Football Legend Louis Saha Joins Fintech Forward 2026 Speaker Lineup in Bahrain
Louis Saha, the celebrated former footballer and a strong figure in the entrepreneurial world, is set to join an esteemed panel of speakers at Fintech Forward 2026, taking place on October 7-8 in Bahrain. This influential forum aims to explore the evolving landscape of financial services under the theme "Finance in the Era of Smart Infrastructure". Saha’s unique insights and experiences from his journey in sports to entrepreneurship will provide valuable perspectives on leadership, reinvention, and building sustainable success.
Having made his mark as a prominent striker in international football, Saha was part of some of Europe’s top clubs like Manchester United, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur. His impressive repertoire includes winning the UEFA Champions League and two Premier League titles, not to mention a silver medal at the FIFA World Cup with the French national team. However, Saha's achievements extend beyond the football field. After retiring from professional sports, he turned his focus toward technology and entrepreneurship, founding notable ventures like KiiMasters, a tech startup dedicated to transforming influence into measurable positive actions, and AxisStars, a networking platform that now boasts an estimated value of £4.3 billion, assisting numerous athletes in navigating their careers in business and finance.
At Fintech Forward 2026, Saha will participate in an engaging session titled "From the Pitch to the Platform: Turning Experience into the Next Opportunity." This informal discussion will delve into how personal experiences can reveal gaps and inspire solutions that drive meaningful impact. Drawing from his own transition from sport to the tech industry, he will share insights on how networking, mentorship, and technological advancements can help individuals manage pivotal moments in their professional lives.
"In my career, both on and off the pitch, I’ve recognized the crucial importance of accessing the right networks, receiving sound advice, and seizing opportunities that can ensure lasting success," said Saha. He expressed enthusiasm about attending the event in Bahrain, emphasizing his eagerness to discuss the challenges of reinvention in the modern age and explore how technology can facilitate better management of critical life moments.
Fintech Forward 2026 is organized by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) and supported by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) and other notable institutions. This premier event gathers thought leaders, innovators, investors, policymakers, and industry executives from around the globe to analyze the dynamics shaping the future of financial services. Attendees can expect a rich program featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, informal dialogues, exhibitions, and strategic networking opportunities.
As a significant contributor to Bahrain’s economy, the financial services sector accounted for 17.6% of the nation’s GDP in 2025. Bahrain has established a robust fintech ecosystem bolstered by over a century of experience as a regional financial hub. It boasts a conducive business environment, forward-thinking regulations, and a pool of highly skilled talent. The country was also a pioneer in introducing regulatory sandboxes, open banking regulations, and a framework for cryptocurrencies, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation while supporting the responsible evolution of financial services.
For further details or to express interest in attending Fintech Forward 2026, visit the official event website.