finpeel Answers · Bahrain · updated 2026-08-14

Do I need a licence for open banking in Bahrain?

Yes, if you provide regulated Account Information or Payment Initiation services. Under the CBB Open Banking framework, AISPs and PISPs must be appropriately licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain.

Bahrain treats open banking as a regulated financial service, not simply an API standard. Customer consent and technical connectivity do not replace the required CBB permission.

A technology vendor supplying infrastructure to a licensed AISP or PISP can have a different perimeter if it does not itself provide the regulated service.

Regulator: Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB)

Primary sources: Central Bank of Bahrain — Open Banking

Directional — not legal advice. Verify with the regulator before committing.

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