Ripple Expands RLUSD Stablecoin Reach Through Strategic Bahrain Fintech Partnership

Ripple is strengthening its Middle East presence through a new collaboration with Bahrain Fintech Bay, the Kingdom's primary fintech incubator and ecosystem platform. This strategic move supports Ripple's initiative to integrate blockchain technology and stablecoin infrastructure into regulated financial markets across the region. The expansion builds upon Ripple's Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) license acquired earlier this year and highlights increasing demand from Gulf institutions seeking to implement digital asset technologies within clear regulatory frameworks. "The Kingdom of Bahrain has positioned itself as an early blockchain technology adopter and was among the first global jurisdictions to regulate cryptoassets," stated Reece Merrick, Ripple's Managing Director for Middle East and Africa. "We anticipate working with Bahrain Fintech Bay to establish foundations for a robust local blockchain ecosystem, while eventually providing our digital assets custody solution and Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin to Bahraini financial institutions." The partnership will focus on joint pilot projects, educational initiatives, and local accelerator programs designed to expand digital asset applications including tokenization, cross-border payment solutions, and stablecoin implementations. Ripple is also participating in the Fintech Forward 2025 conference in Sakhir this week, alongside regional banking institutions, regulatory bodies, and international fintech companies. "Bahrain maintains its reputation as a financial services hub, now extending this legacy into digital assets and blockchain technology," commented Suzy Al Zeerah, Chief Operating Officer at Bahrain Fintech Bay. "Our collaboration with Ripple demonstrates Bahrain FinTech Bay's dedication to connecting global innovators with local ecosystems, creating opportunities for pilot programs, talent development, and innovative solutions that will define finance's future." Ripple, holding over 60 regulatory licenses and registrations worldwide, indicated this partnership will help establish Bahrain as a potential center for compliant blockchain implementations throughout the Gulf region. The company's RLUSD stablecoin, engineered for enterprise applications and regulatory transparency, has become fundamental to Ripple's strategy of connecting tokenized assets with traditional payment infrastructure.