Visa joins Fintech Forward 2025 (FF25) as a Diamond Sponsor, with the third edition set for October 8–9, 2025 at Exhibition World Bahrain under the theme “The era of integration: the maturing age of fintech.” The forum is hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), with event details available on the Fintech Forward 2025 page programmed by Economist Impact at the official event site and background on the theme on the Fintech Forward media page.

“We are proud to return to Fintech Forward as a diamond sponsor for its third edition. At Visa, we remain committed to fostering innovation and advancing the digital payments landscape across Bahrain and the wider region. We look forward to engaging with industry leaders and contributing to conversations that will shape the next chapter of fintech,” said Ahmed Elkaffass, Visa’s Country Manager for Bahrain.

This year’s FF25 follows a steady build-up of ecosystem signals. The Bahrain News Agency reaffirmed the dates and venue and highlighted the platform’s role in fostering dialogue, innovation and collaboration across the region’s financial ecosystem in its September 25 update. Additional Diamond-tier participation was confirmed by BBK, as shown on the Fintech Forward September media page and in BNA’s sponsor announcement.

Policy momentum also supports attendees’ priorities. For the third consecutive year, the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) is supporting FF25, confirmed by BNA in its September 8 coverage. That dovetails with the CBB’s Stablecoin Issuance and Offering (SIO) Module in Rulebook Volume 6 (Capital Markets), introduced in July 2025. The framework is outlined in the CBB’s media note, the Rulebook’s index entry, and the full module PDF.

For Bahrain’s founders and operators, Visa’s role adds weight to agenda themes around interoperability, security, and inclusive payments. Recent moves such as Visa+ cross-border transfers in Bahrain, delivered with BENEFIT and local banks through BenefitPay, signal practical ground for pilots and partnerships during FF25, as covered by FintechNews Middle East in its Bahrain launch report and BENEFIT in its press release.

Next step: request to attend via the official event site, scan the latest partners and media updates, and browse BNA’s sponsor announcements. Then pre-book short meetings with the banks and payment networks you want to target across the two-day program.