XRP News Today: Ripple Leverages Bahrain's Crypto-Friendly Laws to Expand Digital Asset Infrastructure

Ripple, the leading provider of digital asset infrastructure for financial institutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB), the Kingdom of Bahrain's premier fintech incubator and ecosystem builder. This collaboration aims to advance blockchain innovation and strengthen Bahrain's position as a regional hub for digital finance. The agreement encompasses joint efforts to develop proof-of-concept projects, pilot programs, and educational initiatives focused on blockchain technology, cross-border payments, digital assets, stablecoins, and tokenization. Ripple and BFB will also co-host local ecosystem events to foster industry partnerships and drive innovation.

Reece Merrick, Ripple's Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized Bahrain's role as an early adopter of blockchain regulation, noting the country's pioneering framework for cryptoassets. He highlighted Ripple's intent to eventually introduce its digital asset custody solutions and the Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin to Bahrain's financial institutions, subject to regulatory approval. Suzy Al Zeerah, BFB's Chief Operating Officer, underscored the partnership's alignment with BFB's mission to bridge global innovators with Bahrain's local ecosystem, fostering talent development and cutting-edge financial solutions.

Ripple's expansion into Bahrain builds on its recent regulatory milestones, including a Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) license secured in March 2025, which made it the first blockchain-enabled payments provider licensed by the DFSA. With over 60 global regulatory licenses, Ripple is positioned to offer compliant infrastructure for storing, exchanging, and moving digital assets. The company also highlighted its participation in Fintech Forward 2025, an Economist Impact event in Bahrain, where it engaged with fintechs, banks, and regulators to address challenges in the global finance industry.

The partnership leverages Bahrain's progressive regulatory environment, including its 2025 framework for stablecoin licensing, which permits the issuance of USD-pegged stablecoins. BFB, established in 2018, has collaborated extensively with Bahrain's Central Bank and government entities to nurture the fintech sector. Navin Gupta, Ripple's Managing Director for South Asia and MENA, noted that the collaboration reflects a shared vision to build an inclusive and efficient financial system, aligning with Bahrain's digital economy goals.

Ripple's strategic moves in the Middle East are part of its broader global expansion, which includes introducing RLUSD in Africa through partnerships with Chipper Cash, VALR, and Yellow Card. Launched in late 2024, RLUSD has achieved a market cap exceeding $700 million and is being used in pilot projects such as blockchain-based climate risk insurance for Kenyan farmers. These initiatives demonstrate stablecoins' potential to address real-world challenges like inflation and remittance costs.

The partnership with BFB also aligns with Ripple's focus on institutional adoption. RLUSD's compliance-driven framework, supervised by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), positions it as a trusted tool for cross-border payments, treasury management, and tokenization. In Africa, RLUSD is already facilitating faster, lower-cost transactions and expanding access to financial services for underserved populations.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about Ripple's centralized network structure, particularly its Unique Nodes List (UNL) approach. Despite such scrutiny, Ripple continues to prioritize institutional partnerships and regulatory compliance, aiming to solidify its role as a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain technology.

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

[2] Zawya (https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/ripple-and-bahrain-fintech-bay-announce-strategic-partnership-to-advance-blockchain-and-digital-asset-innovation-in-the-kingdom-f1fvgrhz)

[3] Financefeeds (https://financefeeds.com/ripple-expands-to-bahrain-via-bahrain-fintech-bay/)

[4] Blockonomi (https://blockonomi.com/ripple-expands-middle-east-presence-through-bahrain-fintech-bay-partnership/)

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

[6] Ripple Insights (https://ripple.com/insights/rlusd-in-africa-a-new-chapter-for-stablecoins-and-financial-inclusion/)

[7] The Currency Analytics (https://thecurrencyanalytics.com/altcoins/ripple-highlights-rlusds-role-in-africas-breakaway-from-legacy-finance-chains-202296)

[8] The Coin Republic (https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/2025/09/04/ripple-expands-rlusd-into-africa-targeting-institutional-rails/)