Bahrain FinTech Bay and MonetaGo Forge Strategic Partnership to Launch National Trade Finance Registry

Bahrain FinTech Bay, a subsidiary of The Benefit Company (BENEFIT), has announced a strategic partnership with MonetaGo to develop and deploy the Kingdom’s first Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), marking a regional first for the GCC. The initiative aims to strengthen Bahrain’s trade finance ecosystem, address SME challenges, and advance the goals of the Kingdom’s Economic Vision 2030. This national initiative will establish a secure, transparent, and inclusive trade finance ecosystem, reinforcing Bahrain’s leadership in fintech innovation. Through this collaboration, Bahrain FinTech Bay and MonetaGo aim to close a critical market gap by building a trusted digital infrastructure that enhances transparency, mitigates risk, and unlocks new liquidity sources for SMEs.

The first milestone of the initiative will be the development and deployment of a Trade Finance Registry. This digital platform enables real-time validation of financing transactions across banks and financial institutions. The registry will play a pivotal role in preventing duplicate financing, invoice fraud, and falsified documentation, safeguarding lenders and empowering borrowers. Following its launch, the initiative will onboard leading Bahraini banks and will be open to participation from all licensed lenders across the Kingdom.

“This is more than a partnership; it’s a national effort to build foundational digital infrastructure that strengthens Bahrain’s trade finance landscape. Through this initiative, we aim to empower SMEs, enhance market confidence, and reinforce Bahrain’s leadership in financial innovation,” said Bader Sater, CEO of Bahrain FinTech Bay. MonetaGo brings extensive international experience to the initiative, having successfully deployed trade finance registries in several global markets. Neil Shonhard, CEO of MonetaGo, said, “We are delighted to partner with Bahrain Fintech Bay to empower SMEs and secure trade finance. This initiative will be the foundation for building public infrastructure that supports SME growth and strengthens Bahrain's position as a regional fintech leader. Our trade finance registry has already proven its value in markets worldwide, and together we will ensure the Kingdom of Bahrain is at the forefront of secure and inclusive digital financial systems.” This initiative underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to digital innovation, SME development, and the creation of world-class financial infrastructure, positioning Bahrain as a forward-thinking and resilient fintech hub in the region.