Shows
Couchonomics with ArjunCouchonomics with Arjun is BACK!We're officially back - bigger, bolder, more diverse, and more global than ever. In Season 4, we’re asking the real questions: - What’s next for AI, digital assets, open banking, and embedded finance? - How are regulations and disruptive technologies reshaping financial services? - Are we really keeping pace with the transformation?Over 100 episodes in — and the journey’s just getting started. Tune in and join the conversation as we decode the future of finance together. Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find us on our social med...2025-05-0501 min
Couchonomics with ArjunHow Japanese Capital is Changing the Game in MicrofinanceRedefining Microfinance — With Feet on the Ground & Fire in the BellyWhat if the future of financial inclusion wasn’t digital-first… but human-first?In this Tokyo edition of Couchonomics with Arjun, we had the chance to sit down with Taejun Shin, Founder & CEO of Gojo — a rapidly growing microfinance platform working across 13 countries and reaching millions of underserved customers throughout the Global South. As for Gojo? Many are calling it the “private sector’s answer to the World Bank” — and it’s easy to see why.Tune in to the special series of Couchonomics with A...2025-04-3024 min
Couchonomics with ArjunJapan’s VC Market: Navigating a New Era of InvestmentRewiring fintech infrastructure — operator-led, globally scaledCouchonomics with Arjun is once again beaming in from Japan. This time, we're joined by Logan Allin, Founder & Managing Partner at Fin Capital. Logan’s journey from SoFi Ventures to building Fin Capital is rooted in one big idea — fintech doesn’t need more flashy consumer apps, it needs better infrastructure.We unpack: 💼 Why Fin Capital backs B2B fintech for banks, insurers, and asset managers 🌍 Fin Capital’s expansion into Asia — why now might be the best time to bring your fintech to Tokyo 💸 Why banks are spending billions on...2025-04-2831 min
Couchonomics with ArjunRegulators, Reform & Bitcoin: Japan’s Crypto FutureJapan is regulated, conservative — and still ahead of the curve in digital assets.In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, recorded in Tokyo with the support of GFTN Forum Japan, we sit down with Genki Oda, Managing Executive Director at SBI Holdings and Chairman of the Japan Virtual and Crypto Assets Exchange Association (JVCEA).Genki has played a central role in shaping Japan’s digital asset landscape, and in this candid conversation, he shares sharp insights on where crypto is headed — in Japan and beyond.A sharp and timely look at the future of digital finance in one...2025-04-2125 min
Couchonomics with ArjunWhy Japan’s Startup Ecosystem Isn’t Scaling — YetWhy hasn’t Japan produced more global startup giants?In this special Japan series of Couchonomics with Arjun, recorded in Tokyo and in collaboration with GFTN Forum Japan, Arjun sits down with Jordan Fisher, Venture Partner at Antler and Co-founder of Zehitomo.From the hidden inefficiencies in Japan’s service economy to the deeper structural and cultural barriers that limit growth, this conversation explores what it will take to build a more ambitious, globally competitive startup ecosystem in Japan.🎙️ This is Episode 1 of a special 7-part series recorded on location across Japan.👉 Don’t forget...2025-04-1731 min
Couchonomics with ArjunSpecial Series at SFF 2024: Episode 7Can Capital Save the Planet? 🌍💰In this special Couchonomics x The Founders Peak episode from Singapore Fintech Festival 2024, we sit down with Oi Yee Choo, CEO of Climate Impact X (CIX), to discuss the future of sustainability finance and carbon markets.🌱 Topics we covered: ✅ The biggest challenges in carbon markets ✅ How CIX is building a trusted global marketplace ✅ The role of AI, blockchain, and tokenization in improving transparency ✅ What’s next for carbon trading and finance’s role in sustainabilityWith trust and transparency key to scaling carbon markets, how do we get there? Watc...2025-02-0725 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 109. Billionaire's Blueprint: Wealth, AI & Investing in the UAE with Fahd IqbalIs the Middle East set to be the ultimate billionaire’s playground by 2025?In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we're joined by Fahd Iqbal, CIO of UBS Middle East. We explore the influx of billionaires reshaping the UAE, the rise of family offices, and how AI is transforming investment strategies. Fahd shares his expert predictions for 2025 and the financial shifts happening across the region.Don’t miss out—watch now to stay ahead of the curve! Couchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.c...2025-01-2955 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 108. Transforming Transactions: NETS CEO Lawrence Chan's Payments VisionCan payments ever be truly invisible? Lawrence Chan, Group CEO of NETS, is beaming in virtually from Singapore to discuss how the world of payments is rapidly changing and what it means for businesses everywhere. Lawrence and Arjun covered a range of topics during our conversation. Here are some key points:🌐 ASEAN payment connectivity and the potential of cross-border QR payments 🔧 How NETS is supporting merchants with smart solutions beyond just payments 🔑 The evolution of payment systems over the next 5-7 years and why resiliency will be keyWe’re excited for you...2025-01-2058 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 107. PropTech in Saudi Arabia: Redefining Real Estate with Razwa AlharthiPropTech Power in Saudi Arabia!In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we had an engaging conversation with Razwa Alharthi, Co-Founder of Nuzul, at Jeel, Riyadh Bank's innovation hub. Razwa shared how her PropTech startup is driving innovation and efficiency in Saudi Arabia's real estate sector through cutting-edge technology.We also discussed: 👉 The story behind Nuzul and how it empowers real estate agents with digital tools to streamline workflows. 👉 How Nuzul addresses inefficiencies in areas like inventory management and client interactions. 👉 The transformative potential of data, AI, and blockchain in shaping the future of real esta...2025-01-1355 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 106. Reinventing Wealth Management With Malaa TechnologiesA New Era of Wealth Management! 💰Couchonomics with Arjun is coming to you straight from Saudi Arabia! 🇸🇦 In this episode filmed at Jeel, Riyadh Bank's innovation hub, we chat with Ali Alorainy and Faisal Alqarni, the founders of Malaa Technologies, a wealth tech platform reshaping personal finance with a fresh, automated approach.Here’s what you’ll discover in our conversation: 👉 How Malaa is shifting from traditional financial tools to goal-driven, automated financial planning. 👉 The impact of financial inclusion and how Malaa is bridging gaps in underserved markets. 👉 Why automation is key to achieving financial goals...2025-01-061h 04
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 101. Optimizing cash returns with Walter De OudeThis week on #Couchonomics, Arjun sits down with Walter De Oude, the visionary Founder & CEO of Chocolate Finance—a high-yield cash management platform designed to bring better returns on idle cash. Joining from Singapore, Walter shares his inspiring journey from launching SingLife to creating Chocolate Finance, along with his vision for empowering “lazy savers” with higher returns.In this episode, Arjun and Walter dive into:- The inspiration behind Chocolate Finance - How Chocolate Finance stands out in the market - The regulatory approach shaping its growth - Trends in FinTech, including digital assets, AI...2024-10-2848 minCouchonomics with Arjun100 Episodes In ReviewExciting plans for Season 4 are already in motion, and in this 100th-episode special, Arjun takes a turn on the other side of the #couch! Hosting this special edition is Vuk Zlatarov, Co-founder and CEO of Poddster, who delves into Arjun’s journey behind the scenes. Vuk leads Arjun through a candid discussion about the journey of building the show, from its early days to becoming a space for the region's most insightful conversations. They explore the challenges, standout moments, and the future direction of the show as it continues to grow. Plus, Vuk surprises Arjun with...2024-10-2621 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 100 (part 3) Current changes in payments with Roelant PrinsWe continue celebrating the 100th episode of Couchonomics with Arjun!For this milestone episode, we’re happy to welcome back Roelant Prins, Chief Commercial Officer at Adyen. Roelant and Arjun had an interesting conversation at the end of Season 1, where we filmed a special episode in Amsterdam.Today, Roelant joins us remotely to discuss the evolving payments landscape and explore the critical shifts happening in both Europe and the Middle East.Catch this insightful conversation with Roelant as we celebrate 100 episodes of learning innovation, and community!Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH02024-10-2446 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 100 (part 1) Leadership lessons with Sopnendu MohantyCelebrating the 100th episode of Couchonomics With Arjun with a special guest, Mr. FinTech himself, Sopnendu Mohanty, Chairman of the Board at Elevandi and Chief FinTech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). In our humble opinion, he's been the chief catalyst in turning Singapore into a FinTech powerhouse.In this part of our 100th-episode special, Sopnendu and Arjun explore significant shifts in the FinTech landscape, including the evolution of digital assets and CBDCs, the impact of AI, and Singapore’s initiatives for a seamless digital finance ecosystem and cross-border payments. They also discuss Sin...2024-10-2254 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 95. Transforming Access And Trading Bonds To A New Era With Rahul BanerjeeIn this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we're joined by Rahul Banerjee, Founder & CEO of Bondblox, to explore the future of bond trading. Rahul shares how Bondblox is transforming access to bonds, opening up opportunities for retail investors in a market traditionally controlled by institutions.Arjun and Rahul discuss the rapid growth of the bond market, particularly in Asia, and how technology is playing a key role in bridging the gap between institutional and individual investors. If you're curious about the bond market's impact on your wealth or interested in the latest financial innovations, this conversation is...2024-09-2451 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp. 93 How Kaspi is Revolutionizing Everyday Life: A Conversation with Mikhail LomtadzeFULL EPISODE - AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY IN AUDIO ONLYIn this episode, Arjun engages in a fascinating conversation with Mikhail Lomtadze, CEO and co-founder of Kaspi, the groundbreaking super app that is transforming daily life in Kazakhstan and beyond. Mikhail shares Kaspi's journey from traditional banking and financial services to becoming a super app that offers everything from shopping and payments to government services and even marriage registrations—all within one platform.They explore the mission behind Kaspi's innovative mobile services, the challenges faced in its early stages, and how Kaspi is adding value to...2024-08-1947 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp. 92 Why is the UAE the perfect place for Roger Rouhana's vision?In this episode, Arjun sits down with Roger Rouhana, CEO of Alpheya, to explore the future of wealth management in the MENA region.Their conversation delves into global wealth and asset management trends, highlighting the growing demand for innovative digital solutions and the crucial role of robo-advisors in making wealth management more accessible.They also discuss Alpheya's mission and foundation, the evolving landscape of wealth management in the GCC region, and the impact of trading apps on the wealth tech industry. Don’t miss our insightful discussion on how technology is reshaping the wor...2024-08-121h 04
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 89. Solving the most critical challenges for businesses in 2024 with Vikram SuriThe art of replacing disjointed systems with digitized processes.Join us on Couchonomics with Arjun as we sit down with Vikram Suri, Managing Director for the Middle East and Turkey region at FIS. In this episode, Vikram and Arjun explore FIS’s significant impact in the GCC region and their constant drive for innovation and reinvention. We discuss the ever-evolving world of fintech and payments, covering topics such as Payment Trends and Financial Inclusion, Banks and Payment Infrastructure, Biometrics and Contactless Payments, and FIS’s Approach to Security. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the fu...2024-07-2252 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 88. The launch of modern Islamic community bank Ruya with Christoph KosterIn this episode, we’re joined by Christoph Koster, CEO of Ruya Bank, a digital-first Islamic community bank in the UAE. Ruya Bank is dedicated to bringing ethical Islamic banking practices to all communities in the UAE, supporting SMEs, startups, and low-income groups. Christoph and Arjun explore Islamic finance and banking, the potential for growth and collaboration in Islamic fintech, Ruya’s adoption of new technologies, and more.Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of community banks, Islamic banking, and Ruya’s efforts to reshape banking in the UAE with its ethical approach.#DigitalBanking #Islami...2024-07-1554 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 87. How can AI navigate the risks and stay ahead in real estate investments with Ranime El SkaffCan you rely on AI to invest in real estate globally?Joining us this week on the #couch is Ranime El Skaff, the co-founder of PropAI—a platform that uses AI to simplify Dubai’s real estate investments. In this episode, we uncover the evolution of PropTech in the region, real estate trends, and how her company is revolutionizing real estate investment with cutting-edge technology.Ranime and Arjun also discover the challeges in real estate invetsment, the dynamics of Dubai and Saudi Arabican RE market, future plans for Prop-AI and more.Don't miss out...2024-07-0953 minCouchonomics with ArjunCouchonomics with Arjun│Season 03 - Official TrailerSeason 3 of Couchonomics with Arjun, a podcast dedicated to dissecting the seismic shifts which are rearchitecting the global financial system. Our journey transcends the MENA region's boundaries, focusing this season on Saudi Arabia, exploring the innovation that is shaping commerce and society as we know them todayIf you are in this industry or eager to get educated, tune in weekly for exciting new episodes.Couchonomics with Arjun is brought to you by our partners from Adyen, Mastercard, Thunes, ToYou, Geidea and M2P Fintech.Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH02024-06-1500 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 84. The biggest challenges banks face today when selling to existing customers with Jouk PleiterDigital Transformation of the banking value chain is a key challenge for every Banking CEO - doesn’t matter where in the world they are operating. In our latest episode, joining Arjun on the #couch is Jouk Pleiter, CEO of Backbase—a platform that specializes in helping banks modernize their customer interactions by transforming their technology stack from front to back. Jouk shares his candid insights on how changing consumer expectations and the influence of challengers entering the banking sector from multiple sectors are raising the bar for innovation and encouraging banks to modernize at a faster rate...2024-06-1047 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 83. Kabeer Naqvi a true prominent figure in the microfinance industryWelcome back to Couchonomics with Arjun! This week, we're diving into Pakistan's financial services with Kabeer Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Microfinance Network. We explore the dynamic interplay between traditional banks, microfinance institutions, and fintechs, and discuss the digital transformation of Pakistan's financial ecosystem. Plus, we cover key topics like microfinance, regulatory advocacy, digital vs. traditional banking, and the challenges of serving MSMEs. Don't miss this insightful conversation! Available now on YouTube and all podcast platforms. Tune in! #Podcast #Fintech #Microfinance #Banking #DigitalTransformation #PakistanFinance #NewEpisodeCouchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our p...2024-06-0357 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 82. Digital Banking explained with Kelvin TanWelcome to a new episode of Couchonomics with Arjun! This week, we're diving into Banking as a Service (BaaS) with Kelvin Tan, CEO of Audax.Kelvin shares insights on Audax’s “bank in a box” solution, helping banks scale and modernize rapidly. We discuss the potential and challenges of BaaS, open banking, and the future of embedded finance. Don't miss this insightful conversation on digital banking!Couchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.com/2024-05-2749 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 81. The matchmaker approach to Fintech partnership with Karan JainInnovation in banking is about more than just adopting new technology—it's about challenging traditional perceptions and rethinking everything from customer service to risk management to create more flexible, responsive, and personalized financial services. In this episode, I sit down with Karan Jain, founder and CEO of Naya One, to discuss how his company is revolutionizing the banking world.We dive into topics such as challenges in financial innovation, the role of Naya One, the evolution of banking innovation, FinTech and bank relationships, and the VC and CVC landscape. Tune in to learn how Naya One is tr...2024-05-2057 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 80. The expansion of Egypt's e-payment Fawry with Ashraf SabryWelcome to the latest episode of Couchonomics with Arjun! In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Ashraf Sabry, the visionary Founder and CEO of Fawry. Ashraf has transformed Fawry into a trailblazing fintech and one of the most successful startups in Africa. We covered a range of topics, including innovation in payments,the development of startups in Egypt, Fawry’s diversification strategy, and Ashraf’s personal philosophy and expansion plans for Fawry. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from one of Africa's preeminent fintech leaders. #Couchonomics #Fintech #FinancialServices #Fawry #Egypt #Innovation #Futureof...2024-05-131h 11
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 79. Is Crypto investment actually complicated? Nick PhilpottWe are talking about Digital Assets, DeFI and Crypto on Couchonomics with Arjun this week. Joining us on the couch is Nick Philpott, Co-Founder and Head of Partnerships at Zodia Markets by Standard Chartered & OSL. We had a very interesting conversation around #bitcoinhalving, #stablecoins, virtual-assets regulations, and tokenization of real-world assets, among other topics. Nick gave us insights into Zodia Markets' role as an OTC crypto brokerage serving institutional clients and their partnership with Standard Chartered.#Couchonomics #Bitcoin #Cryptocurrency #fintech #CryptoInsights #Tokenization #blockchain #ethereum #digitalassets #defi #cbdcs #centralbanks #cryptoexchange #digitalcurrency Couchonomics with Arjun S...2024-05-061h 02
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 78. Behind the scenes of the Bitcoins industry with Stefan KimmelIn this episode of Couchonomics, we tackle the burning question: "Bitcoin in 2024: Boom or Bust?" Join us as we engage in a fascinating conversation with Stefan Kimmel, the CEO of M2, a crypto exchange, and investment platform regulated by the FSRA in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).We dive deep into the world of cryptocurrency, exploring the intricate dynamics of Bitcoin, DeFi, and digital assets. Throughout our chat, we touch upon various topics, including market dynamics, product innovation, and future trends in the crypto space.Don't miss out on this insightful discussion! Couchonomics w...2024-04-291h 03
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 77. The new shift in The private equity scene with Elias YazbeckWelcome to a new episode of Couchonomics with Arjun!Join Arjun as he explores Africa's dynamic startup scene and fintech landscape with Elias Yazbeck, Managing Director at Helios Investment Partners.Discover key insights into Africa's market dynamics, challenges, and future trends in fintech. Elias also shares Helios Investment Partners' strategies and potential seismic shifts in private equity.Topics covered include real-time payments, digital banking for SMEs, regulatory roles, entrepreneurship challenges, and Helios Investment's unique philosophy.Tune in now for valuable insights! Watch the full episode on YouTube and major podcasting platforms....2024-04-2250 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 76: The evolution of financial technology in the region with Abdulla AlmoayedJoin Arjun on Couchonomics as we explore open banking and fintech in the GCC with Abdulla Almoayed, Founder & CEO of Tarabut. Discover the evolving landscape of financial services, BaaS, and gain insights into open banking.We also delve into Tarabut's inspiration, GCC financial services, managed competition, challenges, and opportunities with open banking, BaaS integration, and accelerating digital adoption through fintech partnerships.Watch now on YouTube and major podcast platforms! #Couchonomics #Fintech #OpenBanking #GCC #TarabutCouchonomics with Arjun Season 03 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ToYou...2024-04-151h 04
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 74: The story of the most recognizable fintechs in the MENA region with Mounir NakhlaEpisode 5 of Season 3 is live now featuring Mounir Nakhla, Founder and CEO of MNT-Halan. Join us as we delve into the journey of MNT-Halan and the Egyptian fintech landscape. From ride-hailing to a financial super app, we cover it all in this insightful episode! Tune in for a glimpse into the world of fintech innovation!#Fintech #MNTHalan #StartupJourney #couchonomics #tech #innovation #newepisodeCouchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ToYou https://toyou.io/arMastercard https://mastercard.com/Geidea https://geidea.net/2024-03-2542 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 73: How to access multiple markets & invest successfully with Khaled Talhouni🚀 Explore the world of Venture Capital with Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner at Nuwa Capital, in Episode 4 of Couchonomics with Arjun! We cover topics like the State of Venture Capital in 2023, market dynamics, lessons learned by VCs, challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs, and more. Don’t miss this conversation full of invaluable insights. Tune in now!Timestamps:00:00 - Episode Highlights00:32 - Introduction01:25 - The State of VC in 202312:31 - Lessons Learned by VCs14:21 - The Emergence of the Saudi Market23:36 - Challenges and Oppor...2024-03-181h 10
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 72: StartAd new vision with Ramesh JagannathanJoin us for Episode 3 of Couchonomics with Arjun as we explore the UAE's entrepreneurship ecosystem with Professor Ramesh Jagannathan, Managing Director of StartAD. Learn about StartAD's innovative programs, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the role of women in business. Subscribe for insightful discussions on driving economic growth and global competitiveness in the UAE!#StartAD #UAEentrepreneurship #Innovation #WomenEntrepreneurs #TechEducation #Angelinvestment #UAEstartup Chapters: 00:00- Episode Highlights 00:26- Introduction 01:11- Prof. Ramesh Background 06:35- startAD inception and challenges 16:48- What makes startAD stand out 22:36- Capacity building in the UAE 25:08- Empowerin...2024-03-1157 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 71: The dynamic relationship between fintech and banks with Raheel AhmedWelcome back to Couchonomics! In line with the theme of rearchitecting the global financial system, this week we explored the banking sector in the UAE and the wider GCC: regulatory focus, financial crime regulation, innovation, and in general, what the banking sector could do differently.Helping us explore these topics, we had the privilege of hosting Raheel Ahmed, CEO of RAKBANK, on our show. During our conversation, Raheel shared his insights on the dynamic relationship between fintech and banks, his views on central banks, and Arjun even managed to slip in a CBDC question. 💸📈Our websit...2024-03-0448 min
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 70: The latest news in payments with JK Khalil Dive into the future of Fintech with J.K. Khalil, General Manager at MasterCard GCC & Pakistan! Join Arjun and J.K. as they explore the partnership dynamics between fintechs and banks, the game-changing role of governments in innovation, embedded finance, and MasterCard's bold new initiatives! Don't miss out on this strong start to the third season! #Fintech #Mastercard #fintechinnovation #couchonomics #season3 #fintechpodcast #digitalpayments #governmentregulations #digitalbanking Timestamps: 00:00- Introduction 03:40- Rearchitecting Of The Financial System 08:22- Digital Payments 09:07- Faster Payments 14:35 -Cross Border Payment System 16:28- J.K’s View On CBDCs 2024-02-2651 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP 69: Better Than Money: David Chaum On Architecting The Financial System Of The FutureIn the season finale of Couchonomics S02, Arjun was joined by David Chaum, inventor of electronic money and privacy technology. As Arjun puts it, David is a “living legend” and one of the most influential architects of our present-day financial systems.David’s work in cryptography and every other he has touched has had a massive impact across the world. So far, his achievements and impact have been covered predominantly in Western Media, so we’re truly excited to bring this conversation to our mostly MENA-based audience.David is currently leading xx network, a complete...2023-12-201h 07Couchonomics with ArjunEP 68: State of the Nation: Venture Capital and Fintech Startups in KSAIn the latest episode of Couchonomics, Arjun was joined by Eyad Albayouk, General Manager at Flat6Labs.Eyad comes from a 12-year background focused on alternative investments. This special episode, shot at Fintech Saudi, provided great insight into the state of the fintech startup ecosystem in KSA. In the episode, Arjun and Eyad discussed: The nature of Saudi's startup sceneThe current funding landscape in Saudi The state of deal flow: is it in trouble? The quality of fintech startups in KSA Angel inves...2023-12-1341 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP 67: Fintech: Friend, Foe or Frenemy?In the latest episode of Couchonomics, Arjun was joined by Paul Melotto, Executive Board Member at Alraedah Finance. Paul has played a key part in Arjun's journey to understand the Saudi ecosystem, especially regarding fintech and financial services. In the episode, Arjun and Paul discussed: The state of Non-Banked Financial Institutions in KSAThe liquidity gap faced by SMEs and how to address itExamples of government initiatives supporting SMEsThe possibility of banks changing their attitude toward SMEsWhether fintechs are considered fr...2023-12-0648 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP 66: Wealth Management Gets An AI Makeover: Mehdi Fichtali of FinaMazeIn the latest episode of Couchonomics, Arjun was joined on the couch by Mehdi Fichtali, CEO & Founder of FinaMaze, MENA's first AI digital wealth manager.Founded by a highly experienced team with decades of track record in capital markets and asset management, their hybrid human/machine teams are currently managing hundreds of portfolios. We spent a fair amount of the episode breaking down AI's role in wealth management and the need for a product like FinaMaze. In the episode, Arjun and Mehdi spoke about: Their general frustration with traditional investment options...2023-12-0151 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP 65: Powering The Payments That Make The UAE Thrive with Jan Pilbauer"We're behind the scenes. We make money move."In the latest episode of Couchonomics, Arjun was joined by Jan Pilbauer, Chief Executive Officer of Al Etihad Payments, a national payments utility and fully owned subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE.Al Etihad Payments recently launched Aani, a "payments experience" that allows you to make instant payments to people or merchants from your bank accounts, wallets, or other sources. We spent a good portion of the episode exploring this latest venture, and how it is furthering Al Etihad's mission of powering the payments...2023-11-221h 08Couchonomics with ArjunSpecial Episode: A Glimpse into SFF 2023 with Pat PatelDive into the vibrant and ever-evolving world of FinTech as we explore the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2023 which is happening 15-17 November 2023. This is the global event where policy, finance, and technology not only meet but converge to reshape global economies.Joining Arjun for this special episode is Pat Patel, the Executive Director of Elevandi. Having led the International FinTech Office at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and played a pivotal role in shaping the digital economy, Pat offers a unique insider's perspective into the preparations and expectations of SFF.Pat reveals some of...2023-11-0128 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP 63: Reimagining Retirement: Aurem's Global Vision with Michael WatkinsJoin us on this enlightening episode of Couchonomics as we navigate the intricate world of financial technology, focusing on the evolving landscape of employee benefits on a global scale.We are thrilled to have Michael Watkins, the visionary CEO and Founder of Aurem, a pioneering platform bridging businesses and their global teams to financial services. With a rich history in the financial services sector, Michael delves into Aurem's mission to reimagine retirement solutions, especially within the unique context of the UAE.Behavioral Barriers: Discover the inherent challenges faced by individuals when envisioning long-term...2023-10-2459 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP 62: Investment Realities in MENA: Analyzing Trends and Predictions with MAGNiTT's Philip BahoshyEmbark on an insightful journey into the heart of the MENA startup ecosystem, where we unravel the intricacies of venture capital trends and the challenges and opportunities ahead.Join Arjun as he sits down with Philip Bahoshy, the CEO of MAGNiTT - the MENA region's formidable connector of startups, investors, and mentors. Philip, with his vast expertise and a pulse on the market, shares a unique perspective on the venture capital landscape, shedding light on MAGNiTT's mission and vision.Navigate the complex weave of global venture capital, where Philip emphasizes the significance of macroeconomic factors...2023-10-101h 15Couchonomics with ArjunEP 61: Future-Proof Wealth Management with Joseph El Am: A StashAway PerspectiveIn this enlightening episode of Couchonomics, we delve deep into the revolutionary world of digital wealth management, exploring its innovations, challenges, and future trajectory. We peer into the intricate fabric of asset management, financial literacy, and economic adaptability in an ever-evolving market, all with a lens focusing on the MENA region.Joining Arjun for this riveting discussion is Joseph El Am, the General Manager and Senior Executive Officer at StashAway MENA, the region's largest digital asset manager. Joseph, a seasoned professional, offers invaluable insights into StashAway’s unique business model, their expansion journey, and their visionary approach to...2023-10-031h 06Couchonomics with ArjunEp 60: The Age of Content: Unveiling TikTok’s Master Plan with VP Shant OknayanGet ready for an exhilarating ride into the future of digital media, commerce, and technology as we dive deep into the world of TikTok! If you ever wondered why TikTok isn't just for dance trends and how it's revolutionizing the content game, then you’re in for a treat. Arjun welcomes a very special guest who plays a crucial role in shaping TikTok's global strategy. Fasten your seat belts; this episode of Couchonomics will challenge your preconceptions and offer a visionary glimpse into the future of digital ecosystems.Meet Shant Oknayan, the Head of Global Business Solutions fo...2023-09-261h 11Couchonomics with ArjunInnovation, Customer Obsession, and Partnership: The Three Pillars of Mashreq Bank with Radu TopliceanuWelcome to another stimulating episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, where we delve into the intricacies of the financial world! Today we're setting our sights on the evolving landscape of digital banking. We have an insider's look at how traditional banking is transforming to keep up with the digital wave. If you've ever wondered what it takes to make a bank future-ready, you won't want to miss this episode!Our distinguished guest for today is Radu Topliceanu, the Executive Vice President, Head of Neo and Personal Banking at Mashreq. With a career spanning multiple continents and over 20 years...2023-09-0559 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP 57: Money, Tech, and Trust: A Deep Dive into Payments with Telr's CEO Khalil AlamiSit tight, folks! In this electrifying episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we're diving deep into the labyrinth of the fintech world. How will AI change the way we pay? What's the future of credit cards? How secure is your money really? We've got Khalil Alami, the Founder & CEO of Telr, to answer these burning questions and more! Meet Khalil Alami, a fintech legend with more than two decades of industry experience. He's the mastermind behind Telr, a game-changing online payment gateway that has garnered multiple awards and is redefining the payment landscape. Khalil is a visionary, thought leader, and...2023-08-291h 18Couchonomics with ArjunEP 55: The New Kid on the Block(chain): A Dive into Web 3.0 with Prakash SomosundramJoin Arjun on this riveting episode of Couchonomics as we embark on a journey from the nuances of Web 3.0 to the impending carbon economy. With gaming, metaverse, and blockchain as stepping stones, Arjun and his esteemed guest dive deep into the future of technology and sustainability.Meet Prakash Somosundram, a serial entrepreneur with a flair for innovation in the digital advertising, startup, and blockchain realms. As the Co-Founder & CEO of Enjinstarter, Prakash is lighting the path for the next generation of blockchain gaming, metaverse experiences, and entertainment. With a stellar track record, his ventures echo with success...2023-08-1556 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP 54: Unravelling Digital Disruptions with Khalifa AlShamsiIn this insightful episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Khalifa AlShamsi, the CEO at e& life, navigating the intriguing waters of digital disruption, FinTech innovations, and the rise of Super Apps. Tune in as we explore the cutting-edge strategies propelling the technology and investment group e& into new horizons. Khalifa AlShamsi, our esteemed guest, holds over 29 years of experience in telecom, media, and ICT. As the Chief Executive Officer at e& life, he has spearheaded key innovations in digital services, shaping new revenue streams and accelerating business growth. With a formidable r...2023-08-081h 01Couchonomics with ArjunAI Revolution: Insights from the Frontlines of Finance and Technology - Special Edition of CouchonomicsWelcome to this unique, AI-focused episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, where we revisit some of the most insightful discussions from our second season. This special edition provides a deep dive into the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence and its transformative impact on the fintech industry.Featuring conversations with esteemed guests:Dr. Noah Raford, a renowned futurist with a grasp on AI's potentials and pitfalls.Financial Economist & Emerging Tech Strategist, Amna Usman Chaudhry (in two enlightening parts), offering a deep analysis of AI's role in finance and technology.Tram Anh Nguyen, Co-Founder...2023-08-0228 minCouchonomics with ArjunEp 53: Mastering the Art of Ultra Platforms: A Conversation with Abdallah Abu-SheikhWelcome to the latest episode of Couchonomics with Arjun. In this fascinating conversation, we delve deep into the world of Ultra Platforms, fintech, and the future of digital services with our esteemed guest, Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, the dynamic CEO of Botim and Founder of Astra Tech.Abdallah Abu-Sheikh is a renowned entrepreneur and a visionary leader in the MENA region, known for his unconventional approach to business and innovation. At the helm of Astra Tech, he is paving the way towards an Ultra Platform future that seeks to simplify daily transactions and activities for consumers. His transformation of...2023-07-251h 01Couchonomics with ArjunEp 52: All Twigged Out: The MENA Start-Up Rocking the Financial BoatWelcome to another insightful episode of Couchonomics with Arjun. In this episode, we delve into the innovative world of FinTech, discussing the groundbreaking journey of Twig, a start-up focused on cultivating a culture of saving in the MENA region. Twig's unique embedded savings infrastructure offers goal-based saving tools, enabling consumers to realize their financial dreams effortlessly.Joining us on the show are the brain trusts behind Twig – Chafic Idriss, the founder and CEO, Rayan Antonios, the founder and CBO, and Karam El Dik, the founder and COO. Through their collective efforts, Twig has made remarkable strides in th...2023-07-181h 06Couchonomics with ArjunEp 51: Inclusive Future in Blockchain & Web 3.0: Insights from Amna Usman ChaudhryIn this riveting episode of Couchonomics, we dive deep into the intricate world of blockchain, metaverse, and web 3.0 with Amna Usman Chaudhry, a renowned Financial Economist & Emerging Tech Strategist. From the mechanics of blockchain and metaverse to its implications on fintech, Islamic fintech, and the efforts towards gender equality, this conversation explores the intersection of technology and societal norms.Amna Usman Chaudhry is a force in the financial and tech space. As a part of the UNICEF Giga Blockchain, Metaverse, and Web 3.0 team, she contributes to a mission to connect every school and child worldwide to the...2023-07-111h 03Couchonomics with ArjunRwanda Special | In the Heart of Africa: The Evolution of Fintech and its Global ImpactWelcome to a very special edition of Couchonomics with Arjun, your window into the dynamic world of global finance. We're incredibly excited to share this episode with you, recorded live from the city of a thousand hills, Kigali, Rwanda. Arjun, our esteemed host, joined the conversation at the first-ever Inclusive FinTech Forum (IFF), a global platform advocating financial inclusion and good FinTech practices, especially in emerging markets.Our guest for this episode is none other than Sopnendu Mohanty, the Chief Fintech Officer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Chairman of the Board of Elevandi, the...2023-07-0510 minCouchonomics with ArjunEp 50: Navigating the “MENA Fintech Landscape” with Renier Lemmens, CEO of GeideaWelcome to the 50th episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, the show where we dissect the evolving landscape of global finance. In this, anniversary, episode, we take a deep dive into the financial technologies shaping the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Our special guest, Renier Lemmens, Group CEO of Geidea, shares his insights on the future of payments, the reality of cashless societies, and the trajectory of fintech in emerging markets.Renier Lemmens, a seasoned fintech leader, is the Group CEO of Geidea, one of the largest payment fintechs in Saudi Arabia. His illustrious career includes...2023-06-271h 17Couchonomics with ArjunCouchonomics Special: From Singapore to Africa: Charting the FinTech Course with Pat PatelWelcome to the latest episode of Couchonomics with your host, Arjun. In this episode, we sit down with Pat Patel, Executive Director of Elevandi, an esteemed thought leader in the FinTech ecosystem, who takes us on a deep dive into the dynamic world of financial technology, its potential, and how we can harness its power to drive economic growth across borders.Elevandi is a company initiated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) with a mission to foster dialogue between the public and private sectors to promote the growth of FinTech in the digital economy. Pat has...2023-06-1338 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP 49: Tapping into the Future of Payments: Ali Abulhasan's Fintech RevolutionWelcome to another electrifying episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, where we're making sense of the rapidly evolving world of finance and technology! In this episode, we're venturing into the Middle East's dynamic fintech landscape, discussing the breakthroughs and challenges of online payments, and understanding what it takes to connect a fragmented market.We're joined by an influential game-changer in the fintech industry, Ali Abulhasan. As the Co-Founder & CEO at Tap Payments, Ali is transforming the way businesses and consumers experience online payments. With a strong background in payments within the oil, gas, and telecom industries, Ali has...2023-06-061h 14Couchonomics with ArjunEP 45: Digital Banking vs Traditional Branch-Based Banking: The Tinkoff Story with Oliver HughesIn the latest episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we had the pleasure of interviewing Oliver Hughes, former CEO of Tinkoff, one of the largest digital platforms in Russia. Oliver's unique experience in the finance industry and his excellent reputation in the market led him to be recruited by Oleg Tinkov as part of the leadership team of the newly-launched Tinkoff Credit Systems. Oliver's journey in Tinkoff and his experience in the financial industry gave us valuable insights into the current state and future of digital banking and FinTech.During the podcast episode, Oliver shared how Tinkoff evolved...2023-05-091h 10Couchonomics with ArjunEP 44: Building a Super App: The Journey of Careem Pay with Madiha Sattar, VP of Careem PayIn this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we speak with Madiha Sattar, VP of Careem Pay, the fintech arm of Careem, the Middle East's first unicorn.Madiha has had a versatile and ambitious career across finance, tech, and media. Prior to joining Careem, she worked in management consulting at McKinsey and in corporate strategy at JPMorgan. She also has experience as a journalist covering political, security, and social issues in Pakistan.As VP of Careem Pay, Madiha is leading strategy development and key partnerships for Careem's fintech business and products. She envisions making Careem Pay...2023-05-021h 11Couchonomics with ArjunEp 43: Building a Fintech Ecosystem | Gabrielle Inzirillo, Head of Ecosystem Development at Abu Dhabi Global Market's Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)In this episode of Couchonomics, Arjun speaks with Gabrielle Inzirillo, Head of Ecosystem Development at Abu Dhabi Global Market's Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), about building a fintech ecosystem in the UAE and the challenges and opportunities that come with it.Gabrielle previously managed a venture capital firm's EMEA fintech division, investing in early-stage startups and leading portfolio value creation. She also executed on the fintech strategy at Citi and built new financial models at Bloomberg. Gabrielle holds an M.Phil. in Technology Policy from the University of Cambridge and regularly delivers keynote sessions and panels at...2023-04-251h 10Couchonomics with ArjunEP 42: Building a World-Class FinTech Hub | Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer of Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we had the pleasure of speaking with Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief FinTech Officer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Chairman of Elevandi Board. Sopnendu has been responsible for the development of regulatory policies, innovation strategies, and public good projects to enhance the competitiveness of the financial sector in Singapore. He has also played a key role in building Singapore's reputation as a leading FinTech hub.During the episode, Sopnendu discussed how Singapore grew from an inward FinTech investment of around 20 million in 2015 to an annual investment of 4.2 billion US...2023-04-1256 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP 41 Solving Cross-Border Payments with Ripple and the Future of Blockchain | Navin Gupta, the Managing Director, RippleIn the latest episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, the guest is Navin Gupta, the Managing Director of South Asia and MENA at Ripple. Ripple is a blockchain company that provides enterprise-grade solutions for faster, more transparent, and more cost-effective financial services. Navin has extensive experience in the financial industry and is responsible for expanding Ripple's presence in South Asia and the Middle East.Ripple's mission is to enable a world where value moves as seamlessly as information flows today—an Internet of Value. Ripple's payment solutions are designed to provide faster, cheaper, and more secure cross-border payments th...2023-04-0455 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP 40 Closing the Gap: How CFTE is Revolutionizing Fintech Education | Tram Anh Nguyen, Co-Founder of CFTEWelcome to another episode of Couchonomics with Arjun. In this episode, we have a special guest, Tram Anh Nguyen, Co-Founder of CFTE - Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship. Tram Anh has an impressive professional background in the finance industry, having worked with renowned institutions like Standard Chartered Bank, Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, and UBS, before founding CFTE.CFTE is an education platform that addresses the needs of finance professionals to upskill in Fintech and Digital Finance. The platform is supported by senior leaders from large institutions, universities, and startups worldwide. Tram Anh founded CFTE to fill the...2023-03-211h 07Couchonomics with ArjunEP 39 Enabling Cross-Border Payments | Peter De Caluwe, CEO of ThunesIn this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we welcome Peter De Caluwe, the CEO of Thunes, a global payments network that enables cross-border payments from 130 countries. Peter shares with us how Thunes is revolutionizing the way international payments are made, making them faster, easier, and more affordable. Thunes is focused on remittance companies, payroll providers, and the travel industry, but Peter emphasizes that anyone who does international payments is a potential Thunes customer.Peter discusses how Thunes is working to solve the challenges of cross-border payments, such as regulatory frameworks in different countries. He highlights the importance...2023-03-141h 16Couchonomics with ArjunEp 38 Exploring MENA Region's Venture Capital Potential | Noor Sweid, Managing Partner at Global VenturesIn this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we welcome Noor Sweid, managing partner at Global Ventures, to share her insights on venture capital funds and the investment potential of the MENA region. During our discussion, Noor emphasizes the importance of conducting due diligence when choosing an industry to invest in and understanding the stage of startup development it needs help with. She also shares her thoughts on the UAE being the most interesting region for investments in the near future.Furthermore, Noor delves into the world of Web 3.0 and crypto spaces, highlighting the emergence of a...2023-03-0745 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP37 The Future of Open Banking and Open Finance in the MENA Region In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we discuss how open banking and open finance are transforming the financial industry, not only in the MENA region but also globally. We'll be joined by Hisham Al-Falih, Co-Founder & CEO of Lean Technologies, as we explore the challenges, opportunities, and latest developments in the field. Tune in to find out how the MENA region is catching up with Europe and the United States in adopting open banking, and what this means for businesses and individuals looking to stay ahead of the game. Moreover, the episode explores how open banking and op...2023-02-281h 09Couchonomics with ArjunEP31 Lending 3.0: The Role of Buy Now, Pay Later in Embedded Finance | Hosam Arab, Co-Founder and CEO of TabbyCouchonomics is back! For our inaugural episode of Season 02 we're examining the Buy Now, Pay Later model with Mr. Buy Now, Pay Later himself, Hosam Arab: Co-Founder and CEO of Tabby.Buy Now, Pay Later has been an exciting sector to watch. Just a few years ago many viewed it as the golden child of the embedded finance space and now just as many people view it as an objective failure. Hosam believes the truth is more nuanced.According to Hosam, BNPL brings tremendous value to the right markets, but the model is not a...2023-01-171h 00Couchonomics with ArjunCouchonomics with Arjun: Season 02 | Official TrailerAre you ready for Season 02 of Couchonomics? Building on the impressive momentum we managed to achieve in Season 01, we're diving even deeper into the world of finance and technology. The way the world does finance is changing, and in Season 02 we're taking a closer look at some of the changes that will define the way we spend money in the future. What makes this time so exciting is the uncertainty and innovation hanging in the air.Explore how banks intend to keep pace with our rapidly changing world using inventions such as central bank decentralized c...2023-01-1002 minCouchonomics with ArjunCouchonomics x Adyen: Special Episode with Roelant PrinsCouchonomics kicks off its Amsterdam Special with the Chief Commercial Officer at Adyen, Roelant Prins. Having led a career in fintech for over 20 years, Roelant has personally experienced the rapid development of the sector. He worked with the Royal bank of Scotland in early 2000 before moving on to head numerous leadership and management roles in payments technology. Roelant has been a speaker on major platforms such as Money 20/20 Asia, Vivatech 2019 & 2022. In this special episode recorded in Adyen offices in Amsterdam, Roelant talks us through the evolution of commerce and fintech. He describes how the two ha...2022-10-2539 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP30 Digital Innovation Drives Transformation in Banking Worldwide | Dr Bernd van Linder, Commercial Bank of DubaiWhen Dr Bernd van Linder attained his PhD in artificial intelligence over 20 years ago, the field was viewed as intensely academic with few practical applications. Not desiring to pursue an academic career, Dr Van Linder entered the world of finance in the early 2000s. Over his 20 plus year career he has slowly worked his way to CEO of Commercial Bank of Dubai.In his new position, Dr Van Linder is excited to drive innovation and change in the region by expanding how banks view their competition. As consumers become conditioned to interfaces from some of the world’s...2022-10-1242 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP29 Surviving as a Fintech In The Current Market | Madhu and Prabhu, M2PMadhusudanan and Prabhu Rangarajan are the Co-founders of M2P, an innovative, India-born fintech company with ambitious expansion goals for Dubai. However, word on the streets suggests that the party is over for startups, fintech companies included. Madhu and Prabhu start the conversation by highlighting what sets them apart from other fintech companies and offer valuable insights into which fintech companies have what it takes to make it through this difficult time.Innovation is one thing; sustainable innovation is a whole other story. Madhu’s unique lens into the true function of fintech suggests that the problem th...2022-10-0543 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP28 How Facial Recognition will Sculpt the Future of Finance | Mihai Draghici, PayByFaceMihai Draghici joins us on the couch from a busy day on the road. Travelling all the way from Bucharest, he brings with us the exciting story of how the idea for his innovative FinTech company, PayByFace, came about. Coming from an engineering background, Mihai had the bright idea that facial recognition could prove to be a convenient, safe payment system. After all, you never forget your face at home.Mihai paints a picture of how transactions will be affected by facial recognition payments. This reveals Mihai’s vision for the company: he believes there is a wa...2022-09-2826 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP27 P2P Payments Solutions - And Why This One Actually Works | Co-Founders of ZiinaThe Global P2P Payment Market Size accounted for USD 1,872 Billion in 2021 and is estimated to achieve a market size of USD 9,135 Billion by 2030. The P2P payments market is a very fragmented market. Important players either acquire new rivals or combine with them. The others invest significant money in research and development initiatives. These initiatives lead to market growth for P2P payments and technological advancements, updates, and new P2P payment capabilities.That is why, we are delighted, to present to you the conversation about the possibilities of P2P payments with Andrew G...2022-09-2341 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP26 Building Wealth-Tech in MENA | Feras Jalbout, BarakaInvesting has often been viewed as an expensive, costly process that only a privileged few can access. But as technology evolves and grows, companies like Baraka are finding increasingly creative ways to give people access to financial markets.Founder and CEO of Baraka, Feras Jalbout, joins us for a lively discussion that sparks off with a bit of a hot-take. Since Baraka charges no commission, its clients often engage in online trading, a practice that some have described as part-gambling and part-gaming. However, Feras sees things entirely differently.For Feras, the investment philosophy he hopes...2022-09-2040 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP25 The Future of Fintech | Abdullah Al-Othman, Founder & Chairman of GeideaAbdullah Al-Othman joins us on the couch today to share his views on an ever-evolving fintech landscape. As the founder of Geidea, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading fintech companies, Abdullah’s first order of business is to solve a small mystery for us: what does the name Geidea mean?Once that’s cleared up, Abdullah shares his view on what makes fintech in Saudi Arabia unique from other places in the world. His insightful opinion sheds light on the disappointing scores of copycats currently flooding the market, as well as many other interesting topics such as:·...2022-09-1459 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP24 Exploring Egypt’s Fintech Expansion | Walid Hassouna, ValUIn terms of fintech adoption, Egypt has been a little slow on the take compared to other nations. However, companies like ValU are changing that.As innovative companies and dynamic leaders forge a path to the future, Egypt emerges as one of the most exciting regions on the fintech map. Our guest and guide today is Walid Hassouna, founder and CEO of ValU. He breaks down some of the key factors driving Egypt’s recent fintech growth.As regulations and infrastructure start catching up to technical ability in Egypt, fintech starts showing its utility. Companies li...2022-09-0738 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP23 Unlocking New Revenue Streams with NFTs | Kristel Bechara, NFT ArtistNFTs are a hot topic very few people really understand. For many of us, our first time hearing of NFTs was in 2021 when they suddenly seemed to be a digital gold mine. However, for the patient community that diligently crafts the famed images, NFTs represent an opportunity for profound and fundamental transformation.Kristel Bechara joins us on Couchonmics to share her view as the rising star of the Middle Easter art world. Just a few short years ago, Kristel was a budding artist selling her physical works through digital channels. One day, a friend approached her and...2022-08-2634 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP22 The Future of Corporate Spending | with Mohammed Aziz, PlutoAround the world, open banking adoption is rising steadily, embraced by a growing number of banks and fintech companies providing innovative financial products and tapping into new market segments. As of the end of Q2 2022, global research identified 1,578 banking platforms that are making APIs available, representing an annual growth of 8%.To identify all the advantages and the challenges this growing industry faces, we have Mo Aziz on the couch, Co-Founder and CEO of Pluto. Pluto is open banking service that is offering a unique Pluto Corporate Card, that is revolutionizing corporate spending.Mo highlighted importance...2022-08-2331 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP21 Fintech in MENA: A macro perspective | with Nameer Khan, MENA Fintech AssociationFintech is an ecosystem in a state of ordered chaos. The rules change just as frequently as the consumers do, and businesses must adapt to both or be squeezed out of profits. In this competitive, fast-paced environment, each player focuses on securing their own interest. While this leads to phenomenal individual success stories, some leading figures believe it is important to keep an eye on the big picture.Enter our guest today, Nameer Khan, Chairman and Founding Board Member of the MENA Fintech Association. Drawing on the support of an impressive panel of local and global partners...2022-08-1127 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP20 How to teach teenagers about money? | with Smeetha Ghosh-Jorgensen, CasheeMany of us never consider money as a serious concept until later on in our lives. By then, the damage has been done: unnecessary purchases and loans have wormed their way into the wallet.Smeetha Ghosh-Jorgensen, CEO and co-founder of Cashee, knows these dangers all too well. In this episode, she takes us through how Cashee will encourage teenagers to be mindful of the ways they use money. In today’s modern world where physical currency is slowly being phased out by online purchases and even cryptocurrencies, how do you communicate the value of money to...2022-08-0430 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP19 MENA Region – A heaven for angel investors? | with Gaurav Dhar, MarshalIn 2021, emerging venture markets in the Middle East, Africa, Pakistan and Turkey saw record-breaking activity levels in the investment space. As 2022 forges ahead, we can expect to see another year of unprecedented investment activity in these regions despite turbulence in the global markets.Gaurav Dhar is a CEO at Marshal & MENA FinTech Association Board Member and in this, the brand new episode of the Couchonomics with Arjun, he provided an insight into the MENA financial ecosystem, especially on the angel investments market.Gaurav also spoke about the opportunities in Saudi Arabia and Egypt and plans...2022-07-2946 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP18 Invest in The Future | with Tammer Qaddumi, VentureSouqThe 2020s have not been an easy time for investors. Although investing seemed to be showing signs of recovery, recent trends have seen investment into some sectors take a nose-dive. Businesses struggle to keep pace with rising interest rates, record levels of inflation, and many other seemingly overwhelming economic macro-forces. A stinging question lurks silently in the background; Will investment companies respond with a bullish approach or a bearish one?Our guest today is Tammer Qaddumi, founding partner of VentureSouq, and he offers an answer to that question. As an equity investment platform with assets valued at $3...2022-07-2144 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP17 Disruption in the insurance industry | with Ambareen Musa, Souqalmal.comMENA has made considerable economic progress over the last decade. Still, a couple of formidable challenges remain, including transforming local economies and inclusive job creation. Insurance has the potential to address these challenges and help countries in the region achieve their growth targets.Despite these potential benefits, the insurance sector is underdeveloped in the MENA region and its growth-enhancing potential has not been sufficiently realized.To discuss the need for disruption in the insurance sector, we have invited Ambareen Musa, Souqalmal.com Founder and CEO. She underlined the disruption that is about to happen in...2022-07-1535 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP16 Introducing Innovation to InsurTech | with Tanja Magas, DemocranceThe FinTech industry is rapidly expanding and evolving. New innovations and inventions spring up every day at every point in the financial world. In all this excitement, some segments become overlooked. Insurance, bogged down by hundreds of years of tradition and legacy, is one of those neglected and forgotten segments. But Tanja Magas, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Democrance, believes otherwise.Democrance, a company initially founded to capitalize on the microinsurance market, has recently seen rapid expansion. Riding the wave of digitization brought on by the pandemic, the company has managed to double its...2022-07-0729 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP15 The Future of digital payments | with Kartik Taneja, Mashreq BankOver the past couple of years, digital transformation has continued to accelerate across all sectors, and commerce has been no exception. Even as society is getting back to normal, with restrictions lifting and offices reopening, habits adopted during the pandemic are sustained.Online and offline, spending has been transformed. While uncertainty and unpredictability are now expected, one thing that is clear is that the future of money is digital.Kartik Taneja is the Executive Vice President and Head of Payments at Mashreq Bank and together we went through different digital payment solutions and tried to...2022-07-0136 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP14 Work now, get paid now | with Omair Ansari, ABHI It’s an open secret that credit, when leveraged intelligently, has the power to unlock incredible potential in your business. This is the major reason why credit is so easily accessible in many parts of the world. But, Pakistan, a nation with over 50 million active bank accounts, has been relatively slow to conform to the trend, with only 500 thousand credit cards nationwide.Omair Ansari, the founder of ABHI, takes this surprising statistic as a sign of great opportunity in the region. Without access to credit facilities, many employees across the nation have had limited options when it com...2022-06-2834 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP13 Is Buy Now, Pay Later here to stay? | with Ibtissam Ouassif, Cashew PaymentsBNPL payment industry in Africa & Middle East has seen huge growth over the last four quarters, supported by increased ecommerce penetration along with the impact of economic slowdown due to disruption caused by COVID-19 outbreak.According to the Q4 2021 BNPL Survey, the BNPL payment industry in the region is expected to grow by 99.8% on an annual basis to reach US$ 7187.8 million in 2022!To dig deeper into the BNPL market we invited Ibtissam Ouassif, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer at Cashew Payments, to address all Arjun's questions about this segment.They also spoke about Cashew's latest...2022-06-2332 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP12 Is the “Fintech Party” over? | with Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, VisaVisa as the world leader in digital payments has a relentless commitment to innovation. It is widely considered that Visa is actually the first fintech in the world.That is why we're so excited to have on the couch Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President & Group Country Manager – GCC, Visa.Saeeda is a chemical engineer who shifted into the fintech sector couple of years ago and in this conversation she pointed out some of the key trends in the digital payments space.Tune in and listen Dr. Saeeda talk about:Her transformation fr...2022-06-1642 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP11 Don't build a bank, build a platform | with Olivier Crespin, ZandZand, the first digital bank to provide both retail and corporate banking is set for imminent launch in the UAE, subject to final regulatory approvals. Is Zand the way of future banking? Can traditional banks transform and catch up with fintech digital platforms that are emerging?Those are just some of the questions we got to ask Olivier Crespin, Co-Founder and CEO of Zand, and General Partner at True Global Ventures.Olivier explained the role of digital platforms like Zand in the future finance ecosystem and pointed out the challenges that the traditional banking sector...2022-06-1037 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP10 Driving the Economy Forward with Alternative Payments Solutions | with Nandan Mer, Network InternationalOver the past 25 years, Network International has built a business based on long-standing and trusted relationships with many of the leading merchants, financial institutions and payment networks operating in the Middle East and Africa.In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun we are discussing the mission of the Network International, an overview of the MENA’s current state when it comes to the payment solutions and the vision of the future with Nandan Mer, Group Chief Executive Officer for Network International.Nandan kindly shared his assessment of the market shift towards alternative payments and different st...2022-06-0735 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP09 The Future of Banking and Financial Services | with Philippe De Backer, Arthur D. LittleHow to navigate and seize the opportunities in disruption that is happening in the banking industry and financial services?To uncover what the future holds for different players that are offering financial services, in this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun we have Philippe De Backer, Managing Partner and Leader of Global Financial Services Practice at Arthur D. Little.Together with Ignacio Garcia Alves and Juan Gonzalez, Philippe just published his fifth book: “Disruption: The future of banking and financial services – how to navigate and seize the opportunities”, in which they are analysing the current state of the...2022-06-0229 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP08 Crypto markets in free fall: What is happening? | with Anas Bhurtun & Danosch Zahedi, Arts DAOCrypto markets are in free fall this month. To understand better what is behind recent events in the Crypto world we invited Anas Bhurtun & Danosch Zahedi, hosts of Crypto Sheikhs podcast, a fantastic show that is tracking and explaining what is going on with cryptocurrencies.For the first time we had two guests on the couch at the same time, which resulted in a super-insightful chat about the tremendous change that is happening right now in the world of finance, and the role of the blockchain in this new redistribution of wealth.Listen to Anas...2022-05-2648 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP07 Streaming Platforms: The Battle of Content | with Maaz Sheikh, Starz PlayThe OTT (over-the-top) streaming market in the MENA region has been rapidly increasing in the last couple of years, gaining more than 30% between 2020 and 2021 and reaching over 10 million subscribers in the 18 countries of the Arab MENA region. The trend should sharpen in the next five years, as the subscriber figure is expected to triple by 2026 and reach close to 30 million.In this episode of Couchonomics, the seat on the couch will occupy Maaz Sheikh, CEO of Starz Play, the no. 1 streaming platform in the MENA region.He’ll talk us through the ongoing rapid evolution of...2022-05-1923 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP06 Neobanks and the Future of Digital Banking | with Amir Nooriala, CallsignNeobanks are emerging rapidly across the world, all of them trying to solve many challenges that are preventing a seamless and safe digital banking experience. From government regulation to data confidentiality, multiple issues need to be solved so we can enter a new era of fully digital banking.That is why we invited Amir Nooriala on the couch - Chief Commercial Officer at Callsign, the global leading artificial intelligence-based authentication platform for enterprises, financial institutions and consumer-facing digital services.Our host Arjun Singh asked him about his previous experience as CSO at OakNorth a...2022-05-1233 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP05 How to Equip Youth with Smart Money Skills | with Co-Founders of VerityWelcome to a very special edition of Couchonomics podcast! This episode features not one, not two, but 3 guests + a surprise guest appearance from someone very special (who actually asked the most relevant question of the show). We had Verity's 3 founders - Dina, Kamal and Omar on the couch for the episode. Verity is a Middle East’s family banking app for kids and teens that is soon launching in the region. One by one, 3 co-founders of Verity are going to sit on our famous couch and chat about their new business venture. We're addressing the top...2022-05-0541 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP04 The Future Of BNPL In The MENA Region | with Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, TamaraThe "By Now, Pay Later" model has been around for 200 years. After being repackaged and rebranded countless times, it is currently one of the hottest spaces in FinTech, with BNPL accounting for 20% of e-commerce in countries such as Australia.In this episode of Couchonomics, we are joined on the couch by a BNPL industry insider to get an informed perspective on this increasingly polarising topic. Abdulmajeed Alsukhan is the CEO and co-founder of Tamara, the leading Buy Now Pay Later provider in the MENA region.Abdulmajeed and Arjun delved into the BNPL conversation, tackling questions...2022-04-2826 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP03 Disruption, Open Finance and Commerce in the Metaverse | with Ramana Kumar, MagnatiThe status quo in the financial services sector is constantly changing. Innovation is the name of the game. If banks want to stay relevant in these evolving times, they need to be at the technological forefront and provide convenient, flexible payment solutions customers trust.Ramana Kumar joins Arjun on the couch to share his perspective on this fascinating topic. Ramana is the CEO of Magnati, the payments subsidiary of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). He is responsible for building lifecycle solutions for corporates, including merchant acquiring, government solutions and prepaid solutions, constructed on a futuristic platform backed...2022-04-2125 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP02 Metaverse and Money: Decrypting the Future | with Ronit Ghose, Citi Global InsightsThe latest episode of Couchonomics with Arjun is here. This one is a real treat!Our guest is Ronit Ghose, the Global Head of Banking, FinTech & Digital Assets for Citi Global Insights. He joined us on Couchonomics to give us a sneak preview of Citi's amazing new report: Metaverse and Money: Decrypting the Future.We discussed Metaverse and how will it impact the way we are accessing the internet. The possibilities of the Metaverse are endless according to Ronit. From a gaming industry, fintech, education: every aspect of our future lives could be connected with...2022-04-1438 minCouchonomics with ArjunEP01 Empowering startup ecosystem in MENA region | with Roberto Croci, Microsoft for StartupsOur esteemed guest for Episode 01 is Roberto Croci, the Managing Director for Microsoft for Startups in MEA!Roberto spoke about the idea of pairing the big corporates and enterprises with startups, and the complex business ecosystem with vast opportunities that have been emerging as a result of this co-op.With 20+ years of experience working with both Google and Microsoft, Roberto explained the full process of selecting the startups that can add value to the big corporate businesses and at the same time, enable them to succeed.Tune in on your favorite podcast app...2022-04-0733 min
Couchonomics with ArjunCouchonomics with Arjun Singh | Official TrailerFintech is fundamentally reshaping the financial services industry as we know it today. In order to understand the wider vision of these fintech-led disruptions, Arjun Singh will invite the influential stakeholders to 'Couchonomics' show, to discuss and dissect the highs and lows of their own ventures, and how that effects the broader sector.Follow 'Couchonomics with Arjun Singh' on any app you listen to podcasts.Check out Couchonomics website for all new updates: www.couchonomics.comHOSTBased in Dubai, Arjun is actively engaged with the Fintech & Start-up ecosystem across the MENA...2022-03-3100 min