Couchonomics with Arjun

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:The glaring gap in financial literacy and the pivotal need for educational synergies involving wealth managers, banks, and educational institutions.The unveiling of StashAway’s innovative features like recurring deposits in partnership with Lean Technologies and the contemplation of introducing features available in other markets like Simple Guaranteed.Joseph's reflections on the current market trends, the unpredictable nature of investments, and the essence of avoiding the reinvention of the wheel.The potential expansion prospects of StashAway in the MENA region, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia, and the strive for enhancing their footprint in the UAE. 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/3jk7UH0Find 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

Get ready for an exhilarating ride into the future of digital media, commerce, and technology as we dive deep into the world of TikTok! If you ever wondered why TikTok isn't just for dance trends and how it's revolutionizing the content game, then you’re in for a treat. Arjun welcomes a very special guest who plays a crucial role in shaping TikTok's global strategy. Fasten your seat belts; this episode of Couchonomics will challenge your preconceptions and offer a visionary glimpse into the future of digital ecosystems.Meet Shant Oknayan, the Head of Global Business Solutions for Asia-Pacific, Central & South Asia, Middle East & Africa - TikTok. With over two decades of experience in leading digital & business development strategies, Shant is a formidable voice in the tech world. A Double Master’s degree holder from MIT and Imperial College London, he's a strategist, an influencer in advisory ecosystems, and a forward-thinking executive who has held key positions at tech giants like Facebook (now Meta) and Google. Get ready to tap into his incredible wealth of knowledge!The Age of Content: Shant delves into how TikTok fits into the evolution of digital spaces and the "fourth phase" of technology—The Age of Content. He explains how machine learning and smart algorithms are making content more personalized and relevant than ever.Other Topics Discussed:-      Community Building: Communities like BookTok, BeautyTok, and FinTok are not only thriving but also helping users discover their passions. Shant discusses how these micro-communities are the future of content consumption and creation.-      Shoppertainment: Shant introduces us to this catchy term that embodies the future of commerce. It's where shopping meets entertainment, and TikTok aims to be at the forefront of this convergence.-      Safety and Relevance: How TikTok is ensuring that its recommendation engine not only serves relevant content but also keeps users safe.-      Edutainment: From bite-sized educational content for school kids to educational feeds dedicated to STEM, TikTok is pushing the boundaries of 'edutainment.'-      Creator vs. Influencer: Shant distinguishes between these two, emphasizing that TikTok is a platform for creators driven by passion rather than influencers chasing popularity.-      The C-Suite Perspective: Shant’s advice to C-suite executives about the need to understand and adopt TikTok as a serious platform for brand engagement and marketing.Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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

In this riveting episode of Couchonomics, we delve deep into the complex world of money exchange, remittance, and financial inclusion. We discuss how technology is changing the landscape while traditional services continue to serve a critical role.We're honored to host Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, the CEO of Al Fardan Exchange L.L.C., a pioneering financial institution in the UAE with roots stretching back to 1954. Hasan guides us through his journey in transforming a family business into a modern financial powerhouse, serving communities both local and international.Hasan shares insights on their digital application, AlfaPay, and their strategic partnership with Western Union, as well as how they're adopting Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). The conversation explores the meaning of true financial inclusion, extending beyond mere money transfer to broader financial services like loans and mortgages. Other Topics Discussed:·       The historical legacy of Al Fardan Exchange·       Importance of Compliance and Governance·       The growing relevance of the African corridor in remittance·       The role of financial literacy in boosting inclusion·       Future expansion and new product offerings by Al Fardan Exchange Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that navigates through the past, present, and future of money exchange and financial services. Hasan Al Fardan enlightens us on how Al Fardan Exchange is not just a financial service provider but a lifeline for millions globally. Join us in this insightful journey that promises to redefine how you think about money, technology, and human connection.Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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

Welcome to another stimulating episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, where we delve into the intricacies of the financial world! Today we're setting our sights on the evolving landscape of digital banking. We have an insider's look at how traditional banking is transforming to keep up with the digital wave. If you've ever wondered what it takes to make a bank future-ready, you won't want to miss this episode!Our distinguished guest for today is Radu Topliceanu, the Executive Vice President, Head of Neo and Personal Banking at Mashreq. With a career spanning multiple continents and over 20 years in the digital space, Radu is a seasoned banking executive who knows the industry inside and out. He has successfully spearheaded several digital transformations and has a wealth of knowledge in fintech, digitalization, and customer-centric approaches.Radu discusses how Mashreq is building its digital future on three pillars: customer obsession, a culture of innovation, and an ecosystem of partnerships. These aspects are crucial for a bank’s digital transformation and for meeting evolving customer expectations. Radu emphasizes that having the right culture is crucial for the success of any digital transformation. It’s not just about technology but about allowing teams to experiment, learn from failures, and adapt.We also talked about:Embedded Finance and Open BankingThe "Super App" VisionInnovation in Youth Banking with NeonextThis episode is a goldmine for anyone interested in the future of banking, the role of innovation in financial services, and the emerging landscape of fintech partnerships. With a guest as knowledgeable as Radu Topliceanu, you're in for an hour packed with deep insights and forward-thinking discussions. So go ahead and hit that play button; let's decode the future of finance together!Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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

Sit tight, folks! In this electrifying episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we're diving deep into the labyrinth of the fintech world. How will AI change the way we pay? What's the future of credit cards? How secure is your money really? We've got Khalil Alami, the Founder & CEO of Telr, to answer these burning questions and more! Meet Khalil Alami, a fintech legend with more than two decades of industry experience. He's the mastermind behind Telr, a game-changing online payment gateway that has garnered multiple awards and is redefining the payment landscape. Khalil is a visionary, thought leader, and an unwavering advocate for financial education. Khalil discusses the transformation to a cashless economy and how it's more than just a trend—it's a revolution. Also, he talks about Telr's high standard of security—how it became the first PCI DSS-certified payment gateway in 2014. Other Topics Discussed- Innovation & Interoperability: With ISO 20022 and API-based solutions, Telr is preparing for a unified commerce world. - Open Banking & Credit Lines: Khalil shares thoughts on the future of credit and how open banking is putting pressure on traditional systems.- Blockchain Blues: What's holding Telr back from incorporating cryptocurrencies? It's not technology—it's trust.- The Telr Ecosystem: From Telr Shops to Telr Secure, Khalil walks us through how Telr is becoming the ecosystem payment solution. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in fintech, payments, or simply how the digital age is transforming our wallets! Khalil Alami gives us an unfiltered look into the pioneering spirit that drives Telr, making this an episode you simply can't afford to miss!Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ToYou https://toyou.io/arVisa https://ma.visamiddleeast.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/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=20TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomicsSubscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6EOur website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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

Dive deep into the bustling world of investment, fintech, and the strategy behind successful consolidations. In this episode of Couchonomics, we venture into the art of picking the right businesses, the significance of 'cash,' and why sometimes, it's not just about growth.Meet Nabil Ismail, the Executive Director at Gulf Capital. With over a decade of experience in investment and private equity, Nabil brings his expertise, especially from the tech & fintech realms, to our couch. From representing the UAE National Golf team to serving as a judge on several SME awards, Nabil’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.Nabil talks about the ongoing mergers happening in the region, such as Magnati and Ideal, the consolidation story around payments, and how good money can still be made in this sector. Everyone is talking about profitability, but do they truly grasp it? It's not just about net profit or EBITDA; it's about the cash flow!Other topics discussed:  - Buying a Business: The reasons and strategies behind acquisitions.- Regional Perspectives: Analyzing the 'dry powder' scenario across regions, and how geopolitical shifts are influencing investment directions.- Embedded Finance: The significance of banks and how fintech is being integrated into various platforms.- Expanding Horizons: Gulf Capital's investments in international markets like India and Southeast Asia.With insights from one of the leading minds in the investment sector, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone looking to understand the landscape of alternative investments, fintech trends, and the nuances of regional and global expansions. Remember, as Nabil rightly points out, it's all about having the right people on board and learning from both successes and failures.Be sure to hit that 'Like' button if you found value in this episode and don't forget to subscribe for more Couchonomics insights!Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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

Meet Prakash Somosundram, a serial entrepreneur in the digital advertising, startup, and blockchain realms. Dive into the future of technology and sustainability with Prakash as he demystifies Web 3.0, discusses investment trends, AI's promising horizon, and the role of blockchain. Learn about Enjinstarter's journey, the rise of the metaverse, and the potential of carbon credits as a significant asset class.

In this insightful episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Khalifa AlShamsi, the CEO at e& life, navigating the intriguing waters of digital disruption, FinTech innovations, and the rise of Super Apps. Tune in as we explore the cutting-edge strategies propelling the technology and investment group e& into new horizons. Khalifa AlShamsi, our esteemed guest, holds over 29 years of experience in telecom, media, and ICT. As the Chief Executive Officer at e& life, he has spearheaded key innovations in digital services, shaping new revenue streams and accelerating business growth. With a formidable resume encompassing roles like Head of Mobile Networks, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Digital Officer, Khalifa brings a wealth of knowledge and industry insights to our conversation.In our engaging dialogue, Khalifa sheds light on e& life's strategic approach to their B2B business and their venture into the consumer digital space. He outlines the company’s intention to provide high-value, quality services that extend beyond traditional telecom offerings, aiming to transform digital services across multiple markets.Other Major Topics Discussed: - The promising future of FinTech across e& group markets and the company’s focus on tailoring products for diverse customer segments.- The role and evolution of Super Apps, with specific focus on the partnership with Careem.- The success story of 'Smiles', a top-performing loyalty program.- Exploring untapped potential in sectors like healthcare technology and media production.- The emergence of blockchain in the remittance business, its cost-effectiveness, and its impact on investment areas, such as real estate tokenization. This episode is an enriching journey through the evolving digital landscape, illuminating the transformative power of technology, strategy, and innovation. With Khalifa AlShamsi's in-depth insights and experiences, we take a closer look at how e& life is shaping a digital-first future. For anyone intrigued by the digital revolution, this episode is a must-listen. So tune in, and let's delve into the world of digital disruptions together!Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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

Renowned futurist Dr. Noah Raford and Financial Economist & Emerging Tech Strategist Amna Usman Chaudhry discuss the transformative impact of AI on the fintech industry. Topics include AI models' impact on social media feeds, generative AI's revolution in the creator economy, AI's effect on jobs and upskilling, AI's potential in task execution and user experience enhancement, and the challenges and implications of AI in the financial services sector.

Welcome to the latest episode of Couchonomics with Arjun. In this fascinating conversation, we delve deep into the world of Ultra Platforms, fintech, and the future of digital services with our esteemed guest, Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, the dynamic CEO of Botim and Founder of Astra Tech.Abdallah Abu-Sheikh is a renowned entrepreneur and a visionary leader in the MENA region, known for his unconventional approach to business and innovation. At the helm of Astra Tech, he is paving the way towards an Ultra Platform future that seeks to simplify daily transactions and activities for consumers. His transformation of Botim into an Ultra App that provides an all-encompassing range of services sets the bar high for what consumer technology can accomplish.In this eye-opening discussion, Abdallah talks about the evolution of Astra Tech and its various ventures, including Botim, PayBy, and Rizek. He shares insights on the need for and the creation of Ultra Platforms, noting the four components that define them: extreme usage, organic adoption, multi-service functionality, and their inherent ability to transcend targeted platforms.Other Major Topics Discussed:- Unpacking the journey of Botim and its success in markets beyond the UAE.- The strategy of "last mover advantage" and how it can help companies thrive in saturated markets.- A critical look at how businesses pass on costs to consumers and the urgent need for change.- An introduction to Botim GPT, a world-first execution of generative AI that can carry out tasks based on user commands.In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, Abdallah Abu-Sheikh has not just shared the journey of Astra Tech and Botim but also provided a glimpse into the future of the digital world. His insights and experience offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, businesses, and consumers alike. Tune in to understand the intricate world of fintech, the essence of Ultra Platforms, and to get a peek into what the future holds for digital services.Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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