Bahrain and the United Kingdom Strengthen Fintech Collaboration at FinTech Forward 2025

TDT | Manama

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The Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom (UK) have reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing knowledge-exchange, trade, and cross-border partnerships with an extensive three-day UK-delegation visit, jointly coordinated by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) and the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

Underscoring the robust strength of the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two nations, united by a collective ambition to drive growth in the digital economy and spearhead transformative innovation in the financial services industry, Bahrain hosted over 70 delegates from 36 UK-based fintech companies— the largest fintech delegation the Department has ever led to any country. The delegation’s participation at Fintech Forward 2025 (FF25) - the region’s premier two-day fintech event, which kicked off with a networking reception – was a strategic component of the mission’s agenda.

The programme brought together senior government officials, regulators, and leading fintech innovators from both countries to explore new areas of cooperation and showcase the evolution of Bahrain’s dynamic fintech ecosystem. Katie Ramsey, Head of FinTech at UK DBT, participated in the panel discussion at FF25 entitled ‘Charting the next frontier for digital assets.’ The session focused on how innovations in fintech, such as stablecoins, central bank digital currencies, blockchain infrastructure, and AI-driven wallets, are blurring the lines between payments, assets, and infrastructure.

A highlight of FF25 held under the banner of ‘Advancing Bahrain–UK Partnerships in Fintech and Innovation,’ featured opening remarks by H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, H.E. Khalid Humaidan, and H.E. Alastair Long. The segment spotlighted UK-based fintech firms, including AMAN Powered by Themis, Oxford Risk, Greengage, JustTip, SaaScada, Raidiam, and BKN 301, presenting their innovative solutions to regional investors.

Supported by Tamkeen, the launch of AMAN powered by Themis - a fintech built by financial crime experts, simplifying risk management through smart technology – was celebrated both on stage at FF25 and at the British Embassy in Manama. AMAN, led by Themis Founder and CEO Dickon Johnstone and AMAN CEO Fawzi Al-Aradi, is contributing to Bahrain’s ambition to become a regional model for AI-driven financial crime prevention and fintech innovation.

Katie Ramsey said, “The collaboration between the UK and Bahrain continues to set an example of how open dialogue, regulatory innovation, and shared ambition can drive growth across the global fintech landscape.”

Dalal Buhejji, Executive Director of Financial Services at the Bahrain EDB, added, “We are proud to welcome the UK delegation to Bahrain as part of this partnership with DBT, a testament to our island nation’s growing reputation as a gateway for innovation and cross-border collaboration.”

During the flagship fintech event, UK WealthTech firm Velexa signed an agreement on stage with Ajyad Capital, an investment management firm licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), where Velexa’s technology will serve as the backbone for Ajyad’s upcoming Shari’ah-compliant digital trading app. Additionally, Umazi, a UK-based fintech company, signed an agreement with Bahrain Fintech Bay to advance the development of Bahrain’s fintech ecosystem through collaborative initiatives.