Manama : The Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Department for Business, Innovation, Science, and Trade (BIST), is set to host a delegation from the United Kingdom (UK) led by H.E. Gemma Stevenson, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan at the UK’s Department for Business, Science, Innovation and Trade (BIST), at Fintech Forward 2026 (FF26), marking her first visit to the region and the second consecutive year of the UK delegation’s participation at the forum. Taking place between 6-8 October, the visit builds on the longstanding bilateral ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UK, and the continued opportunities to strengthen trade, innovation, and cross-border partnerships across financial services and fintech.
The delegation will include over 20 venture capital firms, fintech companies and ecosystem
supporters, alongside other UK official leaders. In addition to attending FF26, the delegation will
engage with key Bahrain ecosystem players, including the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), the
Labour Fund (Tamkeen), Bahrain Fintech Bay, as well as other industry leaders to explore
potential partnerships, exchange perspectives, and strengthen connections between UK and
Bahrain’s financial and fintech sectors. The programme will also include a cultural tour of the
Muharraq Pearling Path, offering delegates an opportunity to explore Bahrain.
“The UK and Bahrain share a longstanding relationship, with strong connections across financial
services, investment and innovation,” H.E. Gemma Stevenson commented “Our participation in
Fintech Forward for the second time reflects the significant opportunities for businesses to
engage with Bahrain and the wider region. I am proud to lead this delegation as our companies
explore new commercial relationships. I look forward to visiting Bahrain and engaging with
businesses and policymakers to deepen commercial ties and create growth across our
markets.”
Hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), supported by the Central
Bank of Bahrain (CBB), the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority
(BTEA), and Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB), and programmed by Forbes Middle East, FF26 will
bring together global leaders under the theme “Finance in the Age of Intelligent Infrastructure”.
As part of the forum’s programme, Katie Ramsey, Head of the Global Venture Capital Unit in
His Majesty’s Government’s Office for Investment, will participate in a panel discussion under
the title “The Great Convergence: Banks, Fintechs and the Partnership Economy”, joining Bader
Sater, the CEO of Bahrain Fintech Bay, and Yaseen Al Samerrai, the Country CEO of Bahrain
CFI Trade, to discuss how financial institutions and fintechs are adapting and using technology
to improve customer experience and stay competitive in a rapidly changing financial
marketplace. Her participation will add a UK perspective to discussions examining the
infrastructure, innovation, and emerging models shaping the future of financial services.
Following their participation at Fintech Forward 2025, three UK companies, Umazi, Valexa, and
AMAN powered by Themis, subsequently announced their launch in Bahrain, highlighting the
opportunities for fintechs to establish a presence in the Kingdom and access the wider regional
market.
