- Zain Bahrain Chairman: “We aim to revolutionize the Kingdom’s financial landscape by changing traditional financial services and delivering innovative solutions contributing to Vision 2030.”
- Zain Vice Chairman & Group CEO, Bader Al-Kharafi: “Introduction of Bede App a key part of Zain’s ‘4Sight’ strategy in driving financial inclusion and contributing to the evolution of the region’s digital ecosystem”.
- Shariah-compliant AI-powered platform offers consumer micro-finance in minutes over a mobile app amongst a variety of financial services and products.
- Designed with inclusivity at its core, ensuring that it is accessible and beneficial to everyone
- Abdul Nasser Al-Rayes appointed CEO of Zain Bahrain New Subsidiary Fintech Company
Manama – 06 February 2024: Zain Bahrain, a leading telecommunications provider in the Kingdom, announces the launch of its new fintech brand, Bede, an innovative Shariah Compliant Fintech Mobile App operating under a company licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) aiming to deliver convenient microfinance services to its customers.
Bede is an innovative Shariah-compliant fintech mobile app offering a seamless consumer microfinance service in just a few steps. Applicants can download the app and receive instant, hassle-free approvals based on their credit profile and unique financial needs and goals, making accessing the funds they need easier than ever.
The launch ceremony held at the Ritz Carlton, Bahrain was attended by Ministers, Board Members, CEOs of major companies, government officials, industry experts; and other key stakeholders, who witnessed first-hand the unique features of Bede.
The official launch event revealed Bede App in Bahrain marking a significant milestone in Zain FinTech’s journey across its footprint and the Kingdom’s digital landscape, to drive financial inclusion and revolutionize the growth of the regional fintech ecosystem. Zain FinTech is the financial services arm of Zain Group and playing a key part of Zain’s ‘4Sight’ strategy by introducing and overseeing fintech services across the company’s Middle East and African footprint. It focuses on rolling out innovative products and services related to payments, remittances, credit cards and micro-finance within the Zain ecosystem and beyond.
Zain Bahrain Chairman, H.E Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa said, “This strategic introduction of Bede App reflects Zain’s continuous commitment to innovation and its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its customers in the digital era while accelerating the pace of development in new financial services. With the establishment of this subsidiary, we aim to revolutionize the Kingdom’s financial landscape by changing traditional financial services, providing cutting-edge technologies, and delivering innovative financial solutions to stimulate innovation efforts.”
The Chairman continued, “We are confident that this new fintech subsidiary venture will not only enhance our position as a leading digital lifestyle provider but also contribute to the growth and development of the Fintech industry in the Kingdom, which comes as part of the Kingdom’s comprehensive development under the prosperous reign of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and in fulfillment of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown. We would also like to thank the Kingdom of Bahrain, its government, ministries including all our partners for their support in nurturing the economy and creating an environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. We look forward to the exciting opportunities and partnerships as we embark on this new chapter of our journey.”
Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO, Bader Al-Kharafi, commented, “The expansion of innovative fintech services drives financial inclusion and advances the region’s digital ecosystem, supporting the socio-economic visions of the countries we serve. The launch of the new Bede App, first in Bahrain, represents a major step in Zain’s ‘4Sight’ strategy and aspirations to expand our regional leadership in the fintech arena, catering to consumers’ lifestyles and emerging demands beyond basic telecom services on the back of our footprint, customer base, and leading technologies. I thank and recognize the efforts of the fintech teams at Zain and Bede in realizing this opportunity and embracing a future where financial services are accessible, efficient, and inclusive for all.”
Abdul Nasser Al-Rayes, Zain Bahrain Fintech Subsidiary CEO said, “We would like to thank the Kingdom of Bahrain, its government, ministries including all our partners for their support in nurturing the economy and creating an environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. Bede App is part of Zain Bahrain’s digital transformation journey, upholding the Kingdom’s 2030 economic and diversification plans through introducing new services and solutions in the financial technology sector.”
He added, “We aim to revolutionize the fintech landscape in the Kingdom and serve as a catalyst for change in the entire region. Its advanced Sharia-compliant features, user-friendly interface, and commitment to security make it a game-changer in financial technology. By embracing Bede, we are embracing a future where financial services are accessible, efficient, and inclusive for all. Let us pave the way for seamless, customer-centric financial solutions.”
The Bede App name and logo
Bede stems from the Arabic meaning of “in my hand”, hence the customers’ freedom to manage their financials, the way they desire, in their own hands. The brand’s colors are inspired by a human approach which translates to a friendly and approachable personality. The primary colors are black and white with injected bright and playful colors which focus on the positive energy of banking and the human element of the brand that offers a clean and direct approach. With its brand slogan “When you get more, you do more”, Bede believes in providing the tools and solutions that allow everyone a level playing field to be able to achieve and go as far as possible.
More on Bede App
The cutting-edge mobile app leverages advanced technology and innovative features to simplify the financial journey for those seeking convenient, ethical, and Shariah-compliant financial services. Bede’s end-to-end digital solution leverages the power of mobile apps for digital onboarding and eKYC as well as artificial intelligence for fast creditworthiness assessment of customers.
Moreover, the newly launched fintech app prioritizes the security and privacy of its customers and is committed to ensuring the highest standards of privacy. The app incorporates robust security measures to protect user data and transactions, ensuring a safe and reliable experience.
In an era where digitalization is reshaping industries and economies, Zain Bahrain has recognized the immense potential of technology to revolutionize the financial sector. With a deep understanding of the importance of diversification, Zain Bahrain has prioritized contributing to the Kingdom’s economic and sustainable growth by embracing digital transformation and financial inclusion.
For press inquiries, please contact
Alaa Al Shaikh
Media Relation Expert
Zain Bahrain
Alaa.Alshaikh@bh.zain.com
+973 36030783
About Bede in Bahrain:
Bede in Bahrain is a Fintech App launched by a CBB licensed financing company in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is a dynamic platform dedicated to transforming the landscape of financing in the Kingdom. Aiming to be a prominent entity in the Islamic micro finance industry and beyond, Bede offers easy and instant personal Islamic finance solutions through its innovative mobile app. Empowering individuals to access the financial resources they need, right at their fingertips. Through strategic partnerships with selected employers, Bede also extend its services to offer Islamic personal finance options to their employees, providing added convenience and accessibility. For more, please visit bede.bh
About Zain Bahrain:
Zain Bahrain, a telecommunications industry innovator focused on enhancing customer experience, was awarded a mobile telecom license on 22 April 2003 and commenced commercial operations on 28 December 2003. The operation promptly placed the Kingdom of Bahrain on the world telecom map through the introduction of many mobile technology innovations that continue to this day with nationwide high-speed 4G LTE and 5G services being offered through the Kingdom’s most advanced mobile network. Zain Bahrain, listed on the Bahrain Bourse (Ticker: ZAINBH), is part of Zain Group, a leading telecommunications operator across the Middle East and Africa, which provides mobile voice and data services to 52 million active customers as of September 30, 2023. With a commercial presence in seven countries, Zain operates in Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and South Sudan. In Morocco, Zain has a 15.5% stake in ‘INWI,’ through a joint venture. For more information, please email info@bh.zain.com or visit: www.bh.zain.com