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Ripple 
$2, the issuer of the XRP coin, has announced a strategic partnership with Bahrain’s Fintech Bay. The collaboration aims to promote crypto innovation and expand RLUSD-supported payments in the Gulf region. Through pilot projects, education programs, accelerator initiatives, and ecosystem activities, both parties aim to strengthen local fintech capacity. This announcement follows the regional cooperation messages at the Fintech Forward week held in Sakhir on October 8–9, 2025.
Scope of the Ripple–Fintech Bay Partnership
The partnership between Ripple and Fintech Bay involves exploring blockchain-based cross-border payments, tokenization, and stablecoin solutions in the Middle East. Ripple’s General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, Reece Merrick, highlighted Bahrain’s transparent regulatory framework since the beginning, emphasizing plans to integrate crypto custody and RLUSD solutions for financial institutions as part of the partnership. Operational alignment with regulations and institutional integration through phased pilots are also planned.
Suzy Al Zeerah, COO of Fintech Bay, stressed that the partnership will connect global innovators to the Bahraini market, accelerating talent development and PoC processes. Alongside ecosystem activities, measurable outcomes are targeted concerning payment flows, wallet integrations, and institutional custody functions. Coordination between the public and private sectors remains a critical leverage point aligning with the country’s fintech vision.
Over 60 Licenses Worldwide
Currently, Ripple holds more than 60 licenses and registrations globally, including the approval from Dubai DFSA obtained in March. By participating in Fintech Forward 2025, Ripple aims to enhance interactions with policymakers, bankers, and technology providers. This geographical diversity serves as a strategic move to accelerate corporate adoption in the Gulf market.
Additionally, Ripple continues to advance its project with Ctrl Alt in Dubai, focusing on managing real estate title processes through the XRP Ledger. Access to RLUSD was extended with payment platforms like Chipper Cash, VALR, and Yellow Card in Africa. In Europe, Ripple intends to position RLUSD as a corporate settlement tool under the MiCA framework through Ripple Payments Europe SA, based in Luxembourg.
