enterprise use and regulatory compliance, is central to its strategy of integrating tokenized assets with traditional payment infrastructure. The company has over 60 regulatory licenses globally, including its DFSA license, and has previously partnered with institutions in Dubai, Africa, and Europe to expand stablecoin adoption. In Bahrain, Ripple's initiatives will align with the country's broader digital transformation goals, including its participation in the Fintech Forward 2025 conference, where it joined regional and global experts to discuss fintech trends .

The partnership underscores growing demand in the Gulf for regulated digital asset solutions. Ripple's infrastructure, which enables secure storage, exchange, and movement of digital assets, positions it to support Bahrain's financial institutions in adopting blockchain-based cross-border payments, liquidity management, and asset tokenization. By fostering collaboration between global innovators and local stakeholders, the alliance aims to accelerate Bahrain's emergence as a key player in the digital finance landscape .

Source: [1] Ripple (https://ripple.com/ripple-press/ripple-expands-into-the-kingdom-of-bahrain-through-strategic-partnership-with-bahrain-fintech-bay/)

[2] Coindesk (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/10/09/ripple-expands-into-bahrain-in-boost-for-rlusd)

[3] Cointelegraph (https://cointelegraph.com/news/ripple-bahrain-rlusd-stablecoin-tokenization-partnership)

[4] Coincentral (https://coincentral.com/ripple-and-bahrains-fintech-bay-focus-on-digital-asset-growth-and-rlusd/)

[5] Coinedition (https://coinedition.com/ripple-expands-into-kingdom-of-bahrain-with-new-fintech-partnership/)