Partior and NBB Explore Blockchain Settlement in Bahrain

Singapore-based Partior, a blockchain-based settlement network for banks, and National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the settlement of Bahraini dinar on Partior's platform. The agreement, signed on October 15, outlines an assessment of the operating model, implementation needs, and the technical and regulatory feasibility of NBB serving as a settlement bank for the currency.

This collaboration aims to leverage distributed ledger technology for interbank settlements, potentially increasing efficiency and enabling 24/7 atomic settlement capabilities. Partior already operates such a network, having facilitated transactions for other financial institutions.

The move signifies an expansion of Partior's activities in the Middle East region. Deutsche Bank previously completed its first euro transaction on the Partior network in September 2025, demonstrating the platform's capability for cross-border transactions.

Bahrain's central bank has been active in developing a regulatory framework for crypto-assets and stablecoin issuance. While the specific regulations applicable to this proposed settlement model were not detailed in the announcement, the initiative aligns with broader trends of digital transformation within the financial sector.