Bahrain BBK Bank, has joined the Binance Link Program, becoming first bank in GCC to link Binance’s crypto as a service solution into its mobile banking application. The partnership is pending final regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).

Using Plug & Play APIs, this integration will allow BBK customers to seamlessly trade and manage crypto assets without needing separate Binance accounts. A dedicated dashboard within the BBK Mobile App will provide a one-stop-shop for viewing holdings and executing transactions, combining traditional and digital investments in a single platform.

“This partnership reflects BBK’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric digital transformation,” said Mr. Yaser Alsharifi, Group Chief Executive of BBK. “By integrating Binance’s capabilities into our mobile platform, we are empowering our customers with secure, convenient access to a broader range of investment opportunities.”

Mr. Tameem Al Moosawi, General Manager of Binance Bahrain, added, “We are proud to collaborate with BBK on this groundbreaking initiative. This not only enhances financial inclusion but also reinforces Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in crypto-asset innovation.”

Once regulatory approvals are finalized, BBK customers will enjoy instant access to Binance’s offerings alongside BBK’s own financial products, all through the BBK Mobile App.

Prior to this announcement, Bahrain headquartered GFH Financial Group (“GFH” or “the Group”), a Gulf Islamic Investment Bank, partnered with Binance, to launch Bahrain’s first bank-integrated crypto payment solution.

In the same week, Bahrain regulated Singapore Gulf Bank (SGB), a digital wholesale bank utilized the digital asset infrastructure of Fireblocks, an enterprise platform for secure digital asset custody, settlement, trading operations, and stablecoin payments, to support secure treasury management and digital asset/crypto custody.

Singapore Gulf Bank will utilize Fireblock’s including executing day-to-day treasury operations with automated workflows, as well as optimizing liquidity across multiple accounts and venues. Over time, SGB plans to expand its digital asset capabilities by using Fireblocks for on- and off ramps and stablecoin issuance, unlocking additional opportunities for clients in the markets it services.

Binance received a license in Bahrain in 2023, it was followed by another license for its Binance Payment service.