BBK Becomes First GCC Bank to Join Binance Link Program Through Bahrain Partnership

Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Binance Bahrain, the regulated subsidiary of Binance, marking a regional first for bank-led crypto integration in the Gulf. Subject to final approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), the agreement positions BBK as the first bank in the GCC to join the Binance Link Program, reinforcing Bahrain’s role as a regulated hub for digital finance.

The announcement was made during the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum Bahrain 2025, highlighting growing institutional momentum behind crypto adoption in the Kingdom.

Crypto Trading to Be Embedded Directly Into BBK’s Mobile App

Under the MoU, BBK will integrate Binance Bahrain’s white-label Crypto-as-a-Service (CaaS) solution into the BBK Mobile Banking App. Using secure, plug-and-play APIs, the integration will allow customers to trade and manage crypto assets directly within BBK’s digital banking environment, without the need to open or maintain a separate Binance account.

Customers will access crypto services through a dedicated in-app dashboard, enabling them to view digital asset holdings, execute transactions, and manage crypto alongside traditional banking and investment products—offering a unified financial experience within a regulated framework.

“This partnership reflects BBK’s continued commitment to innovation and customer-centric digital transformation,” said Yaser Alsharifi, Group Chief Executive of BBK. “By integrating Binance Bahrain’s capabilities into our mobile platform, we are enabling secure and convenient access to new asset classes while maintaining the trust and reliability our customers expect.”

Strengthening Bahrain’s Position as a Regulated Crypto Hub

From Binance Bahrain’s perspective, the collaboration represents a significant step in expanding institutional access to digital assets through licensed banking channels.

“We are proud to collaborate with BBK on this pioneering initiative,” said Tameem Al Moosawi, General Manager of Binance Bahrain. “This partnership not only expands access to digital assets through a trusted banking channel, but also reinforces Bahrain’s leadership in regulated crypto-asset innovation across the region.”

The partnership also aligns with growing demand from institutional and high-net-worth segments seeking regulated exposure to digital assets.

“As global demand for digital assets continues to grow, we are pleased to support BBK in offering crypto services at scale,” said Catherine Chen, Head of VIP & Institutional at Binance. “This collaboration unlocks new growth opportunities while setting a benchmark for institutional adoption in the GCC.”

Advancing Embedded Banking and Mainstream Crypto Adoption

By combining BBK’s established banking infrastructure with Binance Bahrain’s regulated crypto capabilities, the collaboration supports Bahrain’s national strategy to become a leading center for crypto-asset trading and financial innovation. It also advances BBK’s embedded banking strategy, allowing customers to access deposits, traditional investments, and digital assets within a single secure platform.

Once regulatory approvals are finalized, BBK customers will gain direct access to crypto trading and management services through the BBK Mobile App—marking a significant step toward mainstream digital asset adoption in Bahrain and the wider GCC.