Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
BENEFIT and Ant International have partnered to launch Alipay+ cross-border QR payments in Bahrain starting in 2026. The initiative will allow over 15,000 merchants to accept international wallet payments and will later enable outbound payments for Bahraini consumers. The partnership supports Bahrain’s digital economy strategy and strengthens its position as a regional fintech hub.
BENEFIT and Ant International are partnering to link Bahrain’s national QR system with Alipay+, enabling international travellers to pay at Bahraini merchants using partner wallets starting in 2026. The agreement also explores outbound QR usage for Bahraini consumers. The initiative strengthens Bahrain’s digital payments ecosystem and deepens its integration with global fintech networks.
ONE App, powered by Al Salam Bank, has won the Best Project for Digital Transformation at the 2025 eGovernment Excellence Awards. The honour recognises the platform’s role in reshaping Bahrain’s financial sector through smart, integrated digital services that enhance user experience, strengthen sector-wide innovation, and contribute to national digital transformation goals.
DeFi Technologies is establishing operations in Bahrain to drive decentralised finance growth across the MENA region. The Nasdaq-listed firm will leverage Bahrain’s advanced crypto regulation to introduce its DeFi product suite, aiming to position the Kingdom as a key hub for blockchain innovation and digital asset adoption.
BBK has become the first GCC bank to join Binance’s Link Program, integrating crypto trading within its app while reporting strong Q3 growth and expanding into tokenization through a new partnership with ATME.
The Information & eGovernment Authority (IGA), in partnership with Beyon Connect, has launched the Bulk Know Your Customer (KYC) Service, marking a major step forward in Bahrain’s digital financial transformation and data verification ecosystem.
Fasset has partnered with Bahrain’s NEC Money Exchange to introduce new digital investment opportunities and OTC services for NEC customers. Announced at Fintech Forward 2025, the collaboration aims to strengthen Bahrain’s fintech ecosystem and expand access to regulated, ethical, and innovative financial solutions.
Bahrain’s Fintech Forward 2025 brings Binance founder Changpeng Zhao and Shazam co-founder Dhiraj Mukherjee to the stage, underscoring Bahrain’s emergence as a fintech hub. With strong regulatory frameworks and digital innovation, the Kingdom cements its role as the launchpad for global firms entering the Middle East.
stc pay has won the Fintech – Telecommunications award at the Middle East Technology Excellence Awards 2025. The platform, licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain, offers innovative financial services including payroll, IBAN-linked wallets, and Mastercard products, supporting Bahrain’s goal of a cashless, digitally inclusive economy.
Beyon Money Business and EazyPay have joined forces to launch a co-branded POS solution integrating digital wallet features with a trusted payment network, offering Bahrain’s merchants enhanced payment flexibility, real-time analytics, faster settlements, and new earnings opportunities, thereby advancing the country’s fintech ecosystem.