BENEFIT, the Bahraini fintech firm, and Ant International, a digital payment firm headquartered in Singapore, have partnered to launch cross-border QR payments between Bahrain’s BENEFIT QR payment scheme and Ant International’s global wallet gateway, Alipay+, during 2026 to support the transition to toward a more inclusive digital payments ecosystem.
The duo said in a statement that by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU), both parties will explore and develop innovative cross-border payment solutions between Bahrain and global markets to foster greater financial integration.
They will also aim to develop a comprehensive cross-border payment framework that fosters innovation and aligns with global fintech advancements.
Through this collaboration, more than 15,000 of Bahrain’s merchants will be able to accept cross-border QR payments from Alipay+ international payment partners.
Alipay+ currently connects more than 1.8 billion user accounts across from over 40 digital payment partners to more than 150 million merchants in over 100 markets.
In addition to enabling inbound cross-border payments, both parties will also explore the introduction of outbound payment capabilities through the Alipay+ solution in the near future.
This will allow Bahraini consumers to use their preferred local payment methods internationally via the BENEFIT network, which connects every bank in the country, to make seamless digital payments at millions of Alipay+ enabled merchants abroad.
The collaboration further encompasses knowledge and technical expertise exchange, as well as joint marketing initiatives designed to raise awareness and promote the adoption of fintech solutions among individuals and businesses.
“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,” said Abdulwahed AlJanahi, Chief Executive of BENEFIT.
According to him, 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,” he noted.
He said 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,” he added.
Pietro Candela, General Manager of EMEA for Alipay+, commented the partnership aims to empower local merchants of all sizes to accept seamless payments from international travelers that Alipay+ serves with its partner wallets, while also working towards enabling BENEFIT customers to access their services in international markets in the future.
According to the statement, the upcoming launch of Alipay+ in Bahrain builds upon Ant International’s recent milestones in the Middle East this year, including the opening of Ant International’s first Middle East office in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to expand its partnerships in the region.
In addition to Bahrain, Alipay+ is also integrated into 10 national QR payment schemes in countries including Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Cambodia, Nepal and Sri Lanka.