CFI Financial has become the first investment platform in Bahrain to adopt eKey for Business, offering biometric onboarding for clients. The system utilizes 3D facial recognition, eliminating the need for passwords, one-time passcodes, and manual document uploads, thereby providing faster and more secure account setup.
The rollout forms part of Bahrain’s eKey 2.0 initiative, which extends passwordless, consent-based digital identity services from the public sector to private companies. The platform is developed by Beyon Connect in cooperation with the Information & eGovernment Authority.
Yaseen Alsamerrai, CFI’s Country CEO in Bahrain, said the integration “supports a fast, secure, and intuitive trading experience.” He emphasized that biometric onboarding enhances convenience while meeting strict regulatory standards.
The integration aligns with the Central Bank of Bahrain’s KYC requirements and the Personal Data Protection Law. Christopher Hild, CEO of Beyon Connect, stated that the adoption demonstrates “growing momentum in Bahrain’s digital identity ecosystem.”
Through eKey for Business, CFI Financial now provides clients with fully digital onboarding, relying on the national digital identity infrastructure. The service allows users to register remotely without physical documents, simplifying the process for both retail and institutional clients.
In addition to technology updates, CFI reported strong trading activity in the third quarter of 2025. The group recorded USD 1.55 trillion in total trading volume, a 3% increase from the previous quarter and 54% higher than Q3 2024. September alone accounted for USD 625 billion in trading.
Active clients rose 28% year on year, and funded accounts increased by 27% compared with 2024. This growth reflects broader adoption of digital trading solutions and increasing client engagement across markets.
CFI also expanded its operations internationally, including new offices in Bahrain and Colombia. The company reinforced brand visibility through ambassador programs and partnerships, such as serving as the Official Online Trading Partner of Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena.
Experts say the eKey adoption strengthens Bahrain’s position as a regional fintech hub while improving efficiency and compliance in financial services. Observers note that biometric onboarding may become standard in other Gulf markets as digital identity systems mature.
Looking ahead, CFI plans to scale its eKey-enabled services to additional markets while continuing to enhance digital trading experiences. Analysts suggest that such innovations could attract further retail and institutional participation.
