Pay10, an advanced APM platform, has recently obtained a Ancillary Service Provider – Payment Service Provider License from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).

This regulatory approval underscores Pay10’s commitment to expanding its global reach and offering secure, real-time payment solutions for both businesses and consumers. By integrating their mobile-first technology with Bahrain’s domestic payment infrastructure, Pay10 aims to enhance transaction speed, ensure compliance, and maintain reliability in every transaction.

Supporting Real-Time Payments for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

The CBB’s endorsement positions Pay10 to contribute to Bahrain’s progressive approach to financial innovation. The country boasts a well-regulated, digital-first financial system, fostering public-private cooperation and a strong commitment to technological advancement.

According to the Central Bank of Bahrain’s Financial Stability Report for March 2025, Bahrain’s payment landscape is undergoing rapid digital transformation. In the second half of 2024, POS and e-commerce transaction volumes saw significant growth: a 20.4% increase in volume and a 14.6% boost in value. The Fawri+ system, part of Bahrain’s domestic payment infrastructure, also experienced substantial gains, with a 20.5% rise in transactions and a 13.2% increase in their value.

Furthermore, contactless payments account for over 77% of all point-of-sale transactions in the country, signaling a shift towards more convenient payment methods. The CBB anticipates that QR-code-based and wallet-enabled transactions will become the dominant retail purchase method, surpassing traditional forms of payment.

Given that more than 90% of businesses in Bahrain are classified as SMEs, these enterprises urgently require robust, efficient, and cost-effective real-time payment solutions. However, many currently lack access to legacy systems. Pay10 aims to address this gap by providing reliable services to the SME community.