National Bank of Bahrain to join Partior Blockchain bank settlement network
The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Blockchain bank settlement network Partior to explore settling Bahrain Dinar on the platform.
As per the announcement, the agreement opens up a framework for both organizations to evaluate the proposed operating model, implementation needs, and technical feasibility. Both parties will also review relevant regulatory requirements on which model could be implemented in Bahrain’s financial ecosystem,
Vineet Munot, Group Head of Transaction Banking at NBB, noted that how financial institutions are settling money across markets is evolving, opening up new opportunities to examine new mechanisms for connectivity and settlement. He explains, “Our engagement with Partior allows us to assess how NBB’s local market capabilities could support Bahraini Dinar settlement within an emerging digital infrastructure. We will approach this opportunity with the appropriate technical, operational and regulatory considerations as we determine its potential value for NBB and Bahrain’s banking and finance industry.”
Humphrey Valenbreder, CEO of Partior, added that expanding the range of currencies on Partior next generation settlement platform is important for interoperability between financial markets.
He stated, “Our work with NBB gives us an avenue to assess how Bahraini Dinar settlement could be incorporated into Partior’s network, building on our growing presence across the GCC. We look forward to working together to evaluate a model that can support efficient and transparent cross border flows working with a world class partner like NBB.”
In July 2026, Emirates NBD, a banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, went live on Blockchain clearing and settlement network Partior becoming the first financial institution in the Middle East to enable real-time, blockchain-based cross-border payments on Partior’s infrastructure.
Further more, The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) launched the GCC’s first Bitcoin-linked Structured Investment, in partnership with ARP Digital which provides crypto investment products and services such as Wealth management, coverage & OTC. The unveiling took place during a special ceremony at Fintech Forward 2024.
