Ripple Labs is strengthening its presence in the Middle East through a new partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB), one of the region’s leading fintech hubs. The collaboration is aimed at promoting blockchain innovation and adoption in Bahrain, while also expanding the reach of Ripple’s USD-backed stablecoin, RLUSD.
Building on Regional Expansion
The move follows Ripple’s earlier regulatory approval in Dubai, marking another milestone in its regional growth strategy. By partnering with BFB, Ripple is positioning itself to play a larger role in the Middle East’s growing blockchain and digital asset ecosystem.
BFB, known for its role as Bahrain’s fintech incubator, works closely with government agencies and private institutions to foster innovation in finance and technology. The new alliance will focus on developing proof-of-concept projects, pilot programs, and educational initiatives to accelerate blockchain adoption across financial services.
Driving Blockchain Adoption in Bahrain
Ripple’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, Reece Merrick, said the company’s goal is to help lay the foundation for a robust blockchain economy in Bahrain.
“At Ripple, we look forward to working with Bahrain Fintech Bay to continue building a thriving local blockchain industry and to bring our digital asset custody solution and stablecoin Ripple USD (RLUSD) to Bahrain’s financial institutions,” Merrick said.
The collaboration will also include local ecosystem events and accelerator programs to strengthen Bahrain’s role as a blockchain hub in the Gulf region.
RLUSD Gains Global Momentum
Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, pegged to the U.S. dollar, continues to gain traction in the market. The token was recently listed on Bybit, one of the world’s top cryptocurrency exchanges, expanding its global reach and liquidity.
Trading volume for RLUSD spiked by 75% earlier this month, with a market capitalization now approaching $790 million, according to market data. The stablecoin is seen as Ripple’s next step toward bridging traditional finance (TradFi) with the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.
Strengthening the Blockchain Ecosystem
With this expansion into Bahrain, Ripple continues to solidify its presence in the global blockchain landscape. The partnership signals growing institutional confidence in blockchain’s potential to reshape cross-border payments and digital finance — and highlights the Middle East as one of the most active regions for blockchain innovation in 2025.
