Report Format:
| Pages: 110+
Type: Parent Industry Monitor
| ID: FIN44278
| Publication: Sep 2024
|
US$925 |
Bahrain is positioning itself as a regional FinTech powerhouse, blending conventional and Shariah-compliant financial technologies. With a strong financial sector and forward-thinking regulations, the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) is actively driving digital transformation to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of financial services. This strategic focus is transforming Bahrain into a key FinTech hub, offering a combination of innovative solutions, highly skilled financial talent, and a progressive regulatory environment.
A significant enabler of Bahrain’s FinTech expansion is the CBB’s revised Regulatory Sandbox Framework, designed to provide FinTech startups with an efficient and controlled environment for testing and launching innovative financial solutions. This initiative reduces entry barriers for new players while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, Bahrain introduced FinHub973, a virtual innovation platform launched in October 2020. Offering over 430 open banking APIs, FinHub973 empowers financial institutions and startups to develop next-generation banking and payment solutions, reinforcing Bahrain’s leadership in the open banking ecosystem.
The post-COVID era has accelerated Bahrain’s shift toward digital and contactless payments, fostering rapid FinTech adoption. According to a BENEFIT report, the Kingdom witnessed a 250% surge in electronic funds transfer system (EFTS) transactions via the BenefitPay app in just one year (2021). This transformation is fueled by consumer demand for seamless, cashless transactions and businesses embracing digital-first payment strategies.
A notable trend is the rapid adoption of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, reflecting the rising consumer preference for flexible financing options. The CBB’s Regulatory Sandbox has already seen four BNPL providers entering the market within just five months, signaling strong potential for further growth. Given Bahrain’s robust FinTech infrastructure and regulatory support, the BNPL sector remains an untapped market with high success prospects, attracting both local and international players.
With over 350 financial institutions and a workforce of 13,000+ professionals, Bahrain offers a well-established ecosystem for FinTech innovation. The country’s commitment to fostering financial technology—through regulatory advancements, open banking initiatives, and a thriving digital payments sector—positions it as a leading destination for FinTech investment and development in the Gulf region.
As global FinTech players seek to expand into the Middle East, Bahrain presents a strategic gateway backed by a robust legal framework, a digitally savvy population, and an innovation-driven financial landscape. The Kingdom’s ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies while ensuring regulatory compliance makes it a pivotal player in the future of digital finance across the region.
Analysis Period |
2019-2032 |
Actual Data |
2019-2023 |
Base Year |
2023 |
Estimated Year |
2024 |
CAGR Period |
2024-2032 |
Research Scope |
|
Type |
Fintech Digital Payment Market |
Fintech Digital Asset Market |
|
Fintech Digital Investment Market |
|
Fintech Digital Capital Raising Market |
|
Fintech Neobanking Market |
|
End Users |
Individual Consumers |
SMEs |
|
Medium-sized Enterprises |
|
Large Enterprises |
|
Industry |
IT and Telecom |
Media and Entertainment |
|
Energy and Power |
|
Transportation and Logistics |
|
Healthcare |
|
BFSI |
|
Retail |
|
Manufacturing |
|
Public Sector |
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Other |
|
Transaction Types |
Business-to-Consumer (B2C) |
Business-to-Business (B2B) |
|
Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) |
|
Consumer-to-Business (C2B) |