Couchonomics with Arjun

We 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 Season 3 is brought to you by our partners: Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ ToYou https://toyou.io/ar Mastercard 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=20 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E Chapters: 00:00 - Episode Highlights 01:06 - Introduction 02:04 - Bitcoin Halving 06:23 - Influence of ETFs on market volume and trading patterns 08:08 - Introduction to Zodia Markets 16:50 - Partnership with Standard Chartered 23:27 - Regulatory Interpretation and Responsibility 26:51 - Seeking Regulation 29:47 - Industry Approaches to Regulation 32:36 - Potential Impact of CBDCs on cryptocurrency 35:29 - Stablecoins Use Cases 43:28 - Widespread Adoption of Stablecoins 49:31 - Tokenization of Real-World Assets 57:31 - What's Next for Zodia Markets 01:00:08 - Closing Words Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

In 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 with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners: Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ ToYou https://toyou.io/ar Mastercard 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=20 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E Chapters: 00:00 - Episode Highlights 00:46 - Introduction 02:08 - Definition of digital assets 03:17 - Definition of DeFi 04:55 - Definition of Crypto 04:58 - Impact of regulation on decentralization 08:04 - Introduction to M2 09:43 - Genesis of the business in Abu Dhabi 11:13 - Current landscape of digital asset companies in the Middle East 14:29 - Analog world's adoption of blockchain and DA 17:25 - What can accelerate the adoption of blockchain and DA 19:42 - Based in Abu Dhabi, having global reach 21:15 - How does M2 position itself differently 24:15 - Challenges and Opportunities in Crypto 25:15 - Crypto market growth and adoption 29:37 - Building innovative products 34:32 - Payments and Adoption 37:37 - Customer Acquisition 40:36 - What does the ecosystem need to do differently? 41:17 - Legitimizing digital currency to invest in commodities 42:43 - Regulation and Technology Trends 47:08 - Global Talent Sourcing 47:49 - Regulation Prediction 49:40 - Keeping capital patient 52:13 - What will be the role of AI? 56:04 - B2B Partnerships and Market Expansion 58:00 - Advice for Crypto Trading Beginners 01:02:01 - Closing Words Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Welcome 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. Couchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners: Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ ToYou https://toyou.io/ar Mastercard 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=20 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E Timestamps: 00:00 - Episode Highlight 01:12 - Introduction 02:10 - Overview of Helios Investment Partners 06:10 - Africa's Diverse Startup Scene 09:02 - Investing in Major African Markets and Market Dynamics 11:48 - Key Sectors of Interest 18:18 - Africa-Specific Trends 21:00 - The Role of Central Banks 24:46 - Prevailing Trends in Private Equity 31:41 - Shifts in the Private Equity Scene 34:58 - The Next Phase of Africa's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem 37:44 - Operational Challenges in Africa 42:08 - Investment Focus and Social Impact 46:51 - The Next Steps for Helios 49:51 - Closing Words Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Join 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 #Tarabut Couchonomics with Arjun Season 03 is brought to you by our partners: Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ ToYou https://toyou.io/ar Mastercard 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=20 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E time stamps: - 00:00 - Episode highlights - 01:42 - Introduction - 02:43 - About Tarabut - 05:50 - Fintech scene in the GCC region - 11:40 - Free competition vs. managed competition - 16:21 - Challenges with open banking - 22:53 - Banks' reluctance to adopt new technology - 30:25 - Regional nuances in financial markets - 34:00 - Regulatory harmonization - 38:40 - BaaS and open banking integration - 47:16 - Third-party providers in BaaS - 51:11 - Digital transformation challenges and strategies - 57:00 - Future strategy for Tarabut - 01:04:00 - Closing words Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of mental health with Scott Armstrong, Founder & CEO of Mentl, a mental health advocacy platform. From workplace challenges to the impact of AI, we explore various facets of mental well-being in today's world. Tune in for insightful discussions on work-life balance, stress management, and more. Don't miss out on this important conversation! #Couchonomics #MentalHealth #WorkLifeBalance #StressManagement #WellBeing #Podcast #LeadershipInsights Timestamps: 00:00 - Episode Highlights 01:15 - Introduction 02:57 - Meet Mentl: Advocating Mental Health 03:53 - Scott’s Background Journey 05:22 - State of Mental Health in the Region 09:43 - Primary Drivers of Stress 14:33 - Traditional Work Culture vs. Modern Expectations 17:49 - Generation Gap in Work-Life Balance and Mental Health Attitudes 20:17 - Mental Health's Impact on Productivity 22:45 - Company Strategies for Employee Well-Being Investment 29:46 - Smart Mitigating Strategies for Well-Being 36:36 - Challenges Faced by Gen Z in the Workplace 41:22 - AI's Influence on Mental Health 56:14 - The Mental Health Crisis 58:16 - Addressing Mental Health Challenges and "Well-Washing" 1:02:00 - Closing Thoughts Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Episode 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 #newepisode Couchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners: Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ ToYou https://toyou.io/ar Mastercard 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=20 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E Timestamps: 00:00 - Episode Highlights 00:43 - Introduction 02:00 - MNT-Halan's story 05:23 - Creating a financial super app 08:12 - What makes MNT-Halan great 12:00 - Opportunities in the Egyptian market 15:55 - Microloans and consumer loans 18:58 - MNT-Halan's Impact on the Banking Sector 21:35 - Fintech Ecosystem in Egypt 24:36 - Impact of investors on startup direction 26:13 - Regulatory landscape in Egypt 28:02 - Egyptian companies going across the borders 32:02 - Opportunities of the Egyptian market for international fintech 37:32 - Future plans and strategies for MNT-Halan 40:49 - Talent scarcity and AI 42:00 - Closing words Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

🚀 Explore the world of Venture Capital with Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner at Nuwa Capital, in Episode 4 of Couchonomics with Arjun! We cover topics like the State of Venture Capital in 2023, market dynamics, lessons learned by VCs, challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs, and more. Don’t miss this conversation full of invaluable insights. Tune in now! Timestamps: 00:00 - Episode Highlights 00:32 - Introduction 01:25 - The State of VC in 2023 12:31 - Lessons Learned by VCs 14:21 - The Emergence of the Saudi Market 23:36 - Challenges and Opportunities in the Egyptian Market 29:00 - Exploring Different Investment Sectors 44:07 - Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Investment 55:54 - Inside Nuwa Capital 59:23 - Common Pitfalls for Startups 01:04:30 - Expectations and Predictions for 2024/25 01:08:56 - Closing Words Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Join us for Episode 3 of Couchonomics with Arjun as we explore the UAE's entrepreneurship ecosystem with Professor Ramesh Jagannathan, Managing Director of StartAD. Learn about StartAD's innovative programs, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the role of women in business. Subscribe for insightful discussions on driving economic growth and global competitiveness in the UAE! #StartAD #UAEentrepreneurship #Innovation #WomenEntrepreneurs #TechEducation #Angelinvestment #UAEstartup Chapters: 00:00- Episode Highlights 00:26- Introduction 01:11- Prof. Ramesh Background 06:35- startAD inception and challenges 16:48- What makes startAD stand out 22:36- Capacity building in the UAE 25:08- Empowering women in entrepreneurship 29:19- VC funding and women-led ventures 37:06- NYU impact in startAD 42:30- Next chapter for startAD 46:25- Collaboration between capacity enablers 54:32- Closing words Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Welcome back to Couchonomics! In line with the theme of rearchitecting the global financial system, this week we explored the banking sector in the UAE and the wider GCC: regulatory focus, financial crime regulation, innovation, and in general, what the banking sector could do differently. Helping us explore these topics, we had the privilege of hosting Raheel Ahmed, CEO of RAKBANK, on our show. During our conversation, Raheel shared his insights on the dynamic relationship between fintech and banks, his views on central banks, and Arjun even managed to slip in a CBDC question. 💸📈 Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Dive into the future of Fintech with J.K. Khalil, General Manager at MasterCard GCC & Pakistan! Join Arjun and J.K. as they explore the partnership dynamics between fintechs and banks, the game-changing role of governments in innovation, embedded finance, and MasterCard's bold new initiatives! Don't miss out on this strong start to the third season! #Fintech #Mastercard #fintechinnovation #couchonomics #season3 #fintechpodcast #digitalpayments #governmentregulations #digitalbanking Timestamps: 00:00- Introduction 03:40- Rearchitecting Of The Financial System 08:22- Digital Payments 09:07- Faster Payments 14:35 -Cross Border Payment System 16:28- J.K’s View On CBDCs 19:30- Interesting News In Payments 23:27-Banks And Fintechs Dynamics 27:50 - Mastercard’s Work With New Fintechs 32:58- J.K’s Insights On Current State of VC’s 36:57- Why Is There A Lack Of Early-Stage Startups? 41:20- The Role Of Government Regulators 51:38- Closing Words Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

In 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 completely private, quantum-secure decentralized messaging and payment platform. He is also known for other fundamental innovations in cryptography, including privacy technologies such as mix nets and secure voting systems. With a PhD in Computer Science from UC Berkeley, he has taught at NYU Graduate School of Business and the University of California. David is the founder of the International Association for Cryptologic Research, the Cryptography Group at the Center for Mathematics and Computer Science in Amsterdam, and DigiCash. Among his breakthrough projects are digital blind signatures, multiparty computation, and random sample voting. In the episode, Arjun and David discussed: Why David invented eCash, and how his work pioneered the way for cryptocurrency to be developed in its present formDavid’s involvement in exposing cryptographic weaknesses in payment systemsHis latest work: “Better Than Money”, inspired by the shortfallings of the current financial systemHow “Better Than Money” could address global financial inequityBarriers to financial improvement, and how blockchain-driven solutions could benefit the unbankedThe role of both commercial and central banks in the evolving financial landscapeHow “Better Than Money” could coexist with CBDCs and stablecoinsThe potential of “Better Than Money” to address inefficiencies in cross-border payments To learn more about “Better Than Money” and David’s ongoing work, visit his website: https://chaum.com/ Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

In 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 investor networks in the region Increased participation of women in the Saudi workforce The role of experienced entrepreneurs in supporting early-stage startupsGovernment actions in funding mechanisms, non-funding mechanisms, and regulatory interventions Thank you to Fintech Saudi for inviting us to use their facilities to record this special episode of Couchonomics from KSA. Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

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 friends, foes, or frenemies What regulators can do to unlock potential in the SME and NBFI nexus Alraedah Finance's plans to help SMEs over the next 3 years Thank you to Fintech Saudi for opening up their space to us for the recording of this episode. Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

In 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 optionsThe pitfalls of using trading platforms without proper trainingThe wealth management industry's failure to educate customers FinaMaze's process of tailoring micro-portfolios for individual clients The way they’ve partnered human decision-makers with AIChallenges in B2C wealth managementWhat differentiates FinaMaze from other "robo-advisors" This is a great episode for AI enthusiasts, those working in wealthtech or wealth management, and anyone trading in their personal capacity. Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

"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 that make the UAE thrive. In the episode, Arjun and Jan spoke about: The emergence of national payment infrastructures, whether they're commercially owned, state-owned, or mutual/cooperative modelsAll things Aani, from how Al Etihad identified this gap in the market to the problems they’re solving with this payment experience The unique challenges facing payments in the UAE, with the dichotomy of the region being digitally enabled but still relying strongly on cash in particular areas Trends shaping the payments sector, such as the technologies enabling transformation in the industry The cashless versus "less cash" debate and how it applies to MENA How to enable faster payments: will CBDCs help? Open finance and debit card innovations taking place in the UAE Opportunities in the space of B2B payments Future banking models and the challenges facing the adoption of open banking If you, like Arjun, are a "payments geek", this episode is definitely one to add to your listening lineup for the week! Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

In today's high-paced corporate world, the importance of wellness cannot be emphasized enough. As firms compete in the war for talent, a new dimension has emerged as a magnet for the modern workforce: wellness. In this episode, we dive deep into this crucial topic with an industry stalwart. Meet Diego Carrete, Chief Wellness Officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). Beyond his pivotal role at the UAE's largest bank, Diego is a fitness aficionado, guiding busy executives on their path to peak wellness. His journey, filled with ups and downs, offers invaluable insights for anyone aiming for holistic health. Diego unveils the crucial role of a Chief Wellness Officer, emphasizing the holistic development of an employee, both mentally and physically. Why are new generations prioritizing wellness over paychecks? Diego dissects the rise of wellness in the corporate value proposition. Other Discussions: At the heart of this enlightening discussion lies a message of balance, prioritizing oneself, and the imperative to evolve with changing times. The corporate world is shifting, with wellness at its core, and leaders like Diego Carrete are at the forefront of this movement. Tune in to learn, get inspired, and transform your approach to holistic well-being. Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Dive 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 the major industry leaders and key figures marking their presence at the event, including insights about Ajay Bhanga, the new president of the World Bank, and Eric Jing from Ant Group. From policy discussions and financial tech showcases to its vast size resembling six giant warehouse hangers, Pat emphasizes the diversity and scale of the event. He also highlights the key thematic focuses of SFF this year, such as re-architecting the monetary system and the pivotal role of AI. Other topics discussed: Tune in to get a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from SFF 2023 and why, if you're serious about FinTech, it's an event you cannot afford to miss. Follow the journey with Arjun and Pat Patel as they discuss the nuances, attractions, and future trajectories of the festival. Don't miss out on this exclusive insider's view into the world's largest fintech event! Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Join us on this enlightening episode of Couchonomics as we navigate the intricate world of financial technology, focusing on the evolving landscape of employee benefits on a global scale. We are thrilled to have Michael Watkins, the visionary CEO and Founder of Aurem, a pioneering platform bridging businesses and their global teams to financial services. With a rich history in the financial services sector, Michael delves into Aurem's mission to reimagine retirement solutions, especially within the unique context of the UAE. Behavioral Barriers: Discover the inherent challenges faced by individuals when envisioning long-term financial security, and the innovative solutions Aurem brings to the table. Money's True Worth: Unpack the delicate balance between saving and spending, with insights on maximizing the value of every dollar and understanding its impact on our life choices. Other topics discussed: In a world where the dynamics of work and personal finance are rapidly evolving, platforms like Aurem offer a beacon of innovation and security. Dive deep into these insights and more, understanding how businesses and their global teams can harness the power of financial services to create a more prosperous tomorrow. Join Arjun and Michael in this riveting dialogue, only on Couchonomics. Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

Embark on an insightful journey into the heart of the MENA startup ecosystem, where we unravel the intricacies of venture capital trends and the challenges and opportunities ahead. Join Arjun as he sits down with Philip Bahoshy, the CEO of MAGNiTT - the MENA region's formidable connector of startups, investors, and mentors. Philip, with his vast expertise and a pulse on the market, shares a unique perspective on the venture capital landscape, shedding light on MAGNiTT's mission and vision. Navigate the complex weave of global venture capital, where Philip emphasizes the significance of macroeconomic factors like inflation, interest rates, and stock market volatility. Dive deep into MENA's venture capital nuances, observing the impact of significant deals and the fascinating role of fintech as the new frontier of investment. **Other Topics Discussed:** - The influence of global economic trends on venture capital - Fintech's meteoric rise and its dominance in investments - Reflections on regional investment trends and challenges - Exploration of international markets and the importance of looking Eastward - Venture capital in the context of rising interest rates and macroeconomic indicators - Navigating the MENA startup scene: Opportunities, challenges, and the need for consolidation In a dynamic and often unpredictable venture capital ecosystem, understanding the nuances is crucial. With Philip Bahoshy at the helm of this episode, we get a front-row seat to the evolving narrative of startups, investments, and the future of the MENA region. Dive into this episode of Couchonomics for a comprehensive look into what fuels, drives, and challenges the world of startups and investments in MENA. Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E

In this enlightening episode of Couchonomics, we delve deep into the revolutionary world of digital wealth management, exploring its innovations, challenges, and future trajectory. We peer into the intricate fabric of asset management, financial literacy, and economic adaptability in an ever-evolving market, all with a lens focusing on the MENA region. Joining Arjun for this riveting discussion is Joseph El Am, the General Manager and Senior Executive Officer at StashAway MENA, the region's largest digital asset manager. Joseph, a seasoned professional, offers invaluable insights into StashAway’s unique business model, their expansion journey, and their visionary approach to offering state-of-the-art investment strategies to a broad audience. Joseph elucidates StashAway's proprietary investment strategy, ERA (Economic Regime-Based Asset Allocation), spotlighting its adaptability in varying economic climates. He also draws a vivid picture of the financial landscapes post-COVID, detailing the intriguing shifts in investment behaviours, the general wariness of investors, and the growing appetite for varied investment avenues like money market funds and the imminent private market suite in the region. Other topics discussed as bullet points: As we explore StashAway's endeavours and aspirations, Joseph's perspectives offer a mirror reflecting the ongoing shifts and future possibilities in the investment world, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in finance, investment, and economic innovations. Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners: https://www.adyen.com/https://toyou.io/arhttps://ma.visamiddleeast.com/https://geidea.net/https://m2pfintech.com/ Find us on our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/couchonomics-with-arjun-singh/https://www.instagram.com/couchonomics/https://twitter.com/Arjun_Vir_Singh?s=20https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomics Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E