Ripple May Extend RLUSD Pilots Across Gulf Through Partnership With Bahrain Fintech Bay

• Strategic pilots to test RLUSD and cross-border payments across the Gulf.

• Partnership includes accelerator programs, educational initiatives, and industry-regulator dialogue.

• Aligns with Ripple’s global RLUSD expansion and Bahrain’s progressive digital asset regulation.

Ripple Bahrain partnership advances RLUSD pilots, tokenization, and cross-border settlement in Bahrain — learn how this collaboration boosts fintech growth and institutional digital asset adoption. —COINOTAG report

What is the Ripple Bahrain partnership?

The Ripple Bahrain partnership is a strategic alliance between Ripple and Bahrain Fintech Bay to pilot RLUSD stablecoin solutions and blockchain payment systems in Bahrain. The collaboration focuses on practical pilot projects, fintech acceleration, and regulatory engagement to support tokenization, cross-border settlement, and digital asset custody in the Gulf region.

How will RLUSD be used in Bahrain?

Ripple and Bahrain Fintech Bay plan to deploy RLUSD in controlled pilot environments with financial institutions and fintechs. Pilots will target cross-border payments and institutional settlement use cases. The initiative will support tokenization trials and custody models that comply with local regulations and regional standards.

Why does this matter for Bahrain’s fintech ecosystem?

Front-loading innovation, the partnership strengthens Bahrain’s role as a regional fintech hub. It encourages knowledge transfer through accelerator programs and industry events. Regulators and market participants gain hands-on exposure to stablecoin custody, compliance workflows, and settlement efficiencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will businesses in Bahrain benefit from RLUSD pilots?

Businesses can access faster, lower-cost cross-border settlement and tokenization services through RLUSD pilots. Pilots aim to reduce settlement time, increase transparency, and enable new business models for payments and digital assets within regulated frameworks.

When will pilots and events take place?

Initial pilot timelines and public events, including Fintech Forward 2025 in Sakhir, will be announced by Bahrain Fintech Bay and Ripple as projects are finalized. Stakeholders should follow official COINOTAG updates for confirmed schedules and participation details.

Collaboration details and industry context

Reece Merrick, Ripple’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, highlighted Bahrain’s proactive regulatory approach as a key reason for this collaboration. Suzy Al Zeerah, COO of Bahrain Fintech Bay, emphasized the opportunity to connect global innovators with regional markets.

Ripple’s wider RLUSD strategy includes regulatory progress in Dubai’s DFSA jurisdiction and expansion in Africa with firms such as Chipper Cash, VALR, and Yellow Card, plus a European presence through Luxembourg under MiCA. These efforts indicate Ripple’s focus on compliant institutional settlement rails.

Key Takeaways

• Pilot focus: Test RLUSD for cross-border payments and tokenization with local institutions.
• Regulatory alignment: Partnership leverages Bahrain’s progressive stance to design compliant custody and settlement models.
• Ecosystem impact: Accelerator programs and events will build local fintech capacity and connect regional players with global networks.

How can institutions participate?

Financial institutions and fintechs should engage with Bahrain Fintech Bay programs and public calls for pilot participants. Participation typically involves technical integration, compliance assessments, and collaboration on use-case design with Ripple and ecosystem partners.

What safeguards are emphasized?

The partnership prioritizes regulatory compliance, custody controls, and institutional-grade settlement processes. Pilots will evaluate AML/KYC processes, custody solutions, and operational resilience before broader rollout.

Conclusion

This partnership positions Bahrain as a practical hub for exploring institutional RLUSD use cases and blockchain-based payments. By combining pilot projects, regulatory engagement, and accelerator programs, Ripple and Bahrain Fintech Bay aim to deliver compliant settlement solutions and advance tokenization across the Gulf. Stakeholders should monitor COINOTAG updates for developments and participation opportunities.