Bahrain Launches Future of FinTech Forum 2026 With More Than 40 Global and Regional Speakers
Bahrain has launched the fourth edition of the Future of FinTech Forum 2026, bringing together more than 40 speakers from Bahrain, the wider region and international markets, alongside senior representatives from financial institutions, technology companies, investment firms and regulatory bodies.
The forum is taking place at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre on October 7 and 8, under the theme “Finance in the Era of Smart Infrastructure.” It is organized by the Bahrain Economic Development Board, with support from the Central Bank of Bahrain, Tamkeen, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, and Bahrain FinTech Bay.
Senior Financial and Technology Leaders Join the Forum
The event features a range of government officials, policymakers and leaders from the financial and technology sectors.
Participants include Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy; Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board; and Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain.
The forum also includes Sheikh Mohammed bin Saeed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of VIAI, and Osman Ahmed, Group Chief Executive Officer of National Bank of Bahrain.
AI and Digital Payments Take Center Stage
The forum’s sessions are addressing some of the most significant developments reshaping financial services, including artificial intelligence, digital payments, stablecoins, asset tokenization, open banking and digital identity.
Discussions are also examining how technology can be used to combat fraud and strengthen the security of financial transactions, alongside broader opportunities created by emerging technologies.
Focus on SME Financing and Digital Wealth Management
Participants are also discussing opportunities to expand financing solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the future of digital wealth management and insurtech.
The agenda further explores innovation within regulatory frameworks and its role in supporting a more efficient financial ecosystem capable of keeping pace with digital transformation.
Forum Brings Investors and Decision-Makers Together
Alongside specialized discussions and panel sessions, the event is hosting meetings that bring together investors, institutions and policymakers.
These activities are designed to facilitate knowledge sharing, explore investment and collaboration opportunities, and support the development of new partnerships across the fintech sector.
The forum also features an exhibition with 20 participating organizations representing financial services, fintech, technology and government sectors. Participants are showcasing their latest products and technology solutions alongside the forum’s sessions and activities.
Financial Sector Contributes 17.6% of Bahrain’s GDP
The forum comes as the financial sector continues to play a major role in Bahrain’s economy, contributing approximately 17.6% of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product in 2025.
At the same time, Bahrain continues to develop its regulatory environment for fintech, including its regulatory sandbox, open banking framework, crypto-asset regulations and a regulatory framework for stablecoins.
Bahrain Strengthens Its FinTech Dialogue
The fourth edition of the Future of FinTech Forum reflects Bahrain’s efforts to expand discussions around the future of financial services and accelerate the adoption of innovation and emerging technologies.
The event comes amid rapid changes across the regional and global financial sectors, as financial institutions, regulators and technology companies respond to the continued evolution of digital finance.