Fintech Forward 2026 concluded at Exhibition World Bahrain with more than 2,900 local and international participants and over 60 memoranda of understanding, strategic partnerships and other initiatives, according to the announcement.
The fourth edition recorded a 65% year-on-year increase in announcements and signings, while also achieving its highest attendance of sponsors and exhibitors. The event was organised by the Bahrain Economic Development Board and developed by Forbes Middle East under the theme “Finance in the Era of Smart Infrastructure.”
Among the announcements was a Google Cloud Universal Ledger pilot presented by BBK and Array Innovation, a company in the Mumtalakat portfolio. The pilot will examine digital ledger technology for potential use in tokenised payments and programmable settlements.
Beyon and Barq Group also announced an agreement to combine Beyon Money’s functions with Barq’s fintech platform, subject to regulatory approvals. Beyon is expected to retain an economic stake.
Benefit named NBB as the first participating bank in its Trade Finance Registry pilot, developed with MonetaGo and Bahrain FinTech Bay to address trade finance fraud. Benefit also signed an MoU with Huawei covering digital infrastructure, AI and emerging technologies, and formed a strategic alliance with Beyon Connect.
Source: CEO Insights Asia
