Ep 100 (part 1) Leadership Lessons With Sopnendu Mohanty Couchonomics With Arjun podcast

24:59

Redefining Microfinance — With Feet on the Ground & Fire in the Belly What 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 Welcome 01:09 Meet Tahin: A Stateless Entrepreneur 03:01 Journey to Financial Inclusion 05:19 Founding Go J: The Private Sector World Bank 08:12 Challenges and Strategies in Microfinance 10:29 Technology and Customer Acquisition 14:05 Role of Regulators and Major Banks 17:50 Investor Relations and Capital Structure 22:46 Future Plans and Expansion 24:16 Conclusion and Farewell Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

1
Japan’s VC Market: Navigating a New Era of Investment 31:57

4 дні тому31:57

31:57

Rewiring fintech infrastructure — operator-led, globally scaled Couchonomics 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into Asia — why now might be the best time to bring your fintech to Tokyo 💸 Why banks are spending billions on outdated IT systems — and the urgent need for smarter, cloud-based solutions 🧩 The challenge of replacing core banking systems without relying on middleware Band-Aids Watch the full episode now — streaming on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🎧 Subscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6E Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Meet Logan Allen of Fin Capital 01:08 Logan's Journey: From SoFi Ventures to Fin Capital 01:37 Fin Capital's Unique Approach and Strategy 04:58 Global Expansion and Market Focus 08:21 Challenges and Trends in FinTech 09:06 Core Banking Infrastructure Concerns 15:12 Japanese Market Insights and Opportunities 25:07 VC Industry Evolution and Final Thoughts 31:39 Conclusion Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

1
Inside SMBC’s Asia Innovation Center: The Future of Corporate Banking 33:52

7 днів тому33:52

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. 🔍 In this episode: - How data-driven dashboards are transforming CFO decision-making - Why real innovation starts with fixing foundations, not chasing trends - The hype vs. reality of GenAI in financial services - The rise of Agentic BaaS — and what it means for the future of banking 🎧 Watch the full episode now — available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:39 Meet Mayoran from SMBC 01:05 Mayoran's Background and Transition to Banking 04:20 Role and Mission of the Asia Innovation Center 06:49 Challenges and Successes in Innovation 10:38 Asia Rising Fund: Supporting Startups 13:40 Generative AI: Hype vs. Reality 17:08 Limitations and Innovations in AI Models 18:14 CFO Agent: Revolutionizing Financial Reviews 20:12 The Rise of AgTech AI and Open Finance 21:30 Agentic Workflows in Banking 25:05 Challenges and Opportunities for Traditional Banks 27:00 Staying Relevant with Emerging Technologies 30:18 Fostering Innovation in Financial Institutions 33:22 Conclusion Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

1
The Future of Financial Regulation: RegTech, AI & Innovation 35:57

9 днів тому35:57

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 mindset The rise of machine-readable, computational regulation What Japan is getting right (and wrong) in the fintech race How to actually build innovation teams within regulators Tune 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 Venture 15:16 Challenges in Financial Regulation 19:17 The Role of Technology in Regulation 22:43 Global Regulatory Landscape 23:19 Japan's Position in FinTech and Regulation 27:20 Characteristics of Strong Innovation Teams 32:02 Future of Financial Regulation 35:20 Conclusion Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

1
Regulators, Reform & Bitcoin: Japan’s Crypto Future 25:43

11 днів тому25:43

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 #FutureOfFinance 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 Introduction 00:37 Meet Genki Oda 02:04 The Evolution of Japan's Crypto Market 04:42 Role of JVCEA in Crypto Regulation 06:11 Japan's Position in the Global FinTech Scene 11:10 SBI Holdings and Its Crypto Ventures 12:45 Global Expansion of SBI Holdings 13:42 Investing Outside Japan 14:37 Japan's Global Market Focus 15:06 Attracting Global Innovators to Japan 16:39 Challenges for Foreigners in Japan 18:27 Digital Assets in Japan 19:32 Stablecoins and Their Adoption 21:52 Future of CBDCs in Japan 23:30 SBI Holdings' Future Priorities 24:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

1
Why Japan’s Startup Ecosystem Isn’t Scaling — Yet 31:38

15 днів тому31:38

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. 🎙️ This is Episode 1 of a special 7-part series recorded on location across Japan. 👉 Don’t forget to follow the show to stay tuned for the rest of the Japan series. 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 Introduction 00:46 Meet Jordan: From Finance to Entrepreneurship 01:20 The Birth of Zehitomo 05:52 Challenges in Japan's Startup Ecosystem 13:38 The Role of Antler in the Startup Scene 15:51 Building a Global Decacorn 16:34 Antler's Unique Approach 17:13 The Residency Program 17:38 Investment and Support 18:39 Success Stories and Future Plans 20:59 Challenges and Opportunities in Japan 24:25 The Role of Corporates and Collaboration 27:16 Regulatory and Government Influence 30:44 Final Thoughts Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

1
Special Episode: Japan FinTech Week and GFTN Forum 38:42

10 weeks тому38:42

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? 🇯🇵 Don’t miss this deep dive into Japan’s fintech future! Watch now and subscribe for more fintech insights! Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

1
Ep 110. Fintech Frontier: AI & Blockchain Leading the Future with Marwan Alzarouni 52:17

11 weeks тому52:17

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 industries This 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/ar Mastercard https://mastercard.com/ Thunes https://thunes.com/ M2P https://m2pfintech.com/ Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

1
Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 7 25:55

12 weeks тому25:55

25:55

Can 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 sustainability With trust and transparency key to scaling carbon markets, how do we get there? Watch the full episode to find out! 📺 Tune in now & share your thoughts in the comments! #Couchonomics #CarbonMarkets #Sustainability #ClimateFinance #Fintech #SingaporeFintechFestival #Innovation #AI #Blockchain #Tokenization 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 Introduction 01:08 Insights from the Sustainability Forum 02:44 The Birth and Vision of Climate Impact X 04:27 Challenges and Responsibilities in a Nascent Sector 08:13 Global Ambitions and Market Dynamics 10:12 Product Focus and Market Trends 15:58 Building Trust and Transparency 18:59 Engaging Corporates and Overcoming Barriers 23:19 Future Perspectives and Regulatory Clarity 24:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

1
Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 6 24:24

12 weeks тому24:24

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 📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights from Couchonomics! 🎧 Now streaming everywhere. Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

1
Ep 109. Billionaire's Blueprint: Wealth, AI & Investing in the UAE with Fahd Iqbal 55:49

13 weeks тому55:49

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/ar Mastercard https://mastercard.com/ Thunes https://thunes.com/ M2P https://m2pfintech.com/ Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

1
Ep 108. Transforming Transactions: NETS CEO Lawrence Chan's Payments Vision 58:15

15 weeks тому58:15

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: 🌐 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 key We’re excited for you to hear Lawrence’s take on the future of payments and how NETS is at the heart of this transformation. Tune in now! #Couchonomics #Fintech #Payments #DigitalFinance #Innovation #Leadership #Nets #SoutheastAsia #DigitalPayments #FutureOfFinance 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/ Thunes https://thunes.com/ M2P https://m2pfintech.com/ Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

1
Ep 107. PropTech in Saudi Arabia: Redefining Real Estate with Razwa Alharthi 55:49

16 weeks тому55:49

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: 👉 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 estate. Tune in to learn how Nuzul is paving the way for a more transparent, efficient, and tech-driven real estate market in Saudi Arabia. #Couchonomics #PropTech #Fintech #blockchain #Innovation #Technology #AI #RealEstate #SaudiArabia #DigitalInnovation #Startups #TechTransformation 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/ Thunes https://thunes.com/ M2P https://m2pfintech.com/ Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

1
Ep 106. Reinventing Wealth Management With Malaa Technologies 1:04:59

17 weeks тому1:04:59

1:04:59

A 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, even when financial literacy is a challenge. 👉 How personalization is becoming the core of finance, adapting to users’ changing needs and goals. The episode is live now on YouTube and all podcasting platforms! 🎧 #Couchonomics #FintechInnovation #WealthManagement #FinancialInclusion #PersonalFinance #SaudiArabia #Jeel #TechForGood #Entrepreneurship 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/ Thunes https://thunes.com/ M2P https://m2pfintech.com/ Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

1
Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 5 31:15

17 weeks тому31:15

31:15

Future of crypto! 💱 We’re honored to have Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, joining us for an exclusive conversation straight from the heart of the Singapore FinTech Festival. As one of the most influential leaders in the crypto space, Richard takes us through his journey at the helm of Binance, a company that’s leading the charge in crypto adoption, education, and innovation. Richard and Arjun also discussed: 👉 Binance’s journey in navigating regulatory challenges across 20+ countries. 👉 The rapid growth of crypto adoption and Bitcoin’s new, record-breaking milestone of $75K. 👉 The future of decentralized finance and how traditional finance is embracing crypto. 👉 Binance’s commitment to education, with over 27 million users engaging with Binance Academy. 👉 The impact of institutional adoption and how products like ETFs are driving mainstream crypto acceptance. This episode is part of the special series in collaboration with The Founders Peak—and with Richard’s leadership insights, it’s one you won’t want to miss! Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

Couchonomics with Arjun

1
Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 4 31:37

18 weeks тому31:37

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 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

Couchonomics with Arjun

1
Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 3 24:49

18 weeks тому24:49

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 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

Couchonomics with Arjun

1
Ep 105. The new Head of Adyen’s Middle East 57:40

20 weeks тому57:40

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 #FutureOfFinance 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/ Thunes https://thunes.com/ M2P https://m2pfintech.com/ Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

Couchonomics with Arjun

1
Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 2 26:49

20 weeks тому26:49

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 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

Couchonomics with Arjun

1
Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 1 26:43

20 weeks тому26:43

26:43

Kicking off a special series of Couchonomics with Arjun, recorded live at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2024 in collaboration with Founders Peak! 🛋️ In this first episode, we welcome Nate Clark, CEO of GoTyme Bank, to talk about the future of digital banking in the Philippines and beyond. We dive into the Filipino financial services sector, the rise of fintech, the impact of AI on banking, and so much more. Tune in for Nate's insights on digital banking's future and how GoTyme is leading the charge! Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

Couchonomics with Arjun

1
Ep. 104 How to launch a super app with Kaniyet Rayev 1:04:42

22 weeks тому1:04:42

1:04:42

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! ▶️📺 Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

Couchonomics with Arjun

1
Ep 103. Shariah Finance Meets Blockchain: A New Era in Financial Services with Morrad Irsane and Sharene Lee 1:03:05

25 weeks тому1:03:05

1:03:05

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 platforms Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

Couchonomics with Arjun

1
Ep 102. Hala’s ambitious vision to become the future bank of SMEs with Maher Loubieh 52:26

26 weeks тому52:26

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 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

Couchonomics with Arjun

1
Ep 101. Optimizing cash returns with Walter De Oude 48:08

27 weeks тому48:08

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! 🎧 Watch now on YouTube or tune in on all audio platforms. Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

Couchonomics with Arjun

1
100 Episodes In Review 21:41

27 weeks тому21:41

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 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

Couchonomics with Arjun

1
Ep 100 (part 3) Current changes in payments with Roelant Prins 46:43

27 weeks тому46:43

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 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

Couchonomics with Arjun

1
Ep 100 (part 2) Cross border payments solutions and more with Ramana Kumar 46:02

27 weeks тому46:02

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 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

Couchonomics with Arjun

1
Ep 100 (part 1) Leadership lessons with Sopnendu Mohanty 54:03

27 weeks тому54:03

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 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

Couchonomics with Arjun

1
Ep 99. Time To Lead!!! with Sitoyo Lopokoiyit 50:26

29 weeks тому50:26

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 impact Don't miss this insightful conversation on how M-PESA is reshaping financial inclusion across Africa and leading the fintech revolution. Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ CCN 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…

Couchonomics with Arjun

1
Ep 97. Paving the future all the way from Georgia with Salim Dhanani 48:52

29 weeks тому48:52