Bahrain: New Secured Transactions Law

Bahrain Daily Tribune. 1 December 2025: A 60 Article law will allow Bahraini businesses to use receivables, stock or other moveable assets as pan collaterial.

The new law has now been approved by shura councillors. The change is expected to cut borrowing costs for small and medium sized companies and improve Bahrain’s score on the World Bank’s New Business Readiness Index. The council backed the bill in full and it is expected to face a formal vote at the next sitting. The law is attached to Bahrain Decree No. 11/2025 and has already cleared Parliament.

It creates a single system for security rights over moveable property supported by an electronic notice register which will record and enforce these rights, as well as arranging the priorities between creditors. Companies will be able to keep using assets that they have pleaded.

The law will also let secured creditors enforce against collateral outside court in cases of default.

Further detail on how the system will operate will be detailed in the executive regulations.

The new register will allow both sides to have a clear view of existing pledges.

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Bahrain: New Anti-Money Laundering Rules Introduced for Charities

The Daily Tribune, 19 November 2025: Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development has implemented new regulations through Bahrain Decision No. 78/2025, requiring licensed charitable organisations to appoint compliance officers as part of enhanced financial monitoring measures.

Under the new requirements, all entities licensed to raise funds for charitable, social, educational, or cultural purposes must designate dedicated compliance officers. These officers will be responsible for ensuring adherence to anti-money laundering laws and monitoring fund transfers.

The regulations mandate that compliance officers verify donation proceeds are used solely for ministry-approved purposes. They must also conduct screening procedures against sanctions and terrorism lists, covering board members, founders, and employees of charitable organisations.

The ministry confirmed that the regulations apply to all legal entities that have received official permission to collect public donations or have been notified of ministry consent for fundraising activities. The new measures set out detailed procedural requirements for maintaining financial compliance within the charitable sector.

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Bahrain: Cabinet Approves New Trade and Property Initiatives

Mubasher, 17 November 2025: Bahrain’s Cabinet has approved several new measures to regulate trade and property sectors.

The Cabinet endorsed amendments to the Penal Code and the Rehabilitation and Correctional Institutions Law to regulate inmate employment programmes.

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Bahrain: Parliament Approves Major Media Law Reform

The Daily Tribune, 26 October 2025: Bahrain’s Shura Council has approved a comprehensive new Press and Media Law.

The legislative introduced several significant changes to existing media regulations. A key reform removes prison sentences for publication-related offences, replacing them with financial penalties.

The new law establishes regulatory frameworks for digital and electronic media platforms, addressing modern communication channels previously not covered by existing legislation. It also implements enhanced legal protections for working journalists.

Once ratified by the King, the law will replace previous media regulations, introducing updated standards for both traditional and digital media operations. The legislation addresses contemporary media practices while maintaining professional standards for the industry.

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Bahrain: Introduces New Regulatory Framework for Stablecoins

The Daily Tribune, 21 October 2025: The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has implemented new regulations for cash-backed stablecoins through its Stablecoin Issuance and Offering Module, establishing strict requirements for stablecoin operators, including mandatory 1:1 cash reserves and full liquidity provisions.

Under the new rules, stablecoins must be backed by recognised central bank currencies, such as the US dollar or Bahraini dinar, and will be subject to CBB supervision. The regulations also set comprehensive standards for governance, compliance, and financial disclosure, with direct redemption requirements for token holders.

The regulatory development comes as Bahrain engages in discussions with more than 50 financial and investment firms, many specialising in cryptocurrency operations. Earlier this year, the central bank granted its first Category 3 licence for digital asset trading, enabling services including brokerage, custody, storage, and crypto infrastructure.

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Bahrain: Introduces Strict New Building Controls with Maximum Fines

The Daily Tribune, 12 October 2025: Bahrain’s Parliament is considering sweeping new construction legislation that would give municipalities unprecedented enforcement powers and introduce fines of up to BD50,000 for building violations.

The draft law introduces immediate stop-work authority for municipal officers when safety risks are identified. Officials would be empowered to halt construction, demolish unsafe structures, and close hazardous buildings without prior court approval.

Under the proposed rules, all construction projects must obtain municipal permits before work begins, though minor works may be exempt with advance notice. Licensed engineering offices must oversee all major developments, with large projects requiring on-site resident engineers. Also strict compliance with approved designs and safety standards and comprehensive accessibility provisions for disabled persons.

The legislation establishes a streamlined permit system through municipal ‘one-stop shops’ where applicants can secure all necessary approvals within fixed timeframes. Private sector firms may be authorised to handle permit processing, inspections, and certification services, with costs borne by applicants.

Municipal officers would gain authority to conduct both external and internal building inspections, with the option to obtain judicial warrants if access is refused.

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Bahrain: Implements New SMS Anti-Fraud Measures

The Daily Tribune, 6 October 2025: The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Bahrain has introduced new guidelines to combat SMS fraud, developed in collaboration with the country’s mobile operators.

The regulations establish specific technical requirements for detecting fraudulent messages, blocking suspicious SMS traffic, implementing reporting mechanisms and ensuring compliance with data protection laws.

Under the new framework, mobile operators must follow prescribed procedures for identifying and preventing fraudulent messages from reaching consumers. The guidelines also outline protocols for public reporting of suspected scams.

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Bahrain: Introduces Strict Penalties for False Building Permit Applications

Al Watan News, 28 September 2025: The Bahraini government has introduced new legislation outlined in Bahrain Decree No. 53/2025, imposing severe penalties for submitting false information in building permit applications.

Under the new regulations, individuals who provide false information, use illegal methods to obtain permits, obstruct ministry inspectors, or withhold required documentation will face criminal charges. The law also applies to those who commence construction without proper permits or violate existing permits.

The law requires all construction projects to be supervised by an approved engineering office, with large-scale projects requiring a full-time engineer on site. It mandates compliance with approved designs and safety measures, including provisions for disabled access.

The legislation establishes a comprehensive inspection and monitoring system, with authorities empowered to conduct both internal and external building inspections. Court orders can be obtained to access properties where entry is refused.

For the full story, click here.

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Bahrain: Strengthens Corporate Governance with New Legal Amendments

Al Bilad Press, 12 September 2025: Bahrain has introduced significant amendments to its Commercial Companies Law (Bahrain Decree-Law No. 21/2001), expanding personal liability for company executives and directors.

The key amendment to Article 18 of Bahrain Decree-Law No. 21/2001 extends personal liability to both visible and hidden company managers. Under the new provisions, directors, board members, and actual managers of shareholding companies and limited liability companies will be personally liable with their private assets for damages affecting the company, shareholders, partners, or third parties.

The revised law specifically addresses responsibility in cases of negligence, gross error, or violations of company laws and articles of association. Notably, the amendments establish that liability cannot be avoided even if violations result from board or general assembly decisions, unless the individual formally objected and recorded their opposition in meeting minutes.

The legislation introduces joint and collective responsibility in cases involving multiple violators. Absence from meetings where damaging decisions were made does not exempt individuals from liability unless they can prove they were unaware of the decision or unable to object.

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