Manama:Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy, delivered the opening keynote address at FinTech Forward 2026, underscoring the importance of innovation and trust in the realm of digital finance.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the minister conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, expressing their hopes for a successful event. Shaikh Salman highlighted that artificial intelligence, digital identity, and stablecoins are interconnected elements of the evolving financial landscape.
He emphasized the extraordinary potential of artificial intelligence, stressing the necessity of deploying it safely and accountably, as trust remains the cornerstone of digital finance. Shaikh Salman also noted the importance of designing financial intelligence that is trusted, connected, and resilient.
The minister pointed out the significant participation in this year's event, with more banks, financial institutions, and technology companies joining than ever before. This includes regulators, global banks, and innovative digital payment providers, reflecting strong confidence in the sector's future.
Shaikh Salman highlighted the theme 'Finance in the Age of Intelligent Infrastructure,' advocating for a clear and adaptable regulatory framework. He warned against overly rigid or loose regulations, suggesting that effective regulation should facilitate innovation.
The minister addressed global concerns about cross-border payments, AI governance, and financial inclusion. He remarked on the progress in financial account ownership worldwide while noting that many adults remain unbanked despite having mobile phones.
Shaikh Salman stressed the importance of building resilience into financial systems before crises occur, highlighting the role of infrastructure, risk management, and trust. He announced that over 60 new partnerships will be announced this year, following 38 agreements signed last year.
In conclusion, Shaikh Salman emphasized that the best chapters in finance are yet to be written, urging participants to collaborate boldly on future innovations. The event also features an exhibition with around 20 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge financial solutions.