KFH-Bahrain supports Fintech Forward 2026 as Diamond Sponsor

Kuwait Finance House Bahrain (KFH-Bahrain) has been confirmed as a Diamond Sponsor of Fintech Forward 2026 (FF26), the two-day financial technology forum scheduled for October 7-8 at Exhibition World Bahrain. The bank will host a pavilion on the exhibition floor to showcase its digital banking services and solutions as FF26 brings together industry leaders, technology firms, innovators and policymakers under the theme “Finance in the Age of Intelligent Infrastructure.”

"The developments in financial technology are changing the banking sector and making innovation and digital transformation important to the development of banking services," said Dr. Shadi Zahran, Group CEO of KFH-Bahrain. He added that the bank’s sponsorship "reflects its interest in forums that examine emerging trends in financial services and provide opportunities for industry professionals and decision makers to exchange views on the sector."

KFH-Bahrain joins a programme hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) and supported by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and Bahrain Fintech Bay. Forbes Middle East is responsible for programming the forum. The event is expected to draw regional and international participants from both financial services and technology sectors to discuss emerging developments and collaboration opportunities.

• Event: Fintech Forward 2026 (FF26)
• Dates: October 7-8, 2026
• Venue: Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB)
• Hosts and supporters: Bahrain EDB, CBB, BTEA, Bahrain Fintech Bay; programming by Forbes Middle East
• KFH-Bahrain role: Diamond Sponsor; exhibition pavilion showcasing digital banking services

Dr. Zahran stressed KFH-Bahrain’s strategic commitment to Bahrain’s financial services ecosystem, noting the bank "supports initiatives that contribute to Bahrain’s development as a regional financial services center." He highlighted continued investments in digital capabilities and banking solutions to meet customer requirements and to support the Kingdom’s efforts to build a more innovative and competitive economy.

The bank has been expanding its digital banking capabilities as part of a broader digital transformation programme. KFH-Bahrain’s KFHOnline platform now offers more than 200 digital services, spanning a wide range of retail and corporate banking needs. The institution has also been investing in artificial intelligence, automation and cybersecurity to strengthen its digital infrastructure and improve customer experience, operational efficiency and accessibility.

FF26’s agenda will focus on technology-driven changes in finance and the opportunities arising across Bahrain’s financial services ecosystem. Sessions under the "Finance in the Age of Intelligent Infrastructure" theme are expected to cover topics such as AI-led automation, secure digital payment rails, fintech regulation and public-private collaboration to accelerate digital adoption.

Organisers signal the forum will provide participating organisations with the chance to engage directly with industry stakeholders, exchange views on emerging trends and examine concrete pathways to scale technology-enabled financial services. With KFH-Bahrain’s Diamond sponsorship and exhibition presence, the bank aims to position its digital offerings prominently within discussions shaping the next phase of digital financial services in the region.