Fintech Forward 2026 Closes in Bahrain with Over 60 Agreements
The fourth edition of Fintech Forward drew more than 2,900 participants and featured the debut of the Tech Talent Hub.
Fintech Forward 2026 concluded at Exhibition World Bahrain with over 60 memoranda of understanding, strategic agreements and major announcements, according to zdnet.co.kr. The fourth edition of the forum drew more than 2,900 local and international participants and featured over 40 speakers, international delegations and the debut of the Tech Talent Hub.
The forum saw a 65% increase in announcements and agreements compared with the previous edition. Among the announcements, BBK announced a Google Cloud Universal Ledger pilot in cooperation with ARRAY Innovation. Beyon and barq Group announced an agreement combining Beyon Money's business with barq's fintech platform.
BENEFIT selected National Bank of Bahrain as the first participating bank and key banking partner for the Trade Finance Registry pilot developed with MonetaGo and Bahrain FinTech Bay. Beyon Connect and BENEFIT signed a memorandum of understanding on digital identity, payments, credit and information services and data analytics. BENEFIT and Huawei signed a memorandum of understanding to explore cooperation in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
Beyon Connect plans to launch an AML Referral Programme with AMAN Compliance Solutions as its first referral partner. Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain signed a memorandum of understanding with stc Bahrain to expand their existing partnership. Bahrain FinTech Bay published the fourth Fintech Ecosystem Report 2024–2026. The third NBB Innovation Programme was announced at Fintech Forward 2026 in cooperation with Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Tech Talent Hub was unveiled with participation from Citi, J.P. Morgan and KPMG.
About Fintech Forward
Fintech Forward is held under the patronage of the Central Bank of Bahrain, Tamkeen, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and Bahrain FinTech Bay, organized by Bahrain EDB and curated by Forbes Middle East. In 2025, financial and insurance activities accounted for 17.6% of Bahrain's real GDP.
Quick answers
What is Fintech Forward 2026?
Fintech Forward 2026 is the fourth edition of a fintech forum held in Bahrain. It concluded at Exhibition World Bahrain with over 60 agreements and announcements and more than 2,900 participants.
What were the major announcements at Fintech Forward 2026?
Announcements included a BBK Google Cloud Universal Ledger pilot with ARRAY Innovation, a Beyon and barq Group agreement, and a BENEFIT and Huawei memorandum of understanding on digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
Who organizes Fintech Forward?
Fintech Forward is organized by Bahrain EDB and curated by Forbes Middle East, under the patronage of the Central Bank of Bahrain, Tamkeen, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and Bahrain FinTech Bay.