Recent Episodes
From Street Parties to Policy Talks: A Glimpse into SFF 2023 with Pat Patel
Dive into the heart of FinTech with Arjun's exclusive episode featuring Pat Patel, the mastermind behind Elevandi, as they unveil the highlights of Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2023. From key figures like World Bank's Ajay Bhanga to groundbreaking tech discussions, get an insider's look into the world's premier FinTech event. Whether it's the significance of Ravi Menon's address or Singapore's Club Street transformation, this episode is a must-listen for every FinTech enthusiast. Don't miss the blend of policy, finance, and tech reshaping the global digital economy.
Reimagining Retirement: Aurem's Global Vision with Michael Watkins
In the latest episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, dive into the world of financial technology and the future of retirement with none other than Michael Watkins, the mastermind behind Aurem. From unearthing behavioral challenges people face in securing their future, to demystifying the real value of money and breaking down misconceptions about wealth - this episode is a treasure trove of insights. As the landscape of work and finance shifts beneath our feet, discover how platforms like Aurem stand at the forefront of innovation, illuminating the path to a prosperous future. Don't miss this enlightening conversation!
Investment Realities in MENA: Analyzing Trends and Predictions with MAGNiTT's Philip Bahoshy
Venture capital, startups, and the nuances of the MENA region - these are the intriguing elements at the core of our latest episode of Couchonomics. We're honored to host Philip Bahoshy, the visionary CEO of MAGNiTT, as he shares unparalleled insights into the evolving landscape of venture investments in the MENA ecosystem. Drawing from his wealth of experience and MAGNiTT's impactful journey, Philip presents an in-depth perspective on the significant trends, challenges, and opportunities in the startup world. Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or an ardent follower of the MENA market, this episode promises a riveting dive into the heart of venture capital dynamics. Tune in and be part of this enlightening discourse!
Future-Proof Wealth Management with Joseph El Am: A StashAway Perspective
Dive into the dynamic world of digital wealth management in the latest episode of Couchonomics. As we navigate the intricacies of asset management and financial adaptability in the MENA region, Joseph El Am from StashAway MENA offers an insider’s perspective on the future of investments. From StashAway's cutting-edge ERA investment strategy to the post-COVID financial landscapes and the crucial pursuit of financial literacy, this episode is a deep dive into the mechanisms, challenges, and innovations of the modern investment era. Unearth the nuances behind StashAway's expansion, their visionary approach, and the ever-evolving market trends. A must-listen for every finance enthusiast eager to grasp the pulse of the MENA investment horizon.
From Pearl Trading to Digital Wallets with Hasan Al Fardan
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complex world of global financial services. From discussions on adopting Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) to the role of financial literacy in fostering inclusion, this conversation promises to change the way you think about money, technology, and their impact on human lives globally. Don't miss this compelling journey through the past, present, and future of financial systems, guided by one of the industry's leading figures.
Money, Tech, and Trust: A Deep Dive into Payments with Telr's CEO Khalil Alami
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!
Solving The Gulf's Financial Puzzle with Nabil Ismail: Fintech, Consolidation, and The Cash Game
Unlock the secrets of fintech and the magic of cash flow with Nabil Ismail, the brains behind Gulf Capital. Dive into the world of mergers, embedded finance, and global investment strategies. From the UAE's golf greens to global boardrooms, join Arjun on Couchonomics as we decode the Gulf's financial puzzle. Don't miss the gold in this episode!
Mastering the Art of Ultra Platforms: A Conversation with Abdallah Abu-Sheikh
In our recent Couchonomics episode, Arjun explores the intriguing domain of Ultra Platforms and the evolving future of fintech and digital services with Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, the pioneering CEO of Botim and Founder of Astra Tech. A visionary leader, Abu-Sheikh is transforming the way we interact with technology, turning Botim into an all-in-one Ultra App that encompasses a vast range of services. He dives into the evolution of Astra Tech, discussing the concept and necessity of Ultra Platforms, characterized by extreme usage, organic adoption, multi-service functionality, and the capability to surpass targeted platforms. Tune in to gain unique insights into the future of the digital landscape, courtesy of this thought-provoking conversation with Abdallah Abu-Sheikh.
In the Heart of Africa: The Evolution of Fintech and its Global Impact
In this special edition of Couchonomics, we take you into the heart of a new movement, leveraging the power of fintech for financial inclusion. Arjun's conversation with Sopnendu paints an inspiring picture of the potential held by emerging markets and the pivotal role technology can play in driving inclusive growth.
Navigating the “MENA Fintech Landscape” with Renier Lemmens, CEO of Geidea
Welcome to a milestone episode of Couchonomics with Arjun - a golden journey through the intricate labyrinth of global finance. Our 50th episode features an exciting guest, Renier Lemmens, the seasoned CEO of Geidea. Renier unveils the riveting dynamics of fintech in the MENA region, the rise of cashless societies, and how Geidea is contributing to this transformative shift.
From Singapore to Africa: Charting the FinTech Course with Pat Patel
In this episode, Pat Patel of Elevandi discusses advancing FinTech through public-private collaboration, fostering innovation and redefining risk frameworks for today's economy. He also shares insights into India's potential as a FinTech hub, the pivotal role of digital public goods in constructing a digital economy, and the transformative power of technology in reaching underserved markets. Learn about Elevandi's role in sparking open dialogue between public and private sectors to shape the future of FinTech.
The FinTech Frontier: Insider’s View Into the Egypt’s Digital Payments Revolution
Tune in to listen to Dr. Waleed Sadek's unique perspective on the current digital payment ecosystem, the transformative role of fintech, and the future of banking. It's a deep dive into the digital revolution that is transforming financial services in the Middle East and Africa.
Building a Super App: The Journey of Careem Pay
In 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. 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 the leading digital financial services provider in the region.
Building a World-Class FinTech Hub
This episode of Couchonomics with Arjun offers valuable insights into how Singapore has become a world-class FinTech hub and the role of regulatory policies, innovation strategies, and public good projects in driving growth and competitiveness in the financial sector. Sopnendu Mohanty's expertise and experience make this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in FinTech and innovation.
Exploring MENA Region's Venture Capital Potential
In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we welcome Noor Sweid, managing partner at Global Ventures, to share her insights on venture capital funds and the investment potential of the MENA region.
Couchonomics with Arjun, Season 02: Official Trailer
Join us in Season 02 of Couchonomics as we go beyond fintech and payments, and embark on the journey into the future of financial services, a future which will be shaped by existing and new developments in technology and innovation, including and not limited to the likes of embedded finance, open banking, ESG, various versions of metaverse, decentralized finance, digital currencies, and other trends. On the couch, we're going to have the most influential and progressive-minded founders, executives, investors, regulators, innovators and industry commentators from across the MENA region and beyond. Join us as we unravel a multitude of layers of the financial services industry and try to learn how technology will continue to impact the world that we live in.
Surviving as a Fintech In The Current Market
Madhusudanan Rangarajan and Prabhu Rangarajan are the Co-founders of M2P, an innovative, India-born fintech company with ambitious expansion goals for Dubai. They reveal 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.
Building Wealth-Tech in MENA
Many would say that investing is like gambling. But is it? Feras Jalbout, Founder and CEO of Baraka, built a commission-free investment platform to empower the next generation of Middle East investors.
The Future of Fintech
Abdullah Al-Othman joins Couchonomics to share his views on an ever-evolving fintech landscape. He shares his view on what makes fintech in Saudi Arabia unique from other places in the world.
FinTech in MENA: A macro perspective
Nameer Khan is the Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association. Drawing on the support of an impressive panel of local and global partners, the Association has quickly proven itself as an integral force in the vitalization of the fintech world.