Fintech Forward 2026 Concludes in Bahrain with Over 60 Strategic Agreements
The Fintech Forward 2026 forum in Bahrain concluded with the signing of over 60 strategic agreements and MoUs. The event drew nearly 3,000 participants from the financial and technology sectors.
Fintech Forward 2026 (FF26), the Gulf region's financial forum, concluded in Manama, Bahrain, with the signing of more than 60 strategic agreements and key announcements. The event attracted nearly 3,000 local and international attendees, marking its fourth edition with a record number of sponsors and exhibitors.
The forum saw a 65% increase in announcements and agreements compared to the previous year, highlighting its role as a catalyst for tangible economic outcomes. Notable developments included a Google Cloud Universal Ledger pilot project with BBK Bank, exploring digital ledger technology for core banking operations and potential applications in tokenized payments. Beyon and barq Group also announced an integration agreement to combine Beyon Money services with barq's fintech platform.
Further announcements included BENEFIT revealing the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) as a key partner in its Trade Finance Register pilot program. Bahrain FinTech Bay launched its fourth Fintech Ecosystem Report, analyzing Bahrain's regulatory progress and identifying opportunities in AI, tokenization, and cross-border payments.
The event also featured the launch of the Tech Talent Hub, showcasing the role of Bahraini talent in supporting global operations and the skills shaping the future of financial services and technology. Bahrain's skilled and diverse workforce was highlighted as a key economic strength.