The Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Binance to build the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) first Crypto-as-a-Service (CaaS) integration by a bank. The announcement was made during the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum in Bahrain 2025.
The partnership, which is still pending final approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), will allow BBK to offer customers direct access to crypto trading and management through its mobile banking app.
Integrating Binance’s capabilities into the BKK app
Once live, the collaboration will integrate Binance’s white-label infrastructure into BBK’s app. Using Plug & Play APIs, it will enable users to trade and manage digital assets without opening separate Binance accounts.
A new dashboard will allow customers to view holdings and execute transactions alongside their traditional investments.
“This partnership reflects BBK’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric digital transformation,” commented 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.”
Ms. Catherine Chen, Head of VIP & Institutional at Binance said:
“As demand for crypto assets rises globally, we are pleased to collaborate with BBK to help them offer these assets to their clients at scale, unlocking new growth potential.”
The initiative is meant to support Bahrain’s national strategy to strengthen its role as a digital finance hub in the Middle East.
Once regulatory approvals are complete, BBK customers will gain access to Binance’s crypto services directly through the BBK Mobile App, combining both traditional and digital finance in one interface.
Featured image via Shutterstock.
