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

Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat) and ARP Group partnered to establish an AI-native and blockchain enabled wholesale bank headquartered in Bahrain on 1 November 2026.

Abstract digital representation of blockchain and AI data. — Illustration · BitBytec · Original illustration, BitBytec

Key facts * Mumtalakat is the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain ^[1]. * The new venture is designed to support institutional clients with regional and international banking needs ^[1]. * The venture has received in-principle approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain ^[1]. * ARP Group is the holding company of ARP Global Capital and ARP Digital ^[1].

What is the purpose of the new bank? The proposed bank aims to support institutional clients with regional and international banking needs ^[1]. The partnership intends to build a bank that supports clients across the Gulf and international markets ^[1].

Who are the partners involved? Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat) is partnering with ARP Group to establish the venture ^[1]. ARP Group is the holding company of ARP Global Capital and ARP Digital, which was co-founded by Yusuf Alireza alongside Abdulla and Abdulaziz Kanoo ^[1].

What is the regulatory status of the project? The venture has received in-principle approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain ^[1]. The bank will only commence regulated activities after obtaining final authorisation ^[1].

Why is this partnership being formed? His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat, stated that the role of the sovereign wealth fund is to invest in opportunities that strengthen the sector's competitiveness and support its continued evolution ^[1]. The partnership brings together an experienced institutional team with Bahrain's well-established regulatory and business environment ^[1]. The project intends to reinforce the Kingdom's position as a leading regional financial hub ^[1].

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Written with AI from the sources listed, checked against them before publishing.

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

What is the purpose of the new bank? The proposed bank aims to support institutional clients with regional and international banking needs ^[1]. The partnership intends to build a bank that supports clients across the Gulf and international markets ^[1].

Who are the partners involved? Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat) is partnering with ARP Group to establish the venture ^[1]. ARP Group is the holding company of ARP Global Capital and ARP Digital, which was co-founded by Yusuf Alireza alongside Abdulla and Abdulaziz Kanoo ^[1].

What is the regulatory status of the project? The venture has received in-principle approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain ^[1]. The bank will only commence regulated activities after obtaining final authorisation ^[1].

Sources

What would you make first?

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

What is the purpose of the new bank? The proposed bank aims to support institutional clients with regional and international banking needs [1]. The partnership intends to build a bank that supports clients across the Gulf and international markets [1].

Who are the partners involved? Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat) is partnering with ARP Group to establish the venture [1]. ARP Group is the holding company of ARP Global Capital and ARP Digital, which was co-founded by Yusuf Alireza alongside Abdulla and Abdulaziz Kanoo [1].

What is the regulatory status of the project? The venture has received in-principle approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain [1]. The bank will only commence regulated activities after obtaining final authorisation [1].

Sources

What would you make first?

What is the purpose of the new bank? The proposed bank aims to support institutional clients with regional and international banking needs ^[1]. The partnership intends to build a bank that supports clients across the Gulf and international markets ^[1].

Who are the partners involved? Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat) is partnering with ARP Group to establish the venture ^[1]. ARP Group is the holding company of ARP Global Capital and ARP Digital, which was co-founded by Yusuf Alireza alongside Abdulla and Abdulaziz Kanoo ^[1].

What is the regulatory status of the project? The venture has received in-principle approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain ^[1]. The bank will only commence regulated activities after obtaining final authorisation ^[1].