848. Focus: Using open banking and open data to transform access to financial services in Bahrain

This podcast episode explores Bahrain's position as a leader in the fintech space, particularly in open banking. As the first country in the Middle East to adopt a formal open banking framework, Bahrain has shaped and driven the standards and expectations of open banking. This early embrace has brought transformative implications, unlocking benefits such as financial inclusion, improved financial literacy, and quick access to funding for SMEs. The discussion also highlights the importance of open banking and hyper-personalization, regulatory support for innovation, and the growing interest of investors in the MENA region. The potential adoption of CBDCs and the need for unified regulatory requirements in the GCC region are also discussed.