NBB and Batelco join to advance Cashless Bahrain

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) and Batelco by Beyon have signed a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating Bahrain’s transition to a cashless economy by bundling fintech-powered payment tools with advanced telecom solutions for businesses.

At the heart of the agreement is the integration of NBB GO, a SoftPOS application, into Batelco’s business packages. This allows corporate clients to access tap-to-pay payment capabilities alongside enterprise-grade connectivity in a single offering, helping small and mid-sized businesses go fully digital.

Bundling financial and digital tools

NBB GO turns any Android phone with NFC capabilities into a point-of-sale terminal, enabling merchants to accept contactless payments without traditional hardware. The app is available on the Google Play Store and offers a low-cost entry into cashless transactions for retailers, startups and field-based businesses.

By embedding this fintech solution into its telecom bundles, Batelco aims to reduce complexity for SMEs while strengthening digital inclusion and business agility.

Serving development goals

NBB’s Group Chief Executive for Markets and Client Solutions, Hisham AlKurdi, said the partnership supports Bahrain’s broader national vision. “We are enabling businesses to embrace secure, efficient payment systems that complement their communication needs and align with Bahrain’s digital transformation goals,” he said.

Batelco’s General Manager of Enterprise, Abdulla Danesh, added that the collaboration redefines business enablement. “This agreement is about more than bundling services, it’s about creating the infrastructure that empowers companies to grow and innovate.”

Vision-led digital shift

The MoU aligns with Bahrain’s national plans to modernise the economy through digital payment systems and reduce dependence on cash. NBB and Beyon are jointly building a framework that helps local enterprises embrace cashless tools that scale with their ambitions.

For Bahrain’s SME sector, the partnership offers a practical, accessible path into the digital economy, one that connects financial innovation with telecom reliability to meet the demands of a new era.