BENEFIT, a Bahraini fintech leader in electronic financial transactions, has partnered with Ant International, a Singapore-based global digital payment and fintech provider, to introduce cross-border QR payments.
Starting in 2026, this collaboration will connect Bahrain’s BENEFIT QR payment system with Ant International’s global wallet gateway, Alipay+, supporting a shift toward a more inclusive digital payments ecosystem.
BENEFIT and Ant International have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore and develop new cross-border payment solutions between Bahrain and global markets. They will work on creating a framework that encourages innovation and aligns with global fintech standards.
Through this partnership, over 15,000 merchants in Bahrain will be able to accept cross-border QR payments from Alipay+ international users. Alipay+ connects more than 1.8 billion accounts across 40+ digital payment partners to over 150 million merchants in more than 100 countries.
The collaboration will also look at enabling outbound payments, allowing Bahraini consumers to pay internationally using their local BENEFIT network, which links every bank in the country, to millions of Alipay+ merchants worldwide.
Additionally, the partnership will include sharing technical expertise and knowledge, along with joint marketing efforts to promote fintech adoption among individuals and businesses.
Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, Chief Executive of BENEFIT, stated: “This partnership reflects BENEFIT’s strategic vision to expand its global presence and reinforce Bahrain’s position as a leading regional hub for fintech and advanced digital payment solutions. Our collaboration with Ant International will contribute to building an advanced infrastructure that strengthens the link between local and international markets, providing users with secure, seamless, and world-class payment experience. This initiative represents a pivotal step toward developing innovative financial solutions that enhance cross-border payments and accelerate digital transformation within the financial sector. It further cements BENEFIT’s role as a strategic partner in shaping a smarter and more sustainable future for Bahrain’s financial ecosystem, in line with the Kingdom’s vision of a knowledge-based digital economy.”
Mr. AlJanahi added: “This collaboration is part of BENEFIT’s broader strategy to establish an effective bridge connecting national payment systems with leading international platforms in alignment with global fintech developments. It strengthens Bahrain’s capacity to attract high-value investments and strategic partnerships that contribute positively to the national economy.”
Mr. Pietro Candela, General Manager of EMEA for Alipay+, commented: “We are honoured to collaborate with BENEFIT, one of the Middle East’s foremost fintech and digital payments institutions, to bring the innovative Alipay+ solution to Bahraini businesses. Together we aim to empower local merchants of all sizes to accept seamless payments from international travellers that Alipay+ serves with its partner wallets, while also working towards enabling BENEFIT customers to access our services in international markets in the future.”
The upcoming launch of Alipay+ in Bahrain follows Ant International’s recent achievements in the Middle East, including opening its first regional office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to grow partnerships across the region.
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