Keywords
Bahrain
Skills Gap
Industry-academia Collaboration
Curriculum Alignment
How to Cite
Abstract
The rapid growth of financial technology (FinTech) has transformed global financial services, generating strong demand for a workforce with both financial literacy and technological expertise. This study examines the alignment between FinTech education in Bahrain and the evolving needs of its FinTech sector. Although Bahrain has emerged as a regional FinTech hub—supported by progressive regulation and institutional initiatives—concerns remain about the ability of academic programs to prepare graduates for industry demands. Adopting a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive design, this research draws on secondary data and thematic analysis to evaluate curriculum relevance, technological integration, and industry-academic collaboration. The findings reveal that while Bahraini institutions have integrated FinTech topics such as blockchain, digital payments, and RegTech into their programs, significant gaps persist. These include insufficient practical training, uneven access to advanced tools, and limited structured engagement between academia and industry. Survey responses confirm a generally positive perception of curricular relevance, yet highlight a widely acknowledged skills gap in areas requiring hands-on application. Correlation analysis further indicates that stronger industry partnerships are positively associated with perceptions of educational adequacy. The study concludes by recommending targeted curriculum reforms, greater investment in educational technologies, and the institutionalization of internships and co-designed projects. By offering evidence-based insights, the research contributes to the broader discourse on workforce readiness in digital economies and provides a replicable framework for strengthening FinTech education in emerging markets.
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