Mumtalakat and ARP Group to Launch AI-Native Wholesale Bank in Bahrain

Mumtalakat Holding Company, Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund, and ARP Group announced a partnership to create an AI-native, blockchain-enabled wholesale bank headquartered in Bahrain. The institution will serve regulated financial institutions, payment companies, and cross-border businesses through API-connected programmable banking services. It has secured in-principle approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain, though final regulatory authorization is still required before regulated activities can begin.

Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the Gateway Gulf 2026 forum. The venture reflects Bahrain's continued push to build out fintech and financial services infrastructure in the MENA region.