RLUSD Gets a Boost as Ripple Expands Operations into Bahrain

Ripple is strengthening its Middle East footprint through a partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay, the Kingdom’s leading fintech incubator and ecosystem platform. The collaboration is part of Ripple’s ongoing efforts to integrate blockchain and stablecoin infrastructure into regulated financial markets.

The expansion follows Ripple’s DFSA license in Dubai earlier this year and reflects growing interest from Gulf institutions in adopting digital assets within clear regulatory frameworks.

“Bahrain has emerged as an early blockchain adopter and was one of the first jurisdictions globally to regulate cryptoassets,” said Reece Merrick, Ripple’s managing director for the Middle East and Africa. “We look forward to collaborating with Bahrain Fintech Bay to build a robust local blockchain ecosystem and offer our RLUSD stablecoin and digital asset custody solutions to Bahrain’s financial institutions.”

The partnership will focus on pilot projects, educational initiatives, and accelerator programs aimed at boosting tokenization, cross-border payments, and stablecoin adoption. Ripple is also participating in the Fintech Forward 2025 conference in Sakhir, alongside regional banks, regulators, and global fintech companies.

“Bahrain has long been a financial services hub, and this partnership with Ripple furthers our commitment to connecting global innovators with the local ecosystem,” said Suzy Al Zeerah, COO of Bahrain Fintech Bay. “It creates opportunities for pilots, talent development, and next-generation financial solutions.”

Ripple, which holds more than 60 regulatory licenses worldwide, said the partnership positions Bahrain as a potential hub for compliant blockchain deployments in the Gulf region. Its RLUSD stablecoin, designed for enterprise use and regulatory clarity, continues to play a central role in linking tokenized assets with traditional payment infrastructure.