

Couchonomics with Arjun
Arjun Singh
Decoding the New World Order of Finance - Unfiltered, global, weeklyAs tectonic shifts reshape the financial world, Couchonomics continues to explore the trends transforming commerce, capital, and culture. This season, we expand our lens - building on our deep focus in the MENA region while bringing in voices, stories, and innovations from around the globe.Why? Because the future of finance is no longer regional - it’s interconnected. Whether it’s AI in Asia, tokenization in Europe, or fintech policy experiments in Africa, today’s financial shifts cross borders, industries, and disciplines.Whether you’re in the industry or just fintech-curious, tune in weekly as we decode the big moves, bold ideas, and brilliant minds shaping tomorrow’s economy.Episodes drop weekly. Arabic subtitles available on YouTube: youtube.com/@couchonomicswitharjunsingh438Learn more: www.couchonomics.comSeason 4 supported by:Adyen | Mastercard | SC Ventures | Thunes | Hala | e& | Digit 9About the host: Arjun's expertise covers a broad range of areas including Fintech, Payments, Digital Assets, Embedded Finance, Application of Emerging Technologies, and the Emergence of New Business Models within the Financial Services Sector in the MEA region and globally. Arjun is deeply engaged in the Tech Start-Up ecosystem. He serves as a passive investor, advisory board member, and a notable commentator on the rapidly evolving scene.In recognition of his impactful contributions, Arjun was honored as a Top Voice of the region by LinkedIn in 2020. Learn more at www.couchonomics.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 20, 2025 • 58min
Ep 108. Transforming Transactions: NETS CEO Lawrence Chan's Payments Vision
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 keyWe’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 #FutureOfFinanceCouchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ToYou https://toyou.io/arMastercard https://mastercard.com/Thunes https://thunes.com/M2P https://m2pfintech.com/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

Jan 13, 2025 • 56min
Ep 107. PropTech in Saudi Arabia: Redefining Real Estate with Razwa Alharthi
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/arMastercard https://mastercard.com/Thunes https://thunes.com/M2P https://m2pfintech.com/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

Jan 6, 2025 • 1h 5min
Ep 106. Reinventing Wealth Management With Malaa Technologies
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 #EntrepreneurshipCouchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ToYou https://toyou.io/arMastercard https://mastercard.com/Thunes https://thunes.com/M2P https://m2pfintech.com/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

Dec 31, 2024 • 31min
Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 5
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/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

Dec 27, 2024 • 32min
Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 4
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/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

Dec 24, 2024 • 25min
Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 3
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/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

Dec 16, 2024 • 58min
Ep 105. The new Head of Adyen’s Middle East
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 #FutureOfFinanceCouchonomics with Arjun Season 03 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ToYou https://toyou.io/arMastercard https://mastercard.com/Thunes https://thunes.com/M2P https://m2pfintech.com/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

Dec 12, 2024 • 27min
Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 2
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/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

Dec 10, 2024 • 27min
Special Series at SFF 2024: Episode 1
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/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

Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ep. 104 How to launch a super app with Kaniyet Rayev
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/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