Shows
Couchonomics with ArjunThe Next Decade of FinTech: AI, Tokenization & Quantum FinanceWhat if the next decade of finance isn’t about disruption, but inclusion?In this episode, Arjun sits down with Sopnendu Mohanty, Group CEO of GFTN and Advisor to the Monetary Authority of Singapore, to explore how technology, policy, and people are shaping the future of global finance.🎙️ In this episode:→ The three pillars that defined the first wave of fintech: APIs, DPIs, and cloud→ Why inclusion remains the biggest unfinished story in finance→ How AI and tokenization could rebuild finance from the inside out→ Why collaboration, not disruption, will shape the next decade...
2025-10-2847 min
Couchonomics with ArjunHow AI and Stablecoins Are Rewriting PaymentsWhen money moves faster than ever, who really controls it? In this episode, Arjun sits down with Arik Shtilman, Founder and CEO of Rapyd, to explore how AI and stablecoins are rewriting the rules of global payments. From powering transactions across 100+ countries to building an AI-first infrastructure, Rapyd is proving that the next financial revolution is already underway.🎙️ In this episode:- Why payments companies that aren’t AI-first may not survive the next three years- How stablecoins are reshaping liquidity, cross-border trade, and working capital- Why banks and SWIFT are...
2025-10-2146 min
Couchonomics with ArjunWhen AI Becomes the Banker: Inside Vietnam’s Cake Digital BankWhat if AI ran your bank? 🤯In this episode, Arjun sits down with Quang Nguyen, CEO of Cake Digital Bank, Vietnam’s AI-first bank that’s redefining what digital finance looks like.With only 300 employees serving 6 million customers, Cake has become one of Southeast Asia’s most efficient and innovative financial institutions — proving that the future of banking is lean, intelligent, and fully automated.🎙️ In this episode:- How Cake uses AI to power 70% of its operations- Building trust through technology in a young, digital-first market- Why Vietnam is leading the n...
2025-10-1442 min
Couchonomics with ArjunThe Future of Wealth: AI, Trust & the Great $80 Trillion ShiftOver $80 trillion in global wealth is moving to a younger, more digital generation. But who will manage it—and how will AI, trust, and technology reshape investing?In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, Caesar Sengupta, Co-Founder and CEO of Arta Finance (backed by Eric Schmidt, Peak XV, and Ribbit Capital), shares how his company is democratizing wealth management—bringing institutional-grade investing to millions worldwide.Discover how AI is redefining advice, why trust matters more than ever, and how digital platforms like Arta x Wio are changing the game for banks, advisors, and investors alike....
2025-10-0751 min
Couchonomics with ArjunLatin America’s Fintech Giant: The Rise of PicPay with 60M UsersEpisode 150 of Couchonomics with Arjun is here — and it’s a milestone.For the very first time, we go to Latin America. My guest: Eduardo Chedid, CEO of PicPay — Brazil’s biggest super app and one of the fastest-scaling fintechs in the world.With 60M+ customers, $1B+ in revenues, profits up 7× YoY, and 4,500 employees, PicPay is rewriting the rules of digital banking in one of the most competitive markets on earth.We cover:- Brazil’s fintech revolution and the role of regulation- How PicPay scaled from wallet → super app → full-service ba...
2025-09-3054 min
Couchonomics with ArjunFrom Crowdfunded Startup to Europe’s Fastest-Growing Wealth PlatformTurning Savings into Wealth — Inside Chip’s Fintech Playbook UK fintech is entering a new chapter. While funding slows, savers poured £103bn into ISAs — proving that trust, not downloads, is the real currency.In this episode, Arjun speaks with Alex Latham, Co-Founder & CMO of Chip, one of Europe’s fastest-growing fintechs, on:- The future of UK fintech beyond banking apps- How Chip grew from a crowdfunded startup to a wealth platform managing billions- Why trust, community, and AI will shape wealth management📺 Watch now and see how Chip is r...
2025-09-2357 min
Couchonomics with ArjunBuild Cashflow, Not Hype: Abhi’s Liquidity PlaybookMost fintechs chased hype. Abhi chased cash flow.In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we sit down with Omair Ansari, Co-Founder & CEO of Abhi, one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing fintechs.Abhi began with earned wage access, giving workers instant liquidity. Today, it has scaled into payroll financing, SME lending, and invoice factoring — and even acquired a licensed microfinance bank in Pakistan to materially lower its cost of funds.We explore:- Why profitability and cost of capital decide who survives fintech’s winter- How Abhi scaled from earned wage access...
2025-09-0953 min
Couchonomics with ArjunDigital Wealth Platforms vs Robo-Advisors: What Investors Need to KnowWealth management is no longer just champagne perks and 2% fees. The new generation of investors demands digital, transparent, and affordable solutions.In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we’re joined by Dhruv Arora, Founder & CEO of Syfe, a digital wealth management platform managing over US$10B.We cover:- Why trust is the biggest competition in digital wealth- The difference between robo-advisors & true digital wealth platforms- How Syfe is scaling across Singapore, Hong Kong & Australia- Why inclusivity without affordability doesn’t work- The merging of saving + inve...
2025-09-0251 min
Couchonomics with ArjunAfrica’s Fintech Boom: From Mobile Money to Purpose-Driven Lending💡 Africa’s fintech story is no longer a local experiment — it’s a global test case for the future of inclusion, innovation, and capital flows.In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we’re joined by Yustus Aribariho, Co-Founder of Furaha Financial (part of SC Ventures by Standard Chartered). Yustus is now on a mission to unlock education financing and opportunity across Sub-Saharan Africa.We unpack:💸 Why capital inflows into African fintech lag behind the opportunity📱 How mobile money became the blueprint for financial inclusion worldwide🛠 The frictions of regulation, repatriation, and cross-border flo...
2025-08-2655 min
Couchonomics with ArjunThe New Rails of Money: Stablecoins, CBDCs & TokenisationStablecoins are no longer on the sidelines — they’re stepping into the core of global finance.In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we're joined by Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer & Head of Global Policy at Circle, for his second appearance on the show. Speaking from Washington, DC, Dante brings a timely perspective on how digital finance is evolving — and why it matters now more than ever.We unpack:- Stablecoins as real financial infrastructure for payments, remittances, and cross-border flows- How smart regulation acts as a catalyst for trust, adoption, and instit...
2025-08-1957 min
Couchonomics with ArjunHow Finternet Labs Is Building the Internet Layer for FinanceIs today’s financial system fit for a digital-first world?Not quite — and Siddharth Shetty is here to tell us why.In this episode of Couchonomics, Arjun speaks with Finternet Labs CEO Siddharth Shetty, one of the architects behind India’s UPI and Account Aggregator framework, to unpack the vision for Finternet — a universal financial infrastructure layer designed to empower users, build trust, and unlock global interoperability.We explore how fragmented rails, legacy systems, and a lack of verifiability are holding back progress, and how Finternet could be the solution that brings it all together....
2025-08-0554 min
Couchonomics with ArjunStablecoins, Wallets, and the Rise of Embedded Cross-Border PaymentsThe future of payments won’t be card-swiped or cash-counted — it’ll be fast, digital, and deeply integrated.In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, Floris de Kort, CEO of Thunes, joins to unpack what it really takes to build a global payments network across 130+ markets, from wallets to banks to mobile rails.What’s inside:- Why real-time payments still face real-world friction- How Thunes is turning compliance into a competitive edge- The rise of B2B payouts — and why corporates are driving the volume- Why MENA is now a p...
2025-07-2943 min
Couchonomics with ArjunStablecoins, Tokenization & Regulation: Crypto’s Next ChapterCrypto isn’t dead, it’s going institutional. In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, Rifad Mahasneh, CEO of OKX MENA, joins the show to unpack what real digital asset adoption looks like beyond the headlines.We explore how OKX is building for scale, trust, and regulation - especially in the UAE, where crypto is becoming infrastructure, not just innovation.🎯 What’s inside: • Post-FTX trust rebuild: custody, compliance & proof-of-reserves • Stablecoins, CBDCs & the future of programmable money • Tokenization with real-world utility • Why the UAE is leading the global charge in crypto regulation...
2025-07-2258 min
Couchonomics with ArjunScaling SME Lending Without Burning Capital💸 What’s the real fintech miracle? Lending to SMEs — and staying alive 9 years later.In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we’re joined by Nikhilesh Goel, Co-Founder & CEO of Validus, Southeast Asia’s largest SME financing platform.We unpack how Validus scaled to $5B+ in credit across the region by avoiding the hype and building disciplined, anchor-based lending models that actually work.💡 Why SME lending is a graveyard for most fintechs 💡 Why 90% of Validus' capital comes from banks, not VCs 💡 AI that serves the ops, not the pitch 💡 How they scaled across SEA without...
2025-07-151h 01
Couchonomics with ArjunNeo Ventures, Tokenized Assets & the Future of Wholesale BankingAI isn’t a campaign. It’s a core banking reset.In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we’re joined by Amith Rajan, CEO of Neo Ventures and Head of Digital Wholesale Banking at Mashreq, for a candid conversation on how AI, tokenization, and infrastructure transformation are reshaping the banking stack from the inside out.We unpack:- Why "rip and replace" is a myth and what real legacy evolution looks like-How Mashreq is deploying AI across KYC, onboarding, and customer insights-The role of tokenized assets, CBDCs, and smart contra...
2025-07-0849 min
Couchonomics with ArjunFixing the Core: Why Legacy Banking Infrastructure Can’t Be PatchedThe core of banking is broken, and duct-taping legacy systems won’t fix it.This week on Couchonomics with Arjun, I’m joined by Myles Bertrand, CEO of Tuum, the modular core banking platform built in Estonia and now scaling across Europe and the GCC.Tuum isn’t selling digital lipstick. They’re rebuilding the real plumbing of modern banking — one composable, cloud-native layer at a time.💡 In this episode:- Why full core replacement is a myth — and composability is the real unlock- How to modernize without breaking everything (or everyone)- What it takes...
2025-07-0152 min
Couchonomics with ArjunWhat VCs Get Wrong About Building Durable Startups with Tim LeveneIn this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we sit down with Tim Levene, CEO of Augmentum Fintech, the UK’s only publicly listed fintech venture capital firm.From going public to backing infrastructure instead of hype, Tim shares what permanent capital allows that traditional VC structures don’t and why he believes the next decade of fintech will be won with discipline, not just disruption.What we cover:🛋️ Why Augmentum chose public markets over LP cycles🛋️ The real story behind growth-at-all-costs and its fallout🛋️ Why the GCC is becoming central to Augmentum’s investment strategy...
2025-06-2456 min
Couchonomics with ArjunWhy Most Digital Banks Fail - And How Engine by Starling Is Flipping the ScriptThe next banking stack won’t just be fast — it has to be human.In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, Nick Drewett, Chief Commercial Officer at Engine by Starling, joins the conversation to share what it actually takes to launch and scale a digital bank — not in theory, but in practice.Engine is the tech spinout from Starling Bank - one of the world’s first profitable digital banks - and it’s now powering next-gen banking infrastructure globally.We cover:- How Salt Bank launched in under 12 months- Why most “...
2025-06-1145 min
Couchonomics with ArjunBeyond the Buzz: Beehive’s Real Playbook for SME LendingThere’s a $260B SME financing gap in MENA, and most players are still offering copy-paste solutions.In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, Craig Moore, Founder and CEO of Beehive, shares how one of the region’s original fintechs is tackling real problems with real results.Since 2014, Beehive has built a lending model that combines technology, regulatory know-how, and operational depth to serve the segment banks continue to overlook.In this conversation, we explore: • What SME lending looks like on the ground in the GCC • Why Beehive shifted from peer-to-peer to institu...
2025-06-0356 min
Couchonomics with ArjunConviction Over Hype: What Great VCs Look Like NowThe Venture Model Broke. But Startups Are Still Building.In this episode, Arjun is joined by Devin Kohli, General Partner at Outward VC, for a candid conversation on what’s next for venture capital.They unpack:- Shifting VC trends in Europe, MENA, and the USA- Outward’s bets on Curve, Vauban, Bud & more- AI hype vs. real vertical value- Tokenisation, digital assets & future financial infrastructure- Emerging tech hubs across Japan, MENA, Southeast AsiaPlus, Devin shares what conviction really looks like in a post-hype mark...
2025-05-2700 min
Couchonomics with ArjunReinventing Banking: Tyme’s CEO on Scale, Strategy & SurvivalPhygital is the new digital.On Episode 2 of Couchonomics with Arjun Season 4, we sit down with Coenraad Jonker — Founder & Group CEO of Tyme — a digital banking pioneer who’s built real scale across emerging markets.Tyme raised $250M in Series C. Reached a $1.5B valuation. Signed up 17M+ customers across South Africa and the Philippines. All while keeping CAC at one of the lowest levels globally.This isn’t hype. This is hard-earned traction. We break down regulation, scale, AI-native banks & why incumbents can't keep up.If you want to understand the next decade of...
2025-05-2050 min
Couchonomics with ArjunFrom Bank to Builder: How SC Ventures Launches 30+ StartupsSeason 4 of Couchonomics with Arjun kicks off with a venture builder shaking up the system — Gautam Jain from SC Ventures by Standard Chartered.From launching digital banks in Asia to building full-stack ventures in the GCC, Gautam’s now part of a team transforming how venture-building happens inside a bank.In this episode: 🧠 Innovation culture & internal equity 🧱 Building in real, underserved sectors 💡 Regulator-respecting fintech 🇸🇦 Why the GCC is ripe for bold ideasWatch to learn why SCV isn’t your typical corporate venture arm — and how it’s building businesses that matter.
2025-05-1353 min
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/3jk7UH0
2024-10-2446 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 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 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/3jk7UH0
2024-06-1500 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...
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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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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