During Fintech Forward 2026, Bahrain Bourse showcased The Market 2.0: Bahrain 2026, the flagship conference that brings together capital market leaders, industry experts, and decisionmakers to discuss the future of capital markets and the rapidly evolving trading ecosystem.

The two-day forum was attended by various Board Members and the executive management team, who gained insights into the latest developments and emerging trends in financial technology and digital transformation across the financial sector.

On the sidelines of the forum, Bahrain Bourse held a series of meetings with key stakeholders to discuss topics of mutual interest and explore ways to leverage innovative technologies and solutions that support the development of market infrastructure and enhance the efficiency of services provided to investors and market participants.

Through its exhibition booth at the forum, Bahrain Bourse also

Bahrain Bourse’s participation in Fintech Forward 2026 reflects its ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and keeping pace with the evolving landscape of financial services. By engaging with emerging technologies and industry developments, Bahrain Bourse continues to support initiatives that enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the capital market while contributing to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s vision of becoming a leading regional center for financial services, fintech innovation, and digital transformation.

The programme is executed through KFH – Bahrain’s digital corporate banking platform, offering a seamless, fully digitized experience for buyers and suppliers to manage every stage of the programme, starting from transaction initiation to deal booking. The solution is designed as a collaborative ecosystem that processes SCF transactions within minutes, complemented by automated reporting and advanced analytics tools to support operational efficiency and business insights.

Through this programme, Beyon’s suppliers gain access to early payment solutions, optimizing working capital and cash flow management. The programme is particularly beneficial for SMEs, helping ease financial pressures, support business growth, and strengthen the resilience of the overall supply chain, while fostering a healthier local business ecosystem and aligning Beyon and KFH’s ESG visions.

“The launch of the SCF programme with Beyon reflects our vision to continuously develop corporate banking services through advanced digital solutions that combine efficiency and ease of use, keeping pace with the rapidly evolving business landscape. This collaboration embodies our commitment to utilise technology in developing an integrated transaction banking ecosystem, thereby enhancing the customer experience and meeting the needs of the corporate sector,” Mohamed Asem, Deputy Group CEO for Corporate Banking at KFH – Bahrain, said.

“Expanding our SCF solutions supports greater financial inclusion for SMEs by providing easier access to working capital through digital financing options. This strengthens supplier resilience, promotes sustainable business growth, and aligns with our ESG ambitions.  We value this partnership with Beyon, as it highlights the importance of strategic alliances in accelerating the adoption of digital solutions and supporting the growth of the corporate and SME sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain.”

“Launching the SCF programme in collaboration with KFH – Bahrain marks a significant step in enhancing our payment management processes and improving the supplier experience by offering more flexible options. We anticipate that this programme will streamline the payment cycle and boost transaction efficiency across our supplier ecosystem, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),”  Beyon Group Chief Financial Officer Reem Altajer said

“The digital platform enables the Bank to manage the programme with greater ease by automating processes and providing reports that facilitate the monitoring of transactions and programme performance. We appreciate the cooperation of KFH – Bahrain in implementing this programme and look forward to continuing our collaboration to develop initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and boost the value delivered to our partners and suppliers.”

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of FinTech Forward 2026, where KFH-Bahrain is participating as a Diamond Sponsor. The forum brings together leading figures from the financial and technology sectors, alongside innovators, to explore opportunities for collaboration and developments shaping the future of financial services.

The partnership reflects KFH-Bahrain’s commitment to supporting the growth of the local supply chain ecosystem by leveraging its expertise and specialised supply chain finance solutions. Through exploring innovative financial and digital solutions in collaboration with Alba, the Bank aims to enhance access to financing for corporates and SMEs, improve liquidity across the various participants in the supply chain, support business sustainability, and strengthen the private sector’s contribution to the national economy.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting Alba and its supplier ecosystem through innovative supply chain finance and working capital management solutions. Through our close collaboration with Alba, we aim to enhance access to financing for local suppliers, particularly SMEs, supporting the resilience and sustainability of supply chains and enabling sustainable business growth. We also see this initiative as an opportunity to contribute to KFH-Bahrain’s ESG objectives by advancing financial inclusion, supporting sustainable economic development and creating long-term value for the business sector and the national economy,” Mohamed Assem, Deputy Group CEO for Corporate Banking at KFH-Bahrain, said.

“This MoU marks an important step in Alba’s ongoing efforts to build a more efficient and resilient business ecosystem while strengthening cooperation with our financial sector partners to explore innovative solutions that support our supply chain. Our collaboration with KFH-Bahrain provides an opportunity to explore specialised financial and digital solutions that can benefit Alba and its supplier network, particularly SMEs,” Ali Al Baqali, “CEO of Alba, said.

We believe that the resilience of Alba’s supply chain is closely linked to the strength and sustainability of our suppliers.  By exploring solutions that improve access to financing and enhance working capital management, we aim to  support suppliers’ ability to grow alongside Alba while strengthening long-term partnerships and creating shared value.

“This collaboration reflects Alba’s broader focus on  innovation and digitalisation to enhance efficiency, enable  sustainable growth, and contribute to the continued development of local businesses and national economy.”

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of FinTech Forward 2026, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain held at Exhibition World Bahrain, bringing together leading figures and innovators from the financial services and FinTech sectors in Bahrain, the region and across the world.

Khaleeji Bank’s participation in the Consumer Lending Marketplace forms part of its ongoing efforts to advance its digital services and facilitate customers’ access to Shari’a-compliant financing solutions. The marketplace is designed to bring together financing offers from participating financial institutions on a digital platform, enabling customers to explore available options and select solutions that best suit their financial needs.

The agreement also reflects Khaleeji Bank’s commitment to further strengthening its cooperation with BENEFIT and leveraging the Kingdom’s advanced digital solutions and infrastructure to deliver more efficient and seamless banking experiences, in line with the rapid development of the FinTech sector and customers’ evolving expectations for digital banking services.

“We are pleased to sign this agreement with BENEFIT, which represents another step in Khaleeji Bank’s ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience and facilitate access to suitable financing solutions. We remain committed to leveraging innovative digital solutions to provide a more seamless and flexible experience, while continuing to offer Shari’a-compliant financing products that meet the needs of diverse customer segments,” Commenting on the occasion, Ms Ameera Ahmed Al Abbasi, Head of Retail Banking at Khaleeji Bank, said.

“Our participation in the Consumer Lending Marketplace reflects our focus on expanding access to our services and leveraging national digital platforms that contribute to enhancing the customer experience and improving the efficiency of financial services. We also look forward to continuing our collaboration with BENEFIT and exploring further opportunities that support innovation and digital transformation across the banking sector.”

 “We are delighted to welcome Khaleeji Bank to the Consumer Lending Marketplace, further expanding the network of participating financial institutions and broadening the options available to customers seeking financing solutions that meet their needs. This agreement represents an important step in strengthening the integration between financial institutions and digital solutions, contributing to a more seamless and efficient customer experience,” Latifa Al Mutawa, Assistant General Manager of the Bahrain Credit Reference Bureau at BENEFIT, said.

“At BENEFIT, we remain committed to developing national digital platforms and solutions that advance Bahrain’s financial services ecosystem and enable financial institutions to harness technology to deliver more innovative and seamless services. We look forward to our collaboration with Khaleeji Bank through the Consumer Lending Marketplace and to continuing to work with our partners across the sector to develop solutions that support digital transformation and respond to customers’ evolving needs.”

The signing of the agreement forms part of Khaleeji Bank’s continued efforts to invest in digital transformation and develop innovative banking services that keep pace with customers’ evolving needs. It also reinforces the Bank’s partnerships with leading national FinTech institutions, contributing to the continued development of the digital financial services ecosystem in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The solution is available on KFH’s digital corporate banking platform, enabling clients to manage liquidity through a seamless, automated experience that enhances visibility and control over funds while supporting more efficient financial management practices. Using a variety of sweep options, the solution helps corporate clients optimize the use of available funds, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen cash flow management.

The launch further strengthens KFH’s position as a leading provider of digital and Shari’a-compliant corporate banking solutions, reinforcing its commitment to delivering value-added transaction banking capabilities that help businesses manage their financial operations more effectively. By expanding its cash and liquidity management offering, KFH continues to equip corporates with advanced treasury tools that support working capital optimization and enhance overall financial agility.

The Liquidity Management Solution forms part of KFH’s broader strategy to leverage advanced technologies to modernize corporate banking services and deliver a more adaptive, intelligent banking experience. Through continuous investment in digital innovation, the Bank aims to introduce solutions that simplify financial processes, address increasingly sophisticated treasury requirements, and contribute to the advancement of Bahrain’s corporate banking landscape.

“The launch of our Liquidity Management Solution marks a significant milestone in KFH’s journey to deliver best-in-class transaction banking solutions for the corporate sector. As businesses navigate an increasingly dynamic operating environment, efficient liquidity management has become a critical driver of financial performance and resilience. Through real-time visibility, automated liquidity structures, and seamless integration across accounts and entities, LMS empowers our clients to optimize working capital, enhance treasury efficiency, and make faster, more informed financial decisions. This solution reflects our commitment to pioneering digital, Shari’a-compliant banking innovations that create measurable value for our clients and support their long-term growth ambitions,” Mohamed Assem, Deputy Group CEO for Corporate Banking at KFH – Bahrain, said.

Under the MoU, the two organizations will draw on their combined expertise and capabilities to develop value-added services that give customers greater choice, support operational efficiency and improve their overall experience. Their work will be guided by an understanding of customers’ business requirements and ambitions, ensuring that the proposed solutions remain relevant to their needs as they grow.

 “We continue to strengthen our customer offering through partnerships with institutions that bring complementary expertise. Our MoU with CrediMax reflects this commitment and creates opportunities to explore services and solutions that address the needs of entrepreneurs and SMEs and support their business growth,” Ali Al Aradi, Chief Banking Officer at Bahrain Development Bank, said.

 “Our approach to supporting businesses extends beyond financing. By bringing together a wider range of services through our partnerships, we can help customers manage their businesses more efficiently. We look forward to working with CrediMax to turn the areas of cooperation identified in the MoU into tangible value for our customers.”

“We are pleased to collaborate with Bahrain Development Bank and put CrediMax’s expertise and capabilities to work for entrepreneurs and SMEs. Their needs vary according to the nature of their activities and stage of growth, making close dialogue with the Bank essential to identifying where we can add the greatest value. We look forward to building a strong working relationship between our teams and gaining a deeper understanding of customers’ priorities. These insights will guide our contribution and help us focus our efforts on services that make a meaningful difference to their experience,” Andrew Mark Hockings, Chief Executive Officer of CrediMax, said.

The MoU reflects BDB’s continued commitment to developing its services and strengthening the customer experience, reinforcing its support for entrepreneurs and SMEs and their contribution to Bahrain’s economic growth.

The signing ceremony was held on the sidelines of FinTech Forward 2026, where Mohamed Alderazi, Head of Product, Data and AI, signed for Tarabut, while Osama Nasr, Chief Technology Officer, signed on behalf of the Bank.

The collaboration focuses on drawing on the technology infrastructure and software products provided by Tarabut, a regulated fintech provider, to support the development of Khaleeji Bank’s digital banking services. These technologies include open banking connectivity, spending categorisation and income insights, helping the Bank gain a deeper understanding of its customers’ needs and deliver digital services better tailored to them.

Under the MoU, the two organisations will work together to apply these techn capabilities to enhance customer experiences across the Bank’s digital channels, turning financial data into actionable insights that support service development and improve customer engagement. The collaboration aims to enable the Bank to deliver a more connected, user-friendly digital experience that responds to customers’ evolving needs and expectations.

This step reflects Tarabut and Khaleeji Bank’s shared commitment to advancing banking innovation by combining the Bank’s banking expertise with Tarabut’s technology infrastructure. This will support the development of digital services that place the customer experience at their core, while keeping pace with the rapid digital transformation of the financial sector in Bahrain and the wider region.

 “This partnership builds on our existing relationship with Khaleeji Bank and expands our collaboration to enhance its digital channels and customer experience. Through our open banking and advanced financial analytics technologies, we aim to enable the Bank to make greater use of financial data to deliver more advanced and seamless banking experiences tailored to its customers’ needs,” Mohamed Alderazi, Head of Product, Data and AI at Tarabut, said.

“At Tarabut, we focus on providing the technology infrastructure and software products that help financial institutions develop their digital services. Our capabilities in open banking connectivity, spending categorisation and income insights enable a deeper understanding of customer needs, supporting Khaleeji Bank in translating these insights into tangible improvements to the customer experience across its digital channels.”

“At Khaleeji Bank, we continue to develop our digital channels to make banking more convenient and better suited to our customers’ needs. Expanding our collaboration with Tarabut enables us to benefit from open banking and financial data analytics technologies to strengthen our understanding of these needs and deliver a more seamless, integrated banking experience across our digital channels,” Osama Nasr, Chief Technology Officer at Khaleeji Bank, said.

“At Khaleeji Bank, we are committed to ensuring that our investments in technology and partnerships translate into improvements in the services our customers use every day. Through this collaboration, we look forward to applying Tarabut’s tech capabilities to develop digital services that are more responsive to our customers’ expectations, supporting the Bank’s continued focus on innovation and enhancing the banking experience.

“This partnership underscores Tarabut’s commitment to equipping financial institutions with the technology infrastructure and products they need to develop their digital services and make greater use of open banking and financial data analytics to enhance customer experiences and support the development of the financial ecosystem in Bahrain and the wider region.

NBB maintained a strong presence through its dedicated stand during the two-day event, where visitors engaged with representatives from the Bank and explored its fintech-related products and services. Members of the Board of Directors, the Executive Management team, and employees were in attendance, interacting directly with industry participants, technology providers, and other stakeholders from the wider financial services ecosystem.

The Bank also contributed to important industry dialogue, with Usman Ahmed, Group Chief Executive Officer, participating in the panel discussion titled “From Fintech Disruption to Financial Infrastructure.” The session examined fintech’s growing role within mainstream financial services.

Alongside these engagements, NBB signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the event, reflecting its continued focus on strengthening industry partnerships and exploring avenues for future collaboration.

NBB’s participation in FF26 reflects its commitment to remaining actively engaged with the forces transforming financial services while contributing to Bahrain’s position as a progressive regional fintech hub. The Bank remains focused on translating innovation into tangible value for its customers, operations, and the wider financial services industry.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of FinTech Forward 2026, where KFH-Bahrain is participating as a Diamond Sponsor. The forum brings together leading figures from the financial and technology sectors, alongside innovators, to explore opportunities for collaboration and discuss developments shaping the future of financial services.

The partnership reflects KFH-Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening its strategic relationship with stc Bahrain by providing specialised trade finance and payment management solutions, alongside advanced tools for automated reporting and reconciliation of financial transactions in line with stc Bahrain’s operational requirements and strategic objectives.

Through close collaboration between the two organisations, the Bank aims to explore new opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, streamline financial processes, advance digital transformation and deliver a more integrated and value-driven banking experience for the business sector.

“We are proud to further develop our partnership with stc Bahrain and explore new areas of collaboration, reflecting our belief in the importance of strategic partnerships in accelerating digital transformation and developing banking solutions that respond to corporate needs and support business growth,” Mohamed Assem, Deputy Group CEO for Corporate Banking at KFH-Bahrain, said.

“Through this partnership, we continue to build on our collaboration with KFH-Bahrain and explore opportunities to use both organisations’ digital capabilities to enhance efficiency and deliver added value. This supports the development of integrated solutions that meet the needs of the business sector, helping businesses manage their operations more effectively and achieve sustainable growth,” Ahmed Al Jowder, Chief Finance Officer at stc Bahrain, said.

By deploying Diebold Nixdorf’s advanced DN Series self-service technology powered by the DN Vynamic software suite, stc pay is bridging the gap between cash and digital transactions. The self-service kiosks enable users, including cash-reliant individuals, to access stc pay services seamlessly using cash and mobile-number SMS verification, without requiring a smartphone or pre-installed app.

The physical kiosks will be deployed gradually in high footfall locations, and community hubs across Bahrain, offering key functionalities such as wallet top ups, cash collection, domestic and cross border remittances, utility bill payments, prepaid or postpaid recharges, and digital card management.

 “Expanding our network beyond the mobile app is a strategic step towards making our financial services more accessible to the wider community. By introducing physical kiosks, we are providing customers with greater choice and flexibility in how they access and use our services, while extending our reach across Bahrain. Our partnership with Diebold Nixdorf enables us to deliver a secure, reliable and convenient experience, further strengthening our commitment to advancing financial inclusion and smart financial infrastructure,” Metin Zavrak, CEO of stc pay Bahrain, said.

“stc pay Bahrain is demonstrating how a digital-first fintech can extend its reach by connecting digital and physical channels. We are supporting this strategy with an integrated platform designed to scale, broaden access and deliver consistent experience across channels. The partnership also marks Diebold Nixdorf’s first major engagement with a telecommunications-affiliated company in the Middle East,” Habib Hanna, managing director – Middle East, at Diebold Nixdorf said.

The local deployment and technical support for the kiosk fleet are executed in collaboration with Almoayed Group WLL, Diebold Nixdorf’s licensed partner in Bahrain. This multi-channel expansion positions stc pay as an inclusive, omnichannel payments network supporting the Central Bank of Bahrain’s vision for a modern, cashless enabled economy.