Fintech Forward Ends With Over 60 Agreements

Fintech Forward 2026 concluded in Bahrain with more than 60 agreements and announcements, drawing over 2,900 local and international participants. Hosted by Bahrain Economic Development Board and programmed by Forbes Middle East, the fourth edition brought together more than 40 speakers, international delegations, and its inaugural Tech Talent Hub. The event was held at Exhibition World Bahrain under the theme “Finance in the Age of Intelligent Infrastructure.”

Banking And Technology Projects

Among the announcements, BBK showcased a Google Cloud Universal Ledger pilot with ARRAY Innovation, a portfolio company of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company. The project explores digital ledger technology in BBK’s core banking operations, including possible tokenized payments and programmable settlement applications.

Beyon and barq Group announced an agreement bringing Beyon Money’s operations together with barq’s fintech platform. Beyon is set to retain an economic interest in barq, subject to final documentation and regulatory approvals.

Trade Finance And Compliance

BENEFIT named National Bank of Bahrain as the first participating bank and anchor banking partner in its Trade Finance Registry pilot. Developed with Singapore-based MonetaGo and Bahrain FinTech Bay, the pilot aims to reduce risk across trade finance.

Beyon Connect also announced plans for an AML Referral Programme, with AMAN Compliance Solutions as its first referral partner. BENEFIT and Huawei signed an MoU to explore digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technologies.

Talent And Financial Services

The Tech Talent Hub featured Citi, J.P. Morgan, and KPMG, with a focus on Bahraini talent supporting global clients and operations from the Kingdom. Bahrain FinTech Bay also launched its fourth Fintech Ecosystem Report, covering 2024 to 2026 and opportunities in AI, tokenization, and cross-border payments.

Financial and insurance activities accounted for 17.6% of Bahrain’s real GDP in 2025, according to the release. The sector is supported by regulation led by the Central Bank of Bahrain, digital infrastructure, and a skilled workforce.

A Fourth Year Of Growth

Fintech Forward’s fourth edition brought together agreements across payments, trade finance, compliance, digital identity, and banking technology. The event was supported by the Central Bank of Bahrain, Labour Fund Tamkeen, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, and Bahrain FinTech Bay.