Bahrain
The Central Bank of Bahrain operates one of the GCC's earliest comprehensive crypto-asset frameworks, with structured licensing across exchange, custody, advisory and brokerage activities.
Scope, licensing and operational frame.
Scope of Regulation
The CBB Crypto-Asset Module regulates licensed crypto-asset services across four categories spanning advisory, brokerage, custody and trading.
Who requires a licence
Crypto-asset service providers operating from Bahrain.
Restricted activities
Unlicensed activity; non-permitted assets.
Permitted activities
Licensed services under the four CBB categories.
Practical & advisory implications
Substance, governance, client asset segregation and AML/CFT controls are required.
Evolution at a glance.
CBB Crypto-Asset Module enacted — among the earliest GCC frameworks.
Framework expanded with operational guidance.
Tokenisation and stablecoin pathways formalised.
Recent regulatory signals.
CBB updates licensing categories for crypto-asset services
Guidance on stablecoin reserve standards
"Bahrain offers a structured and operationally established regime for crypto activity."