Bahrain a Fintech launchpad in the Middle East

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

HP Spring Studios, in collaboration with HQ by Hope and Startup Bahrain, successfully hosted an event titled “Bahrain as a Fintech Launchpad in the Middle East” on May 21st.

This event brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to discuss Bahrain’s emerging role as a thriving fintech hub in the region.

The panel discussion was moderated by Sam Yearsley, Head of Venture Building in HP Spring Studios. The panelists included Ali Ghuloom from the National Bank of Bahrain, Mohamed Alaali from Bahrain Islamic Bank, and Chris Purdie from Receiptable.

Ali Ghuloom, Group Head of Technology and Enterprise Architecture at the National Bank of Bahrain, emphasized the importance of partnerships between financial institutions and fintech startups, stating, “Collaboration is key to driving innovation and enhancing financial services in Bahrain and beyond.”

He highlighted AI’s role in transforming customer experiences through advanced analytics and personalized services. Mohamed Alaali, Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer at Bahrain Islamic Bank, noted the significant role of Islamic finance in promoting fintech adoption, saying, “Bahrain’s Islamic finance ecosystem allows fintech companies to develop Sharia-compliant solutions, meeting the demand for ethical financial services.”

Chris Purdie, Founder and CEO of Receiptable, praised Bahrain’s supportive environment for fintech startups, citing its regulatory framework, funding access, and supportive ecosystem as ideal for expanding in the Middle East.

Moderator Sam Yearsley stated, “Our goal was to highlight Bahrain’s potential as a fintech launchpad, exploring collaboration between financial institutions, startups, and government entities to foster innovation and sector growth.

”The event served as a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and identifying opportunities for further collaboration.

It showcased Bahrain’s commitment to becoming a leading fintech hub, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from around the world.