Couchonomics with Arjun

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Grab your front-row seat to the fintech revolution! Join Arjun Singh as he meets with leading business players from across the Metaverse, open banking, the industry of Web 3.0, and decentralized finance to explore the transforming world of finance and technology. Listen to candid conversations and eye-opening discussions on the future of financial services in the MENA region and beyond. Learn more at www.couchonomics.com. Available with Arabic subtitles on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@couchonomicswitharjunsingh438 Season 2 of Couchonomics with Arjun is brought to you by our partners Adyen, ToYou, Visa, Geidea, and M2P.

Arjun Singh


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 47m AVG DURATION
    • 142 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Couchonomics with Arjun

    Beyond the Buzz: Beehive's Real Playbook for SME Lending

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 56:25


    There'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 institutional capital • How investor appetite is changing, from family offices to global VCs • The practical role of AI in credit decisioning • Beehive's plans for expansion into Saudi Arabia, Oman, and more

    Conviction Over Hype: What Great VCs Look Like Now

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 0:51


    The 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 market — and why MENA founders are ones to watch.No pitch decks. No jargon. Just a candid chat about cycles, conviction, and building through uncertainty.

    Reinventing Banking: Tyme's CEO on Scale, Strategy & Survival

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 50:36


    Phygital 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 retail banking — this is the conversation.

    From Bank to Builder: How SC Ventures Launches 30+ Startups

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 53:27


    Season 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: 

    Couchonomics with Arjun is BACK!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 1:03


    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

    Programmable Money, Real-Time Payments & What Comes Next

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 22:31


    Re-architecting Finance with Blockchain - Not Just Hype, But Real-World InfrastructureWe're wrapping up this special Tokyo series of Couchonomics, filmed at the GFTN Forum — and what better way to close than with a bold conversation on the future of financial systems?In this final episode, I'm joined by Naveen Mallela, Co-Head of Kinexys & Managing Director at JP Morgan — and we're going beyond the buzzwords to talk about what it really takes to rewire the plumbing of global finance.It's a fascinating conversation about the real challenges — and opportunities — in transforming the global financial infrastructure.

    How Japanese Capital is Changing the Game in Microfinance

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 24:59


    Redefining 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 Arjun, which was recorded in Tokyo with the help of the GFTN Forum Japan. Available now on YouTube and all podcasting platforms!Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:09 Meet Tahin: A Stateless Entrepreneur03:01 Journey to Financial Inclusion05:19 Founding Go J: The Private Sector World Bank08:12 Challenges and Strategies in Microfinance10:29 Technology and Customer Acquisition14:05 Role of Regulators and Major Banks17:50 Investor Relations and Capital Structure22:46 Future Plans and Expansion24:16 Conclusion and FarewellOur website

    Japan's VC Market: Navigating a New Era of Investment

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 31:57


    Rewiring 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: 

    Inside SMBC's Asia Innovation Center: The Future of Corporate Banking

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 33:52


    Rethinking Core Banking — From the Inside Out In this special GFTN Japan edition of Couchonomics with Arjun, we welcome Mayoran Rajendra, Managing Director and Head of the Asia Innovation Center at SMBC — one of Japan's largest financial institutions.We discuss how his team is re-engineering the core of corporate banking using generative AI, automation, and agentic infrastructure — not just adding on shiny tools, but rebuilding from within.

    The Future of Financial Regulation: RegTech, AI & Innovation

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 35:57


    What happens when alternative finance moves faster than regulation?On this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, Professor Bob Wardrop — Co-Founder of the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance and RegGenome — breaks down why global regulatory frameworks are struggling to keep up.We explore:Why many regulators are still stuck in a pre-2008 mindsetThe rise of machine-readable, computational regulationWhat Japan is getting right (and wrong) in the fintech raceHow to actually build innovation teams within regulatorsTune in for a sharp look at the future of regulation in a fast-changing financial world.Chapters:00:00 Introduction 01:19 Founding of Cambridge Center for Alternative Finance (CCAF)05:16 Reg Genome: A New Venture15:16 Challenges in Financial Regulation19:17 The Role of Technology in Regulation22:43 Global Regulatory Landscape23:19 Japan's Position in FinTech and Regulation27:20 Characteristics of Strong Innovation Teams32:02 Future of Financial Regulation35:20 ConclusionOur website

    Regulators, Reform & Bitcoin: Japan's Crypto Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 25:43


    Japan 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 of the world's most complex markets.#CouchonomicsWithArjun #Crypto #Web3 #DigitalAssets #JVCEA #SBIHoldings #Regulation #Innovation #Japan #Fintech #GFTNForum #Bitcoin #FutureOfFinanceFind us on our social media platforms:Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/Couchonomics LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/Twitter https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomicsSubscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6EChapters:00:00 Introduction00:37 Meet Genki Oda02:04 The Evolution of Japan's Crypto Market04:42 Role of JVCEA in Crypto Regulation06:11 Japan's Position in the Global FinTech Scene11:10 SBI Holdings and Its Crypto Ventures12:45 Global Expansion of SBI Holdings13:42 Investing Outside Japan14:37 Japan's Global Market Focus15:06 Attracting Global Innovators to Japan16:39 Challenges for Foreigners in Japan18:27 Digital Assets in Japan19:32 Stablecoins and Their Adoption21:52 Future of CBDCs in Japan23:30 SBI Holdings' Future Priorities24:59 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsOur website

    Why Japan's Startup Ecosystem Isn't Scaling — Yet

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 31:38


    Why 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.

    Special Episode: Japan FinTech Week and GFTN Forum

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 38:42


    Japan has long been a leader in financial technology, from pioneering 24/7 ATMs to developing QR codes and digital payment systems. But in recent years, the country has struggled to keep up with the global fintech revolution. That might be about to change.In this episode, Pieter Franken, Managing Director of GFTN Japan, joins us to explore Japan's fintech resurgence and what's driving innovation in the region. With Japan FinTech Week and the GFTN Japan Forum on the horizon, we discuss:- Japan's fintech evolution – early innovations, missed opportunities, and today's comeback.- Regulatory shifts – how Japan is leading in digital assets, open banking, and fintech-friendly policies.- GFTN Japan Forum – how this event is shaping Japan's fintech ecosystem and attracting global leaders.- AI, crypto & deep tech – key trends redefining financial services in Japan.- Startup & investor landscape – why Japan has lagged in unicorns and how new initiatives are fostering high-growth fintech startups.With global fintech giants turning their attention to Japan, is this the country's moment to lead again?

    Ep 110. Fintech Frontier: AI & Blockchain Leading the Future with Marwan Alzarouni

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 52:17


    That's a wrap on Season 3 of #Couchonomics! And we're ending on a high note.In this season finale, we welcome Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, CEO of AI at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, to the couch for an insightful discussion on how AI is reshaping industries, the evolution of blockchain, and Dubai's vision for a tech-driven economy.We also cover: ✅ AI's role in Dubai's government and economic strategy ✅ The intersection of AI and blockchain for security, efficiency, and transparency ✅ The impact of AI on jobs, entrepreneurship, and the future of work ✅ The speed of AI-driven change and what it means for industriesThis season explored how fintech, AI, and emerging tech are transforming business in the MENA region and beyond. Watch the final episode now!  Couchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ToYou https://toyou.io/arMastercard https://mastercard.com/Thunes https://thunes.com/M2P https://m2pfintech.com/Our website

    Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 7

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 25:55


    Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 24:24


    Japan is making big moves in AI, blockchain, and digital asset regulation. In this special episode—filmed live at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2024 with The Founders Peak Unplugged—Arjun sits down with Ryosuke Ushida, Chief Fintech Officer at Japan's Financial Services Agency, to discuss the country's fintech future.  What's inside: ✅ Japan's fintech regulations—innovation vs. compliance  ✅ AI, blockchain, and stablecoin policies  ✅ Financial inclusion & fintech's role in the silver economy  ✅ Cybersecurity, AML/CFT & protecting financial systems  ✅ Why Japan is a rising fintech hub 

    tiktok ai japan financial cybersecurity special series financial services agency chief fintech officer
    Ep 109. Billionaire's Blueprint: Wealth, AI & Investing in the UAE with Fahd Iqbal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 55:49


    Is 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.com/ToYou https://toyou.io/arMastercard https://mastercard.com/Thunes https://thunes.com/M2P https://m2pfintech.com/Our website

    Ep 108. Transforming Transactions: NETS CEO Lawrence Chan's Payments Vision

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 58:15


    Can 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:

    Ep 107. PropTech in Saudi Arabia: Redefining Real Estate with Razwa Alharthi

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 55:49


    PropTech 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: 

    Ep 106. Reinventing Wealth Management With Malaa Technologies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 64:59


    Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 31:15


    Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2024 31:37


    Tokenizing Trade Finance: A Glimpse into the Future of Digital Assets Live from SFF 2024, we had the privilege of sitting down with Wee Kee Toh, Global Head of Business Architecture for Coin Systems at Onyx by JPMorgan, to unpack the groundbreaking innovations shaping the future of digital finance.From interoperability to Global Layer One—a collaborative blockchain network operated by banks—we dove deep into how these advancements are revolutionizing the financial ecosystem.Don't miss this insightful conversation on the future of digital assets and blockchain-powered finance!A big shoutout to Founders Peak for their collaboration in making this special series at SFF 2024 a reality.Our website

    Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 24:49


    Is AI a Boon or a Bane for Banks? What happens to those banks that arrive late for the party?Our special series from the Singapore Fintech Festival—created in collaboration with Founders Peak—continues with a must-watch episode!I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tomas Skoumal, Founder & CEO of Dyna.ai, to explore how AI is reshaping the banking landscape.Here's what you'll take away from our conversation: • How generative AI is revolutionizing customer service with innovations like chatbots and in-branch avatars. • Why traditional banks struggle with AI adoption while digital-first banks are leading the way. • The pivotal role of cloud technology in unleashing AI's full potential: “No Cloud = No AI.” • A deep dive into Dyna.ai's transformative “Result as a Service” model.This episode is packed with insights on innovation, technology, and the future of finance that you won't want to miss.Our website

    Ep 105. The new Head of Adyen's Middle East

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 57:40


    Payments Are Eating The World!This week on the #couch, we had the chance to speak with Daumantas Grigaravicius, the new Head of the Middle East Region at Adyen.We had an insightful conversation about the current trends in payments, both regionally and globally, and the transformative power of payment orchestration. Join us as we explore the changing face of payments and consumer experiences in the Middle East and beyond.  #Couchonomics #Payments #Innovation #DigitalPayments #BNPL #PaymentOrchestration #Fintech #MiddleEast #Adyen #DigitalAssets #FutureOfFinanceCouchonomics with Arjun Season 03 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ToYou https://toyou.io/arMastercard https://mastercard.com/Thunes https://thunes.com/M2P https://m2pfintech.com/Our website

    Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 26:49


    How Stable Are Stablecoins? In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, recorded live at the Singapore FinTech Festival in partnership with Founders Peak, we chat with Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Policy at Circle. Dante shares how Circle is using digital assets like USDC (Stablecoin) and EURC to build a more inclusive financial system.Innovation is changing the way we think about global finance—tune in to learn more.Our website

    Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 26:43


    Kicking off a special series of Couchonomics with Arjun, recorded live at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2024 in collaboration with Founders Peak!

    Ep. 104 How to launch a super app with Kaniyet Rayev

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 64:42


    Super apps are the talk of the town and in the latest episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we're diving into this hot topic with Kaniyet Rayev, CEO of Boxo. Based in Kazakhstan and Singapore, Kaniyet leads Boxo—a platform that empowers apps to become super apps by seamlessly integrating e-commerce, travel, and financial services.We cover the rise of super apps, Boxo's innovative mini-app tech, and the future of digital innovation across global markets.Watch now! ▶️

    Ep 103. Shariah Finance Meets Blockchain: A New Era in Financial Services with Morrad Irsane and Sharene Lee

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 63:05


    The latest episode of Couchonomics with Arjun is now live from Riyadh, in collaboration with Jeel, Riyad Bank's innovation center. Joining us are Morrad Irsane and Sharene Lee, co-founders of Takadao, a company redefining insurance through #blockchain and #Web3 technology. Their vision? To create a decentralized, transparent alternative to traditional insurance that aligns with #IslamicFinance principles and empowers underserved communities.Tune in now to discover how Takadao is changing the narrative with ethical, technology-driven solutions for community support! This episode is available on all platformsOur website

    Ep 102. Hala's ambitious vision to become the future bank of SMEs with Maher Loubieh

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 52:26


    Couchonomics with Arjun is beaming its inaugural episode from its new home in KSA, at Jeel, Riyadh Banks Innovation Center in the heart of Riyadh. Our guest for this week's special episode is Maher Loubieh, Co-Founder & CEO of Hala. During this episode, Maher shares Hala's incredible journey from its beginnings as a peer-to-peer payment platform to then pivoting their business model to focus on the MSME sector in Saudi Arabia. We discuss Hala's strategic pivots, the trials and tribulations of evolving one's business model, the challenges of serving small businesses, and their vision for building a robust financial ecosystem tailored to MSMEs' unique needs.Tune in for insights into Saudi Arabia's evolving fintech landscape and Hala's mission to empower local businesses!Our website

    Ep 101. Optimizing cash returns with Walter De Oude

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 48:08


    This 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, and efficiency  - The incredible story behind SingLife  Catch this conversation on simplifying cash management, unlocking value for consumers, and Walter's big plans for the future!

    100 Episodes In Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2024 21:41


    Exciting 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 a quiz to test how well he really knows his own show. Want to see how he did? Tune in to find out! Catch this unique behind-the-scenes conversation with Vuk as we celebrate 100 episodes of learning, innovation, and community! Available now on YouTube and all audio platforms Our website

    Ep 100 (part 3) Current changes in payments with Roelant Prins

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 46:43


    We 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

    Ep 100 (part 2) Cross border payments solutions and more with Ramana Kumar

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 46:02


    We're celebrating the 100th episode with the return of Ramana Kumar, CEO of Magnati! Ramana first joined us in Season 1, and now he's back to share how Magnati has evolved into a leading cloud-based payments company.In this special episode, we explore the shift to tech-driven payments, the rise of embedded finance, cross-border payment challenges in the MENA region, the role of CBDCs, and the potential of stablecoins in transaction banking. Plus, how Magnati is navigating the regulatory landscape across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Our website

    Ep 100 (part 1) Leadership lessons with Sopnendu Mohanty

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 54:03


    Celebrating 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 Singapore's role in the FinTech ecosystem and the upcoming 9th edition of the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF), which has become one of the most influential FinTech events globally.Our website

    Ep 99. Time To Lead!!! with Sitoyo Lopokoiyit

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 50:26


    Today we're joined by Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, CEO of M-PESA Africa, who has played a pivotal role in growing M-PESA across 8 African markets. Sitoyo shares the fascinating story behind M-PESA's evolution from a mobile money service into a full-fledged digital ecosystem, empowering consumers, businesses, and developers through an open API program. We also covered:- The role of regulation in fintech- Cross-border payments and cost reduction- The adoption of blockchain and AI  - Balancing innovation and competition with open architecture - The future of CBDCs in Africa  - National payment infrastructure players and their impactDon't miss this insightful conversation on how M-PESA is reshaping financial inclusion across Africa and leading the fintech revolution. Our website

    Ep 97. Paving the future all the way from Georgia with Salim Dhanani

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 48:52


    Joining us on the latest episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, all the way from Tbilisi, Georgia, is Salim Dhanani, founder and CEO of PaveBank—the world's first programmable bank. In our conversation, Salim explains how PaveBank is shaping the future of financial services by leveraging blockchain and smart contracts to revolutionize trust and eliminate counterparty risks. We also dive into why they adopted the full reserve banking model, the impact of tokenization, and how evolving regulations are influencing the fintech space.Tune in to discover what it means to be the world's first programmable bank and hear about Pave Bank's exciting plans for the future!Our website

    Ep 96. How NPCI became a dominant and credible network with Ritesh Shukla

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 43:28


    India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has broken records yet again, processing over 15 billion transactions in September alone—setting the global standard for faster payments.In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we dive into the incredible success of UPI with Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International. Ritesh shares insights on how he's taking India's groundbreaking digital payments system to the world stage.Beyond UPI, we explore:

    Ep 95. Transforming Access And Trading Bonds To A New Era With Rahul Banerjee

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 51:49


    In 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 one you won't want to miss!Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on bonds and finance in the modern era.Our website

    Ep 95. Special Recap Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 41:43


    Over the past 8 months, we have had the privilege of engaging in insightful conversations with some of the top minds from our industry, and I'm excited to share these valuable nuggets with you. So here is a roundup of the most effective insights shared by leading experts in the banking and fintech sectors.#Banking #Fintech #IndustryInsights #Strategy #ExpertAdvice #FinancialServicesOur website

    Ep 94. Wealth and Investments with Deepak Mehra

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 51:56


    In this episode of #CouchonomicswithArjun, we're joined by Deepak Mehra, Chief Economist at Commercial Bank of Dubai.

    Ep. 93 How Kaspi is Revolutionizing Everyday Life: A Conversation with Mikhail Lomtadze

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 47:34


    FULL 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 consumers' lives by making everyday activities more accessible, affordable, and convenient. With over 14 million users, Kaspi is one of the most engaging applications globally, setting a new standard for digital transformation in the financial and service industries.Our website

    Ep. 92 Why is the UAE the perfect place for Roger Rouhana's vision?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 64:33


    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 world of wealth management. Tune in now!Our website

    Ep 91. The Transportation of Emirates NBD with Pedro Sousa Cardoso

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 46:43


    Digital Leadership: Embracing the New Tech AgeThis week, we sit down with Pedro Sousa Cardoso, Chief Digital Officer at Emirates NBD, to explore the state of banking in the UAE. We have an in-depth conversation on the evolving role of CDOs, increasing collaboration between banks and fintechs, and venture building within banks, using Liv Bank as an example.Tune in to discover how Emirates NBD is leading the charge in banking innovation.#CouchonomicsWithArjun #DigitalTransformation #FinTech #BankingInnovation #EmiratesNBD #Banking #BaaS #BeyondBanking #CDO #InnovationOur website

    Ep 90. How is Ahmed Wadi Founder and CEO of Money Fellows digitizing Egypt's Money Circles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 54:42


    Chit-fund with a digital twist!Ahmed Wadi, Founder and CEO of Money Fellows is our latest guest on the show. Money Fellows is a pioneering startup from Egypt that has digitized the ancient financial concept of ROSCAs, where a group of individuals act as an informal financial institution. In our chat, Ahmed shares insights on Money Fellows' operational strategy, the challenges and opportunities of building a startup in Egypt, and the overall fintech landscape in the country.Discover how Money Fellows is revolutionizing this millennia-old concept!

    Ep 89. Solving the most critical challenges for businesses in 2024 with Vikram Suri

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 52:11


    The 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 future of fintech and payments. #Couchonomics #Fintech #FIS #Innovation #Payments #CBDCs #Crypto #DigitalAssetsOur website

    Ep 88. The launch of modern Islamic community bank Ruya with Christoph Koster

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 54:10


    In 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 #IslamicBanking #Sustainability #CommunityBanking #couchonomics #islamicFinance #OpenBanking #Innovation #Banking #digitalbanksOur website

    Ep 87. How can AI navigate the risks and stay ahead in real estate investments with Ranime El Skaff

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 53:42


    Can 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 on this episode—learn how Prop-AI is transforming the real estate landscape and what it means for the future of property investments. Available now on YouTube and all podcasting platforms! #Couchonomics #PropTech #RealEstate #AI #DubaiRealEstate #Investment #TechInnovation #FutureOfRealEstate #FintechOur website

    Ep 86. Building a career in CVC with Kushal Shah, Managing Director at e& capital

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 48:49


    What is the state of CVC, and why is now the inflection point for CVCs to grow in the MENA region?Joining us on the #couch to explore these questions is Kushal Shah, Managing Director of e& capital, the CVC arm of the e& group.In this episode, Kushal shares his expert insights on e& capital's investment areas, focus, post-investment involvement, and future plans. We delve into the growing CVC scene in the region, discussing the differences between Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) and Venture Capital (VC), e& capital's investment strategy and governance, and the challenges and recommendations for CVCs.Don't miss this insightful episode, available now on YouTube and all podcasting platforms. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic CVC landscape in the MENA region.#Couchonomics #CVC #MENA #eandCapital #Investment #Innovation #NewEpisodeOur website

    Ep. 85 The Truth About The Impact Of eSIMs On Telecom Sector With Dina Tsybulskaya

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 64:20


    This week, we shift our focus to telecommunications. What once was a booming and developing sector is now seen as more traditional, showing how fast things are changing.

    Welcome to Season 3!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2024 0:49


    Ep 84. The biggest challenges banks face today when selling to existing customers with Jouk Pleiter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 47:50


    Digital 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 and take substantive decisions that require wholesale changes in the way banks operate. Join us as we explore how the banking industry is evolving. Tune in now!#Fintech #innovation #Couchonomics #Backbase #FutureOfBanking #Payments #ai #blockchain #FinancialServices #digitaltransformation #futureoffinance Couchonomics 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/M2P https://m2pfintech.com/Find us on our social media platforms:Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/Couchonomics LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/Twitter https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomicsSubscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6EOur website

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