Couchonomics with Arjun

Madiha Sattar, VP of Careem Pay, is a dynamic leader with a rich background in finance, tech, and media. She discusses Careem's transformation into a super app, integrating various services to enhance user experience. Madiha shares insights on building a fintech ecosystem in the Middle East, tackling regulatory challenges, and the importance of customer satisfaction. She passionately highlights the role of women in finance, advocating for mentorship and empowerment to bridge the gender gap in leadership roles.

In this episode of Couchonomics, Arjun speaks with Gabrielle Inzirillo, Head of Ecosystem Development at Abu Dhabi Global Market's Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), about building a fintech ecosystem in the UAE and the challenges and opportunities that come with it.Gabrielle previously managed a venture capital firm's EMEA fintech division, investing in early-stage startups and leading portfolio value creation. She also executed on the fintech strategy at Citi and built new financial models at Bloomberg. Gabrielle holds an M.Phil. in Technology Policy from the University of Cambridge and regularly delivers keynote sessions and panels at leading international conferences.Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an international financial center and free zone located on Al Maryah Island in the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi. It has three authorities – the financial services regulator, the registration bureau, and the ADGM courts.Gabrielle oversees the Ecosystem Development function within the FSRA of ADGM, informing its fintech and digital asset strategy through industry engagements and public consultations.Gabrielle speaks about ADGM's ambitions for the Abu Dhabi economy and how founders can navigate the regulatory landscape of the UAE. She discusses ADGM's clientele, including some of the biggest sovereign wealth funds and fund managers in the world, and how its regulatory regime is calibrated for a highly sophisticated investor base. Gabrielle also talks about the virtual asset regulatory regime in place since 2018 and its importance for ADGM's funds.Other topics of discussion:·       Tokenization of video games·       The application of NFTs·       Gender diversity in the UAEJoin us on this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun to learn more about building a fintech ecosystem with Gabrielle Inzirillo and the future of the financial landscape and ecosystem.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 episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we had the pleasure of speaking with Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief FinTech Officer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Chairman of Elevandi Board. Sopnendu has been responsible for the development of regulatory policies, innovation strategies, and public good projects to enhance the competitiveness of the financial sector in Singapore. He has also played a key role in building Singapore's reputation as a leading FinTech hub.During the episode, Sopnendu discussed how Singapore grew from an inward FinTech investment of around 20 million in 2015 to an annual investment of 4.2 billion US Dollars in 2022. He emphasized the importance of creating public programs and building partnership models with the private sector to promote innovation and growth.Sopnendu also highlighted the non-negotiables in MAS's engagement with FinTechs, such as consumer protection, AML & KYC rules, and cybersecurity. He stressed the need for banks to adopt a "Consumer First" approach to stay relevant and the role of public infrastructure in creating a safe environment for FinTechs and banks to collaborate and experiment. Additional topics discussed in the episode include:- Sopnendu's key achievements at MAS- His views on the future of Crypto, CBDC's, digital assets, and tokenization- Co-operation with regulatorsIn conclusion, this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun offers valuable insights into how Singapore has become a world-class FinTech hub and the role of regulatory policies, innovation strategies, and public good projects in driving growth and competitiveness in the financial sector. Sopnendu Mohanty's expertise and experience make this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in FinTech and innovation.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 the latest episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, the guest is Navin Gupta, the Managing Director of South Asia and MENA at Ripple. Ripple is a blockchain company that provides enterprise-grade solutions for faster, more transparent, and more cost-effective financial services. Navin has extensive experience in the financial industry and is responsible for expanding Ripple's presence in South Asia and the Middle East.Ripple's mission is to enable a world where value moves as seamlessly as information flows today—an Internet of Value. Ripple's payment solutions are designed to provide faster, cheaper, and more secure cross-border payments than traditional financial services. Ripple uses XRP, a payment settlement system and currency exchange network that can process transactions globally. By using XRP, cross-border payments can become fast and efficient with zero Nostro account balances required.Navin explains that the blockchain and crypto market has faced the challenge of big money coming in too early, leading to a vast majority of projects without an actual use-case. However, Navin sees massive adoption of blockchain technology in payment industry and gaming. The only thing needed is regulatory clarity, that essentially digital assets or cryptos can essentially be used. Navin also sees big potential in CBDCs, which can solve challenges in the public sector.Navin also speaks about:-      The importance of interoperability and collaboration among different blockchains, as well as the role of blockchain in financial inclusion. -      He explains that blockchain technology can provide access to financial services for millions of people who are currently unbanked or underbanked. -      Navin also discusses the importance of sustainability in the crypto and blockchain industry In conclusion, Navin Gupta's insights on Ripple's solutions for cross-border payments and the future of blockchain provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential of blockchain technology in the financial industry. Ripple's use of XRP is an innovative solution to the challenges of cross-border payments, and Navin's vision for the industry's future is insightful and informative. As blockchain technology continues to grow and evolve, Ripple is poised to be a key player in shaping the future of financial 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

Welcome to another episode of Couchonomics with Arjun. In this episode, we have a special guest, Tram Anh Nguyen, Co-Founder of CFTE - Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship. Tram Anh has an impressive professional background in the finance industry, having worked with renowned institutions like Standard Chartered Bank, Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, and UBS, before founding CFTE.CFTE is an education platform that addresses the needs of finance professionals to upskill in Fintech and Digital Finance. The platform is supported by senior leaders from large institutions, universities, and startups worldwide. Tram Anh founded CFTE to fill the gap in understanding technology when it comes to finance professionals.In this episode, Tram Anh talks about her journey from traditional financial institutions to the world of Fintech. She highlights the importance of learning about technology that powers the ecosystem for future Fintech entrepreneurs and officers to create solutions to the industry's problems. Tram Anh emphasizes the need to learn about local regulations and rules and assist regulators and policymakers in creating a more balanced and prosperous ecosystem.Tram Anh also speaks about:-      The importance of going on the ground, understanding local regulations, and having a diverse team to create a more balanced and inclusive ecosystem. -      The diversity path that CFTE is taking, having achieved a 50/50 male/female ratio.-      Need to understand, not necessarily the technology behind this FinTech revolution, but the application of these technologies in the financial eco-system In conclusion, this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun provides valuable insights into the world of Fintech and the importance of upskilling in the rapidly changing industry. Tram Anh's journey and the mission of CFTE demonstrate the need to bridge the gap between finance and technology.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 episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we welcome Peter De Caluwe, the CEO of Thunes, a global payments network that enables cross-border payments from 130 countries. Peter shares with us how Thunes is revolutionizing the way international payments are made, making them faster, easier, and more affordable. Thunes is focused on remittance companies, payroll providers, and the travel industry, but Peter emphasizes that anyone who does international payments is a potential Thunes customer.Peter discusses how Thunes is working to solve the challenges of cross-border payments, such as regulatory frameworks in different countries. He highlights the importance of following regulations for each country they operate in and the creative solutions they have to come up with to deliver their promise of making cross-border transactions cheaper and faster.With its innovative technology and strategic partnerships with financial institutions across the globe, Thunes is making a significant impact in the emerging markets. Peter believes that Thunes can fix a big problem by bringing efficiencies into the sector, especially since billions of dollars are being sent out of the UAE every year.Peter also speaks about his other company, DT One, a global B2B digital micropayments platform powering cross-border transfers of mobile top-ups, gift cards, and gaming pins. He explains how DT One offers a rewards program that helps increase customer loyalty and retention.Overall, this episode offers an insightful conversation into the world of cross-border payments and the challenges that come with it. Peter's expertise and experience in the industry provide valuable insights into the future of international payments and the role that Thunes is playing in making it more accessible and affordable. Additional Topics Discussed:The importance of customer experience in the payments industryThe impact of the pandemic on the payments industry and the rise of digital paymentsHow Thunes is working to reduce fraud in the payments industry.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 episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we welcome Noor Sweid, managing partner at Global Ventures, to share her insights on venture capital funds and the investment potential of the MENA region. During our discussion, Noor emphasizes the importance of conducting due diligence when choosing an industry to invest in and understanding the stage of startup development it needs help with. She also shares her thoughts on the UAE being the most interesting region for investments in the near future.Furthermore, Noor delves into the world of Web 3.0 and crypto spaces, highlighting the emergence of a new generation of creators who will be Web 3.0 natives. She explains how this will create a new ecosystem that doesn't rely on old Web 2.0 platforms, which will become obsolete. Other topics covered in this episode include:·       The impact of the pandemic on the venture capital industry and the startups in the MENA region·       How to find the right balance between risk and reward when making investment decisions·       The importance of building strong networks and partnerships in the venture capital industryOur 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 episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we discuss how open banking and open finance are transforming the financial industry, not only in the MENA region but also globally. We'll be joined by Hisham Al-Falih, Co-Founder & CEO of Lean Technologies, as we explore the challenges, opportunities, and latest developments in the field. Tune in to find out how the MENA region is catching up with Europe and the United States in adopting open banking, and what this means for businesses and individuals looking to stay ahead of the game. Moreover, the episode explores how open banking and open finance can help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access financial services more easily. With open banking, SMEs can access alternative financing options and connect with potential investors more efficiently. This can help SMEs overcome traditional barriers to financing and accelerate their growth, which is particularly important in the MENA region where SMEs are a major driver of economic activity. Arjun and Hisham delve into the different types of open banking models and their benefits such as: Expanding the scope of open banking by including more financial services beyond traditional banking Creating a seamless user experience and providing them with a more comprehensive view of their finances.Levelling the playfield for all participants in the “open data economy” 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

Jayesh Patel is the CEO of Wio Bank. Recently launched less than a year ago, Wio bank is remarkable because it targets a segment of the population that may be the most under-served in the world: micro businesses, which account for over 99% of all business activity in the world.Jayesh is highly passionate as he discusses the evolution of banking in practical terms. He talks us through how the relationship between banks and the public has historically transformed with the advent of technology. However, customers often need to be made aware of the labor required to make these transformations possible.Transitioning to online banking took over a decade, and implementing mobile banking also took many years of work to build the infrastructure reliably. Jayesh also discusses:The role of neobanks in the global economyNavigating the imminent slowdown in the funding cycleThe longterm impact fintechs have had on bankingOur 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 episode, we take a step back from the world of finance to get a bigger picture of the way technology is influencing all of our lives. Our guide to this evolution is Dr Noah Raford, the renowned futurist and the mind behind the incredible Museum of the Future.The first task Dr Raford is burdened with is explaining what exactly a futurist does. He describes a profession built around making sense of the variety of technological advancements constantly being made to help decision-makers make the most informed choices.We also discuss several of the hottest topics in the tech space right now, includingHow artificial intelligence may disrupt entire political and financial systemsA brief examination of how Twitter has changed since Elon Musk took overHow humanity may adapt to the technologies around us sustainablyOur 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