In a recent discussion with Mr. Hussain Khalid AlMaskati, Board Director Member of Cork Information Technology (CIT), Cash & Trade delved into the transformative impact of the Corklinc platform on Bahrain’s supply chain finance sector. The conversation highlighted how Corklinc is digitizing access to liquidity, streamlining operational processes, and advancing financial inclusion for both corporates and SMEs.
Board Director Member of Cork Information Technology (CIT) – Bahrain
Mr. AlMaskati explained the ways in which Corklinc is driving change within the industry, emphasizing its role in modernizing the financial landscape for Bahraini banks. The interview also explored the implications of these innovations for the banking sector and discussed what lies ahead on Corklinc’s roadmap for continued technological advancement.
Corklinc has emerged as a transformative force in Bahrain’s financial landscape, offering a digital platform that addresses longstanding inefficiencies in traditional banking. By enabling faster, simpler, and more inclusive access to working capital; while supporting both conventional and Sharia-compliant structures; CIT’s mission is to continue helping banks and corporates unlock new value across the supply chain.
Q: How do you see the evolution of supply chain finance in the market, and what role do Bahraini banks play in that transformation?
Hussain: It’s not just evolution but rather a differentiation. Supply chain finance is becoming a strategic lever for banks to deliver unique value to corporates and SMEs. At CORK, we believe that enabling smooth cash flow between anchors and suppliers directly strengthens the broader economy. Bahraini banks are pivotal in this transformation, acting as trusted intermediaries. Through Corklinc, we’re helping institutions like NBB and BISB digitize their programs, delivering faster, more transparent access to liquidity. This supports large corporates and fosters financial inclusion for underserved suppliers.
Q: What specific gaps in Bahrain’s banking ecosystem does your platform aim to address?
Hussain: We’re tackling inefficiencies rooted in traditional banking through lengthy loan procedures, limited access to working capital, and fragmented onboarding. Corklinc streamlines funding access, making it faster, simpler, and more inclusive than conventional channels.
Q: How do you tailor your solution to meet the regulatory and operational nuances of Bahraini banks?
Hussain: Every deployment begins with rigorous test cases aligned to the bank’s internal policies. We adhere to CBB best practices on AML, KYC, and data residency. Recognizing the importance of Islamic finance, Corklinc supports Sharia-compliant structures alongside conventional ones, ensuring both technological and regulatory fit.
Q: What core functionalities does your system offer to support receivables discounting—especially for corporate clients?
Hussain: Our platform focuses on invoice prepayment and dynamic discounting, both available in Sharia-compliant formats. We also support factoring, reverse factoring, and multiple discounting models tailored to corporate treasury needs.
Q: How does your platform integrate with banks’ existing core systems and ERP platforms used by corporates?
Hussain: Integration is seamless via secure SSO, APIs, and standardized file formats. This ensures smooth data exchange, compliance with IT policies, and minimal disruption to existing infrastructure.
Q: Can you share how your solution handles risk scoring, credit decisioning, and dynamic discounting?
Hussain: We use automated risk scoring models based on financial and transactional data. These feed into credit workflows aligned with each bank’s policies. For corporates, we enable dynamic discounting, allowing suppliers to access early payments at negotiated rates. All credit decisions remain under the bank’s control. Our platform simply automates and accelerates the process.
Q: How do you ensure compliance with Bahrain’s data protection laws and Central Bank regulations?
Hussain: Compliance with BDPL and CBB regulations is foundational. We implement strict controls for data privacy, consent management, and secure handling. Regular vulnerability assessments, encryption protocols, and disaster recovery measures ensure full alignment with CBB cybersecurity standards.
Q: What cybersecurity protocols are embedded in your platform, especially around transaction-level data?
Hussain: All data is encrypted end-to-end. Our project management framework ensures every transaction is securely tracked, with audit trails and access controls embedded at every layer.
Q: Are you working with government platforms (e.g., Tamkeen, EDB) to enhance your offering?
Hussain: Yes, we plan to engage with Tamkeen and the Economic Development Board (EDB) to align our platform with national liquidity and SME empowerment initiatives. Our goal is to extend supply chain finance access to smaller suppliers who may not qualify for traditional credit lines. By integrating with government-backed programs, we can offer subsidized onboarding, preferential discounting rates, and targeted outreach to high-impact sectors like manufacturing and logistics. These partnerships are key to scaling financial inclusion and supporting Bahrain’s broader economic diversification agenda.
Q: Can you share any case studies or metrics from Bahraini or regional banks that demonstrate ROI or client adoption?
Hussain: Absolutely. One of our flagship implementations was with the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), where we digitized their supplier finance program. Within the first six months, supplier onboarding increased aggressively, and average payment turnaround dropped from 60 days to just 6. This not only improved supplier liquidity but also enhanced NBB’s operational efficiency and client satisfaction. Similarly, our deployment with Bahrain Islamic Bank (BISB) enabled Sharia-compliant discounting for SME suppliers, with over 60% opting into early payment programs demonstrating strong demand and trust in the platform
Q: What upcoming features or innovations are you prioritizing—AI-driven credit analytics, blockchain-based invoice validation, etc.?
Hussain: We’re enhancing our risk analytics with AI to deliver predictive credit scoring and smarter liquidity decisions. These innovations ensure Corklinc remains ahead of market needs and aligns with global best practices.
Q: How do you see your platform evolving to support ESG-linked supply chain finance or green receivables programs?
Hussain: ESG priorities are bank-driven, and Corklinc provides the infrastructure to support them. Our platform can incorporate ESG-linked criteria, enabling banks to prioritize sustainable suppliers or offer preferential terms for green initiatives; without dictating the framework.
Q: What are the three top success factors for banks launching or scaling receivables discounting programs in Bahrain?
Hussain:
- Securing strong anchor corporates to drive supplier participation
- Executing digitally for speed, transparency, and scalability
- Implementing robust risk management to protect the bank’s balance sheet while extending liquidity
Q: How should banks position this offer to corporate treasurers, especially in sectors like manufacturing, retail, or logistics?
Hussain: Position as a strategic working capital solution rather than a loan. Corklinc gives treasurers visibility and control over cash flow, while ensuring supplier resilience. In manufacturing, it stabilizes supply continuity; in retail, it optimizes inventory cycles; in logistics, it keeps contractors’ liquid. It’s a tool for ecosystem health, not just transactional efficiency.