BBK Partners with Binance for GCC’s First Crypto-as-a-Service Integration
Bahrain’s leading bank pioneers digital asset trading via Binance Link Program, setting a new standard for crypto integration in mainstream banking
The Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with , the world’s largest blockchain ecosystem and crypto-asset platform, to deliver the first-ever Crypto-as-a-Service (CaaS) integration in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The partnership, pending regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), marks a pivotal step in bridging traditional and digital finance across the Middle East.
The announcement was made during the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum Bahrain 2025, underscoring Bahrain’s growing reputation as a regional leader in digital asset innovation and financial technology adoption.
What the Partnership Means for BBK and Binance
Under this agreement, BBK will become the first bank in the GCC to join the answer enabling regulated institutions to offer crypto services directly within their own platforms. The initiative positions BBK as a first mover among regional banks in offering direct crypto trading and management capabilities via its Mobile Banking App.
Through Binance’s Plug & Play APIs, BBK customers will be able to purchase, trade, and manage crypto assets from a dedicated dashboard within their existing banking app. This seamless integration eliminates the need for separate Binance accounts, offering users a unified experience for both traditional and digital investments under BBK’s trusted infrastructure.
“This partnership reflects BBK’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric digital transformation,” said Yaser Alsharifi, Group Chief Executive of BBK. “By integrating Binance’s capabilities into our mobile platform, we are empowering customers with secure, convenient access to a broader range of investment opportunities.”
Investor Takeaway
Why This Move Sets a GCC Benchmark
This collaboration represents a regional first in embedding crypto functionality directly into a regulated bank’s digital platform. For customers, the result is frictionless access to digital assets alongside everyday financial tools such as savings, payments, and investments. For the broader market, it establishes a proof of concept for regulated CaaS adoption across the GCC, paving the way for other banks to explore similar models under CBB oversight.
Tameem Al Moosawi, General Manager of Binance Bahrain, emphasized the national significance of the project: “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.”
The partnership is also aligned with Bahrain’s national digital economy strategy, which encourages the integration of blockchain, RegTech, and tokenization technologies within the banking sector. The CBB has been among the most progressive regulators in the region, having already licensed several crypto platforms and pilot-tested digital settlement answers under its regulatory sandbox.
Investor Takeaway
Embedding Finance: The Next Evolution for Banking
The integration supports BBK’s broader embedded banking strategy — the unification of deposits, payments, investments, and digital assets under one platform. Once regulatory approval is granted, BBK customers will enjoy instant access to Binance’s liquidity and trading infrastructure directly through the BBK Mobile App.
Catherine Chen, Head of VIP & Institutional at , commented: “As demand for crypto assets rises globally, we are pleased to collaborate with BBK to assist them offer these assets to clients at scale, unlocking new growth potential.”
By merging crypto and traditional banking experiences, BBK aims to provide customers with the flexibility of Web3 within the security of a regulated environment. The move signals how Gulf banks are responding to customer demand for crypto exposure—without forcing users to leave the regulated ecosystem.
The largeger Picture: GCC’s Race Toward Digital Finance
The BBK–Binance partnership comes as other financial hubs, including Dubai and Riyadh, ramp up efforts to attract crypto innovation. Yet, Bahrain continues to hold a lead in crypto regulation maturity, thanks to ahead CBB initiatives and active collaboration with major blockchain firms. This MoU underscores Bahrain’s intent to remain a key testing ground for compliant digital finance models in the region.
Once approved, the initiative could inspire a new wave of Crypto-as-a-Service partnerships across the Gulf, as banks viewk to retain customers within their ecosystems while capturing revenue from the growing digital asset market. For Binance, it cements its role not just as an platform, but as the infrastructure backbone for Web3 adoption in traditional finance.
