NBB Signs MoU with Partior to Explore On-Chain BHD Settlement Capabilities

Manama, Bahrain – October 15, 2026: The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Partior, the production-live, multi-bank blockchain settlement network, to explore the Bank’s potential role as a Bahraini Dinar (BHD) settlement bank on Partior’s network. 

The agreement establishes a framework for the two organisations to evaluate the proposed operating model, implementation requirements, and technical feasibility. The assessment will also consider the relevant regulatory requirements as the parties determine how a proposed model could be developed within Bahrain’s financial services ecosystem.

Commenting on the occasion, Vineet Munot, Group Head of Transaction Banking at NBB, said, “The way financial institutions settle money across markets is continuing to evolve, creating opportunities to examine new mechanisms for connectivity and settlement. Our engagement with Partior allows us to assess how NBB’s local market capabilities could support Bahraini Dinar settlement within an emerging digital infrastructure. We will approach this opportunity with the appropriate technical, operational and regulatory considerations as we determine its potential value for NBB and Bahrain’s banking and finance industry.”

Humphrey Valenbreder, CEO of Partior, stated, “Expanding the range of currencies available across next-generation settlement platforms is an important part of advancing interoperability between financial markets. Our work with NBB gives us an avenue to assess how Bahraini Dinar settlement could be incorporated into Partior’s network, building on our growing presence across the GCC. We look forward to working together to evaluate a model that can support efficient and transparent cross border  flows working with a world class partner like NBB.”

The MoU reflects NBB’s continued focus on strengthening its Transaction Banking capabilities through carefully selected partnerships and emerging financial infrastructure. By exploring new approaches to clearing and settlement, the Bank is seeking to enhance its international connectivity while contributing its local market expertise to the continued development of the Kingdom’s financial services sector.