Richie Santosdiaz keynotes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Richie Santosdiaz: Championing Economic Development Through Innovation and Inclusion
Richie Santosdiaz is an internationally recognized economic development advisor and keynote speaker with nearly two decades of global consulting experience. His core mission is to accelerate economic growth through internationalization, financial inclusion, and digital transformation.
A native of the United States, Richie built much of his career in London and has been based in Dubai since 2019, working across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. He has advised numerous public sector clients—ranging from ministries to government agencies—on strategic projects focused on international trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), fintech, and digital economy development.
Richie is the founder of his own consultancy and formerly served as Head of Strategy for a niche consulting firm. His approach blends rigorous strategic insight with a deep commitment to social impact, especially within emerging markets.
Beyond consulting, Richie is a prolific voice in global thought leadership. He contributes regular columns to the World Economic Forum, Forbes, and The Fintech Times, where he still serves as an Economic Development Advisor. In 2020, Richie launched The Fintech Times in the Middle East and Africa, expanding its reach and relevance across the region. He is the author of the annual Economic Development Through Fintech: The Middle East and Africa Report.
🔹 Notable Achievements & Stories
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Led and contributed to national strategies and implementation plans that shaped economic development outcomes for ministries and public sector organizations across EMEA and the Americas.
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Successfully introduced The Fintech Times to the Middle East and Africa in 2020, enhancing fintech ecosystem visibility in emerging markets.
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Authored the widely cited Economic Development Through Fintech report for four consecutive years.
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Delivered keynote speeches and moderated high-level panels at international conferences across sectors—often focusing on financial inclusion, digital transformation, and youth engagement.
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Regular contributor to prestigious platforms like World Economic Forum and Forbes, influencing global discourse on trade, innovation, and development.
Language spoken by the keynote speaker:
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English
Key Themes & Expertise
Economic Development in Emerging Markets
Bridging policy and innovation to unlock growth opportunities through sustainable development strategies.
Fintech as a Catalyst for Inclusion
How digital finance can foster equitable growth and access across underserved communities.
International Trade & FDI Strategy
Insights into building resilient economies through investment attraction and export diversification.
Digital Transformation & Innovation
The power of disruptive technologies to reshape public and private sector ecosystems in the Global South.
Youth Empowerment & Inclusive Growth
Creating pathways for young people to participate in and benefit from economic advancement.
Why His Keynotes Matter
In a world navigating unprecedented digital and economic shifts, Richie Santosdiaz provides a pragmatic, global view of how governments and industries can adapt. His sessions are ideal for audiences seeking to understand how digital tools—especially fintech—can unlock economic potential, drive inclusion, and empower the next generation of global citizens. With proven consulting success and a passion for real-world results, his keynotes spark both insight and action.
