Money Majlis

Send us a textIn this episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar sits down with Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, for a rare, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the headlines. From the 30th floor of Uptown Dubai’s gleaming new DMCC headquarters, Ahmed shares the inside story of how Dubai has transformed from a regional trading outpost into a global powerhouse for commodities, technology, and innovation.Ahmed’s journey at DMCC began in 2003, when the organization counted just 28 member companies. Today, DMCC is home to 26,000 companies from 180 countries, supporting more than 90,000 jobs and anchoring the vibrant Jumeirah Lakes Towers community. Ahmed reflects on the vision, risk-taking, and relentless drive that fuelled this exponential growth, and why Dubai’s unique blend of ambition, infrastructure, and openness cannot simply be replicated elsewhere.You will discover how DMCC has become the world’s leading international business district, not just for gold and diamonds, but also for coffee, tea, and now cutting-edge sectors like AI, blockchain, and gaming. Ahmed discusses the evolution of the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange and the Dubai Diamond Exchange, and how Dubai’s diamond trade soared from virtually zero in the 1990s to $40 billion last year. He addresses the challenges of ethical sourcing, the impact of lab-grown diamonds, and the future of traceability in the gemstone market.The conversation also explores DMCC’s role as a catalyst for innovation, from the launch of the DMCC AI Centre and Crypto Centre to the creation of a thriving ecosystem for tech, fintech, and Web3 companies. Ahmed shares candid insights on leadership, the importance of listening and adaptability, and how social media has become a powerful tool for shaping narratives and engaging with a global audience.From the bustling DMCC Coffee and Tea Centres to the ambitious Uptown Dubai project and the soon-to-rise Burj 2020, Ahmed reveals how DMCC is redefining what it means to be a global hub for trade and entrepreneurship. He also opens up about the personal experiences that shaped his leadership style, the lessons learned from setbacks, and his vision for the next chapter of DMCC’s growth.Tune in for a conversation that’s as candid as it is inspiring—and discover why Dubai’s story is just getting started.Produced by Sabine Achkar @ PoddsterGiving partner : Goodworld Please visit www.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free $50 GiveCard for a charity of your choice. 

Send us a textIn this electrifying episode of Money Majlis, Suvo Sarkar sits down with Brett King, the world’s most cited financial futurist, to unpack the seismic shifts reshaping global banking. Fresh from hosting the inaugural Dubai Futurists X Summit, Brett joins Suvo in the heart of Dubai to explore the end of physical branches, the rise of AI-powered finance, and the cultural fault lines between legacy banks and digital challengers. Brett’s new book Branch Tomorrow forecasts that half of US bank branches will vanish by 2030, a seismic shift mirrored by trends across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.But this isn’t just about closures—it’s about a new economic logic. Brett explains why digital-first banks like Nubank and WeBank are outpacing traditional players in profitability, customer acquisition, and operational efficiency. He argues that every dollar spent on branches is a dollar not invested in customer-facing tech—and that’s a strategic misstep boards can no longer afford. The conversation dives deep into mobile wallet dominance, AI’s transformative role in fraud detection and loan approvals, and the cultural inertia that keeps banks clinging to outdated models. Brett doesn’t shy away from tough questions: Are we excluding seniors and rural populations as branches die? Can trust survive without face-to-face KYC? And what happens when AI becomes the banker? From “dark branches” to embedded finance, from GCC neobank economics to the shifting trust metrics of Gen Z, this episode is a masterclass in financial futurism. Brett’s rapid-fire insights are provocative, data-rich, and deeply relevant for anyone shaping the future of money. Giving partner : GoodworldProduced by : Sabine Achkar @ Poddster Don’t forget to visit www.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free $50 GiveCard for a charity of your choice. 

Send us a textEpisode XTRA 8 of Money Majlis welcomes the trailblazing Nayla Al Khaja, the UAE’s first female film director, award-winning producer, and relentless advocate for women in the arts. In this raw and revelatory conversation, Nayla shares her groundbreaking journey from a fine arts aficionado and gallery owner to a cinematic visionary whose bold storytelling redefines Emirati and Arab cinema.Drawing inspiration from her challenging childhood, Nayla tackles societal taboos and mental health with unflinching honesty, refusing to treat these subjects as mere themes but as calls to action for dialogue and healing.Her films, including “Three,” “Animal,” and her upcoming feature “Baab,” use psychological horror and powerful imagery to break the silence around painful realities, earning international acclaim and sparking conversations in a region where such topics have long been hushed.Listeners will get insights into Nayla’s creative process, one that marries her painter’s eye with a filmmaker’s intuition, allowing her to “paint with light and contrast,” echoing the great masters she admires. She recounts the early days of building the UAE’s film industry from scratch—flying in crews, fighting scepticism, and investing every bit of commercial success into passion projects—while uplifting other women and mentoring young creatives. Her candid stories about navigating familial resistance, the emotional cost of leadership, and her refusal to censor authentic narratives reveal a relentless resilience and a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of cinema.The episode dives into Nayla’s pioneering use of AI for voice localization and her collaboration with music icon A.R. Rahman. Nayla's advocacy work extends far beyond film; as founder of The Scene Club, she cultivated a thriving grassroots film community in Dubai that paved the way for the region’s burgeoning cinema culture.She reflects on the challenges of censorship, box office economics, and the urgent need for systemic support for both Emirati nationals and expats in filmmaking.Throughout, Nayla’s signature wit and candour shine. Whether recounting surreal moments on set or the importance of volunteering and mentorship, she exemplifies courage, calm, and creative audacity in everything she does. For anyone seeking a deep dive into authentic storytelling, trailblazing leadership, and the transformative potential of cinema, this must-listen episode delivers.Produced by : Sabine Achkar at Poddster UAEGiving partner : GoodworldPlease visit www.moneymajlis.com to join the Money Majlis giving movement and get your free $50 GiveCard.

Send us a textStep into the heart of India’s banking revolution as Money Majlis welcomes Samit Ghosh, an iconic banker and the founder of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, whose name resonates with financial inclusion and the transformation of millions of lives. In this multi-layered episode, Suvo Sarkar journeys to Bangalore to sit down with his long-time mentor, uncovering a story that weaves together ambition, empathy, and the relentless pursuit of societal betterment.Listeners are transported back to the coalfields of Dhanbad, where Samit’s early years were shaped by the Jesuit values of service and purpose. He reflects warmly on the formative education and family influences that instilled ideals he would carry through decades of banking. Samit’s journey traverses the high-stakes boardrooms of Citibank, Standard Chartered, and HDFC Bank, charting pivotal milestones like launching the NRI banking services—an initiative so impactful it became a Harvard Business School case study. Samit provides a front-row account of the challenges and triumphs in bringing modern banking to India, the significance of technology, and how nurturing talent and taking chances on youth shaped a generation of leaders.But the conversation dives deeper than institutional success, exploring Samit’s courageous leap from corporate comfort into the world of microfinance. Founding Ujjivan Financial Services, he challenged longstanding beliefs about poor customers by harnessing technology and a vision for scale. Under his leadership, Ujjivan became a beacon for responsible lending, empowering urban poor and especially women through innovative joint liability models and careful risk management. Samit candidly addresses both the rewards and the pitfalls of microfinance in India, reflecting on the need for responsible lending, and balancing investor expectations with a social mission.This episode also unveils the profoundly human side of Samit, from his deep personal loss to the joys and rhythms of life in Bangalore, culinary adventures, and restless explorations of the world. His leadership philosophy, grounded in respect and purpose, shines through moving stories of crisis, resilience, and empathy, offering inspiration to young leaders navigating today’s disruptive landscape.From boardrooms to communities, from banking innovation to social entrepreneurship, Samit Ghosh’s journey is both blueprint and beacon. This episode of Money Majlis serves as an unmissable chronicle of friendship, legacy, and the enduring power of conscious capitalism.Produced by : Sabine Achkar at Poddster UAEGiving partner : GoodworldPlease visit www.moneymajlis.com to join the giving movement and get your free $50 GiveCard.

Send us a textIn this fascinating episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar discusses the world of leadership, innovation, and high-performing organizations with Adrian Simpson, founder and CEO of Wavelength. Adrian, renowned as the “Chief Connector,” shares his unique perspective shaped by decades spent inside boardrooms and on shop floors of some of the world’s most admired companies—from Apple, Airbnb, and Tesla to Alibaba, Lego, and Ritz-Carlton.Drawing on his early influences with management guru Tom Peters and the foundational concepts of “In Search of Excellence,” Adrian reflects on how the bedrock traits of strong organizations have evolved. Today’s high performing companies are marked by obsessive recruitment for attitude over skills, truly authentic and empowering leadership, and relentless alignment between what is celebrated and what gets done. Adrian reveals practical stories of service excellence and empowerment, such as Ritz-Carlton’s famed principle of enabling every employee to solve problems instantly, and shares lessons from Southwest Airlines’ deep commitment to people and culture. He deep-dives into essential cultural differences between Nvidia in the US and Arvinda Eye Care Hospital in India. Innovation takes centre stage, with insights into how iconic brands structure teams and create cultures that not only tolerate failure but actively use it as fuel for experimentation and breakthrough success. Adrian recounts case studies from Silicon Valley, China, India and UK to show how “business-as-unusual” units, led by high-networked insiders and rooted closely in operational reality, drive transformative change.Adrian challenges listeners to rethink networking, urging professionals to build their own “personal boardroom” of inspirers, challengers, and connectors. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating targeted, authentic relationships and external networks to stay ahead in today’s fast-moving, complex world.Join Suvo and Adrian in this podcast  for a fast-paced, story-rich exploration of what it truly takes to thrive in business today - relentless alignment, genuine connection, and purposeful leadership. And don’t forget to visit www.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free $50 GiveCard for a cause of your choice. For more details on Adrian’s corporate immersion tours in Silicon Valley, China and India, please visit https://www.wavelengthleadership.comProduced by : Sabine Achkar at Poddster UAEGiving partner : Goodworld

Send us a textIn this XTRA edition of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar sits down with Dr. Parag Khanna, best-selling author and celebrated geographer, futurist, and founder of AlphaGeo. Known for his provocative idea that “connectivity is destiny,” Dr. Khanna takes listeners on a journey across Asia and beyond to explore how networks of people, capital, and technology are reshaping the global economy.Drawing on insights from his bestselling books The Future Is Asian, Connectography, and Move, Dr. Khanna explains why Asia is not just the future but increasingly the present anchor of the world economy. He highlights the three “new Asian values”—technocratic governance, mixed capitalism, and social conservatism—that underpin the region’s dynamism and resilience. With Asia accounting for 40% of global GDP and home to nearly five billion people, he argues that the greatest story of our time is the continent’s extraordinary integration and self-sufficiency.The conversation dives deep into what connectivity really means for investors. Dr. Khanna illustrates how infrastructure—transportation, energy, and digital networks—forms the backbone of globalization and investment opportunity. He calls data centers, renewable energy, and private infrastructure capital among today’s most undervalued asset classes, offering long-term growth potential for farsighted investors.Beyond economics, the discussion touches on profound global shifts including the erosion—but not disappearance—of national sovereignty, the competitive arms race in connectivity, and the rise of a truly multipolar world. Dr. Khanna also explains how megacities rather than states will drive innovation and resilience, why human migration is an unstoppable force for the 21st century, and how demographic imbalances and climate stress will redraw the world’s map of opportunity.On a personal note, Dr. Khanna shares his entrepreneurial lessons from building AlphaGeo, his leadership takeaways from advising governments and companies in over forty countries, and his conviction that adaptability, travel, and authenticity will be vital skills for the next generation.This sweeping yet deeply practical conversation offers a rare lens into how connectivity, geography, and strategy intersect to create investment opportunities and shape the human future. For anyone who wants to understand where the world is heading—and how to position themselves within it—this episode is required listening.To explore the guest further, visit www.paragkhanna.com. And don’t forget to visit www.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free $50 GiveCard for a charity of your choice. Giving partner : GoodworldProduced by : Sabine Achkar @ Poddster UAE

Send us a textIn this scintillating episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar sits down with Noor Sweid, the trailblazing founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures. Known as one of the most influential voices in Middle Eastern venture capital, Noor brings a wealth of experience—from leading Asia’s first billion-dollar IPO to guiding startups across ten emerging markets. Under her leadership, Global Ventures manages over $400 million in assets, fostering the next wave of innovation in fintech, healthtech, agritech, and beyond.The conversation dives deep into the real mechanics of building and scaling impactful businesses in the Middle East and Africa. Noor shares what connects her journey from a family business to global IPO, founding the MENA region’s largest yoga chain, and scaling a top-decile VC fund. She explains how her perspective evolved transitioning from founder to investor, why true “global readiness” for startups is rooted in character as much as metrics, and the persistent challenges of the elusive Series B funding gap.Noor unpacks Global Ventures’ approach to investing: how to identify mission-driven founders, the nuanced art of supporting companies in countries where innovation often leapfrogs infrastructure and regulation, and why Series B capital is the “missing middle” in emerging markets. The discussion explores the rise of AI in less obvious sectors, the real impact of government-driven capital on local ecosystems, and the misconceptions global investors still hold about the region.The episode also touches on Noor’s acclaimed new book, “Coming of Age,” which profiles 35 change-makers reshaping some of the world’s most complex economies, spotlighting the emotional and cultural traits essential for entrepreneurial success. Noor reflects on the broader geopolitical context, sharing her front-row seat to shifting cross-border capital flows and the evolving playbook for founders under uncertainty.A recognized champion for women in tech, Noor candidly discusses the hurdles she has faced as a woman in traditionally male-dominated industries and offers earnest advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Tune in for an inspiring journey at the intersection of capital, conviction, and character.And don’t forget to log in to www.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free $50 GiveCard for a charity of your choice. Research partner : Ojas SekhriGiving partner : GoodworldProduced by : Sabine Achkar @ Poddster UAE

Send us a textIn this episode of Money Majlis, I have the privilege of sitting down with Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, the founder and chairman of Bandhan Bank—a man whose journey from humble beginnings to the helm of one of India’s leading private banks is nothing short of inspirational.  Our conversation traces the incredible evolution of Bandhan, from an NGO for marginalised women in 2001 to India’s largest microfinance institution today, with an asset book of USD 21B and serving over 35 million customers across 6000 branches. All while staying true to its mission of financial inclusion and community empowerment. We delve deep into the world of microfinance, discussing both its transformative potential and the criticisms it faces—such as concerns over debt traps and the risk of mission drift when institutions pursue profit over purpose. Beyond credit, we talk about the growing importance of savings, insurance, and wealth-building products for low-income segments, and how Bandhan is fostering grassroots innovation to deliver these services effectively across diverse geographies.  Ghosh highlights the bank’s creative marketing efforts, including sonic branding and impactful campaigns, which resonate deeply with rural and semi-urban customers. He outlines Bandhan’s strategy for expanding credit access, especially for MSMEs, and shares how technology—particularly AI and data analytics—will play a pivotal role in enhancing risk management, operational efficiency, and customer reach.  Tune in for an episode rich with stories of vision, humility, and real-world impact—one that reaffirms the power of banking to change lives for the better.  And don’t forget, you too can make a difference by redeeming your free $50 GiveCard at www.moneymajlis.com.  Research by : Shekhar KrishnamurthyProduction : Sabine Achkar @ PoddsterGiving partner : Goodworld 

Send us a textIn this episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar talks to Dr. Nejib Ben-Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Skywards, to explore the remarkable evolution of one of the world’s most ambitious loyalty programs. With over 35 years of global experience in the airline and travel industry, Dr. Ben-Khedher shares how he has led Skywards’ transformation from a traditional frequent flyer program into a dynamic lifestyle ecosystem serving more than 35 million members across 180 countries. You will discover the drivers behind Skywards’ explosive growth, including its shift from focusing solely on frequent flyers to embracing a diverse, global membership. Dr. Ben- Khedher reveals how partnerships—with over 400 brands, 100+ financial institutions, and major lifestyle players—have become the heart of Skywards’ strategy, making the program relevant to members’ daily lives, not just their travel. The conversation delves into the power of data and technology in personalizing member experiences, balancing innovation with privacy and trust. Dr. Ben-Khedher discusses the challenges of competing in a crowded loyalty landscape, the importance of emotional engagement, and the program’s industry-first innovations like Cash+Miles, Skywards Every Day, and Skywards Exclusives. He addresses common critiques about redemption value and dynamic pricing, providing clarity on how Skywards maintains fairness and transparency for its members. He also touches on the future of loyalty, the role of Dubai as a global hub, and leadership lessons from decades of transformation and growth. Why does Skywards upgrade one customer every minute? Should airline loyalty programs focus on customer value or financial valuation? How important is it to learn from other industries? And how is Skywards emerging as the happiness currency of Dubai?  This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of loyalty, digital ecosystems, and customer experience—whether you’re in travel, fintech, or beyond.  And remember to visit www.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free $50 GiveCard for charity. Research by Ojas SekhriProduced by Sabine Achkar/ PoddsterGiving partner : Goodworld

Send us a textIn this episode of Money Majlis, the second of two episodes on agentic AI in financial services, host Suvo Sarkar meets Eran Agrios, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Financial Services at Salesforce, for a dynamic conversation about the state of AI-driven transformation in banking. With over 17 years of leadership experience at Salesforce, Eran brings a rich perspective into the impact of agentic AI on the service delivery of financial services. The pressure to adopt AI and unlock the value of data in banks is stronger than ever. Eran shares insights from the front lines, describing how banks are shifting from years-long digital transformation projects to AI implementations measured in weeks or even days. She highlights the critical role of data as the true differentiator in a world where technology is increasingly accessible to all. The conversation explores Salesforce’s latest advancements like Agent Force 2.0, tools designed to empower banks and insurers with scalable, AI-powered digital workforces that combine automation, compliance, and industry expertise. Eran explains how these solutions help organizations streamline operations, personalize client experiences, and maintain trust in a highly regulated environment. Eran and Suvo also discuss the balance between technology and the human touch, especially as millennials and Gen Z inherit unprecedented wealth and expect seamless digital experiences. The episode delves into the unique opportunities for financial innovation in the Middle East, where fewer legacy systems allow for leapfrogging into the future, and how Salesforce is investing in regional talent and partnerships to support national transformation goals. With stories of real-world impact—from AI chatbots resolving millions of customer queries to upskilling the next generation of tech leaders—this episode offers a compelling look at how financial services are being reinvented. It also delves into Eran’s leadership principles of innovation, collaboration, and execution, her practice of listening to podcasts at a speed of 1.8 and her passion for gardening.  Do remember to visit www.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free $50 GiveCard for a charity of your choice.  Research by Ojas Sekhri Produced by Sabine Achkar at Poddster Giving partner : Goodworld