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Ripple Labs has partnered with Bahrain Fintech Bay to introduce its RLUSD stablecoin to Gulf markets, marking the payments firm’s latest Middle East expansion move.
That’s what’s happening as Ripple Labs, the San Francisco-based payments innovator, partners with Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB).
Announced on October 9, the Ripple–Bahrain partnership marks a bold step in Ripple’s regional expansion, bringing its stablecoin RLUSD to Bahrain and opening a new chapter in the Gulf’s digital finance revolution.
Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB) is a government-backed incubator that has long played a prominent role in developing fintech across the region. Under the Ripple–Bahrain partnership, the two institutions aim to create innovative blockchain-based financial tools that improve the speed, transparency, and international reach of payments.
Their combined expertise is expected to open new doors for growth and innovation within Bahrain’s digital economy.
The partnership will focus on pilot projects and proofs of concept in areas such as cross-border payments, tokenization, and stablecoin adoption.
Through these initiatives, Bahraini financial institutions can explore real-world blockchain applications that make transactions faster, more affordable, and more secure. The Ripple–Bahrain partnership stands as a milestone, accelerating innovation and shaping the next wave of fintech growth in the Gulf.
Another major focus of the partnership is education and capacity building. Ripple and BFB plan to introduce accelerator programs and training sessions to nurture Bahrain’s fintech talent.
“Through collaboration, we can enable innovators and regulators to build a robust and resilient blockchain ecosystem,”
said Reece Merrick, Managing Director of Ripple Middle East and Africa. These initiatives will not only fill the knowledge and skills gap but also prepare Bahrain’s workforce for the digital economy of the future.
Ripple’s USD-pegged stablecoin, RLUSD, lies at the core of this partnership. Designed to bridge the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi), it provides a secure and seamless medium for international transactions.
The Ripple–Bahrain partnership aims to bring RLUSD to banks and payment providers, supporting the transition toward regulated digital currencies.
With its progressive regulatory framework and rapidly growing fintech ecosystem, Bahrain has emerged as an ideal hub for Ripple’s regional operations.
“At Ripple, we are proud to be playing a role in laying the foundation for a thriving blockchain industry in the region, together with Bahrain Fintech Bay,” said Reece Merrick.
He added that the Ripple–Bahrain partnership aligns perfectly with Bahrain’s vision to become a global fintech leader.
Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD continues to gain global traction. Following its listing on Bybit, trading volume surged by nearly 75%, pushing its market capitalization past $789 million.
The Ripple–Bahrain partnership is expected to further accelerate this momentum, enhancing RLUSD’s credibility and adoption across Gulf markets.
Both Ripple and BFB are committed to fostering community engagement and collaboration. They plan to participate in local fintech events and ecosystem initiatives to strengthen connections with startups and investors.
Through the Ripple–Bahrain partnership, both entities aim to encourage entrepreneurs to explore blockchain-based business models and play an active role in Bahrain’s rapidly evolving innovation landscape.
The Ripple–Bahrain partnership represents more than a regional collaboration, it is a defining milestone in Ripple’s mission to transform the global financial system through blockchain innovation.
Combining Ripple’s technological expertise with Bahrain’s progressive regulatory vision, the alliance lays a strong foundation for a more connected, transparent, and efficient financial ecosystem across the Middle East.
