Bahrain-based digital financial infrastructure provider INFINIOS has launched stablecoin settlement with Mastercard, becoming the first issuer in Bahrain and among the first fintech companies in the Middle East to introduce the capability for Mastercard transactions.
The rollout marks a significant step in the region’s digital payments landscape, allowing settlements to be completed using regulated stablecoins while improving transaction speed and operational efficiency for businesses. The initiative aligns with Mastercard’s broader strategy of integrating blockchain-based payment solutions into traditional financial infrastructure.
INFINIOS was selected as one of Mastercard’s first live partners for stablecoin settlement after meeting regulatory, operational, and technical requirements. The partnership is expected to support the gradual introduction of 24/7 settlement services, addressing delays that have traditionally affected cross-border and institutional payments while maintaining compliance with financial regulations.
Sherif Abdelsalam, Chief Executive Officer of INFINIOS, said the launch represents a move toward a faster, more transparent, and digitally focused payment ecosystem. He noted that Bahrain continues to strengthen its position as a regional leader in financial innovation and payment technology.
Mastercard also described the collaboration as part of its expanding blockchain and digital assets strategy in the Middle East. Saud Swar, Mastercard’s Country Manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and the Levant, said the company is working with regional partners to accelerate stablecoin adoption and build enterprise-grade digital settlement infrastructure across the region.
According to both companies, the integration will enable banks, fintech firms, and enterprises to connect with Mastercard’s global payments network while benefiting from the speed and programmability offered by blockchain-based settlement.
The latest development follows INFINIOS’ broader expansion in the Middle East’s digital finance sector. In June, the company signed a strategic agreement with Circle Internet Financial, the issuer of the USDC and EURC stablecoins, to enhance digital payment and treasury services across the Gulf.
Under the partnership, INFINIOS plans to integrate Circle’s blockchain infrastructure and API-powered payment capabilities to support cross-border transactions, treasury management, merchant settlements, platform payouts, tokenized financial services, and embedded finance solutions.
The company said the collaboration with Circle is designed to strengthen secure and interoperable payment infrastructure while maintaining compliance with international standards covering know-your-customer (KYC), anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT), and data protection.
