Expansion into Bahrain Lends Support to RLUSD, Says Ripple

Ripple is expanding its Middle East presence through a partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay, the Kingdom’s premier fintech incubator. The collaboration aims to integrate Ripple’s blockchain and stablecoin infrastructure into regulated financial markets.

The move follows Ripple’s DFSA license in Dubai earlier this year and reflects growing interest from Gulf institutions in adopting digital assets under clear regulatory frameworks.

“Bahrain has been an early adopter of blockchain technology and one of the first jurisdictions to regulate cryptoassets,” said Reece Merrick, Ripple’s managing director for the Middle East and Africa. “We look forward to collaborating with Bahrain Fintech Bay to offer our RLUSD stablecoin and custody solutions to local financial institutions while supporting a thriving blockchain ecosystem.”

The partnership will focus on pilot projects, educational programs, and accelerator initiatives, covering use cases such as tokenization, cross-border payments, and stablecoin applications. Ripple is also participating in the Fintech Forward 2025 conference in Sakhir, alongside regional banks, regulators, and global fintech firms.

“Bahrain has long been a financial services hub, and this partnership strengthens its role in the digital assets space,” said Suzy Al Zeerah, COO of Bahrain Fintech Bay. “It connects global innovators with the local ecosystem, creating opportunities for pilots, talent development, and innovative financial solutions.”

Ripple, which holds over 60 regulatory licenses globally, said the partnership positions Bahrain as a potential hub for compliant blockchain deployments in the Gulf. Its RLUSD stablecoin, designed for enterprise use and regulatory clarity, remains central to Ripple’s strategy of linking tokenized assets with traditional payment infrastructure.