- What
- Regulatory permission to test fintech, payments and crypto products.
- Who
- FinTech, payments, crypto and open-banking startups globally.
- From abroad
- Open to companies from outside Bahrain — Regulatory Sandbox Framework eligibility criteria; BD 100 non-refundable application fee All programmes open to founders from abroad →
Checked · October 2026 · cbb.gov.bh/fintech · How we check ↗
In detail
CBB FinTech Regulatory Sandbox is a regulatory sandbox in Bahrain. Central Bank of Bahrain FinTech regulatory sandbox — live testing with volunteer customers.
- Amount
- Regulatory permission to test
- Eligibility
- FinTech, payments, crypto, open banking startups globally
- Sectors
- FinTech, Payments, Crypto, Open Banking, InsurTech
- Benefits
- Prospective applicants are encouraged to approach the CBB before applying · formal decision within 15 calendar days of a complete submission
- Status
- Active — firms apply through the CBB's online Regulatory Sandbox application (CBB website account, BD 100 application fee) (checked October 2026)
Is this for you?
Where is your company?
Are you open to giving equity?
We match them against what CBB FinTech Regulatory Sandbox publishes.
A guide to the published criteria, not a decision — the programme selects.
What the source says
“The Sandbox is open to both existing CBB licensees (financial institutions with FinTech initiatives) and other companies (both local and foreign)”
“The Sandbox is a virtual space for both CBB-licensed financial institutions and other start-ups and FinTech firms to test their technology-based innovative solutions/services relevant to FinTech before scaling up their operations in Bahrain and across the region.”
“The permissible number of volunteer customers for testing is up to 100 customers.”
“Applicants wishing to enter into the Sandbox must apply to the CBB through the Regulatory Sandbox online application platform in the CBB's official website.”
“Prior to applying to enter the Sandbox, prospective applicants are encouraged to approach the CBB to discuss their application at an early stage, so that any specific questions may be dealt with prior to submitting the application to the CBB.”
“The CBB shall provide a formal decision on a submitted application within 15 calendar days after all required information and documentation have been submitted in a form acceptable to the CBB.”
Closing soon on the map
No published deadline in the next 30 days · All published deadlines →
Compare government programmes in Bahrain
| Cost | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| CBB FinTech Regulatory SandboxRegulatory permission to test fintech, payments and crypto products. | not published | No equity | Active |
| Bahrain Development BankSME financing from a BHD 3,000 minimum; SME Fund tenors up to 5 years. | not published | Loan | Active |
| Bahrain EDBInvestor support, fast registration and a startup visa. | not published | No equity | Active |
| BENEFITNational payments switch; owns Bahrain FinTech Bay. Not a funder. | not published | Not published | Active |
| MoIC BahrainLicenses incubators, accelerators and incubated startups. | not published | No equity | Active |
No programmes match these filters.
Highest amount in each programme’s own “What” line. Other currencies converted for sorting only (Gulf pegs; KWD, EUR, GBP approximate).
More programmes that take no equity →
Questions founders ask
What does CBB FinTech Regulatory Sandbox offer?
Regulatory permission to test fintech, payments and crypto products.
Does CBB FinTech Regulatory Sandbox take equity?
No equity — service or permission.
Can founders from abroad apply?
Open to companies from outside Bahrain — Regulatory Sandbox Framework eligibility criteria; BD 100 non-refundable application fee.
How do I apply?
Through its own application form — the Apply button on this page goes straight there.
Sources
Primary source · cbb.gov.bh/fintech · LinkedIn · linkedin.com/company/central-bank-of-bahrain · Checked October 2026