Money Majlis

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

Send us a textIn this episode of Money Majlis, first of two episodes on agentic AI in financial services, Suvo Sarkar sits down with Bill Borden, Corporate Vice President of Worldwide Financial Services at Microsoft, for a sweeping conversation on the future of banking and leadership in an AI-driven world. Bill’s journey from working at top US banks to shaping Microsoft’s worldwide strategy sets the stage for a dialogue that’s as pragmatic as it is visionary.Spotlighting the transformative power of tools like Microsoft Copilot, Bill explains how AI is moving from hype to practical impact, enabling banks to boost productivity, reimagine customer experiences, and create new business models. He shares real-world examples—from UBS rolling out thousands of copilots to Wells Fargo slashing service times—and reveals how institutions are navigating the balance between innovation, security, and regulatory compliance. Bill addresses the challenge of differentiation in a world where technology is increasingly accessible. He argues that while AI levels the playing field, true competitive advantage will come from how institutions leverage data, personalize services, and innovate at speed. He talks of the unique dynamism of the Middle East, where cloud adoption and government vision are accelerating digital transformation, and explores how AI can drive financial inclusion for underserved populations.Will all of us have agentic assistants in the future? Will LLMs or SLMs rule the world?  Is prompt engineering the most valuable area of learning today? Should banks become technology companies? Is hybrid work here to stay? And can bankers compete with Amazon and Netflix in harnessing data? Tune in for a fascinating discussion on the intersection of finance and technology, and discover why the next wave of banking innovation may be closer—and more human—than you think. And don’t forget to visit www.moneymajlis.com to view past episodes and redeem your free $50 voucher for a charity of your choice. Research partner : Shekhar KrishnamurthyProduced by : Sabine Achkar at Poddster Giving partner : Goodworld

Send us a textIn this episode of Money Majlis recorded on the sidelines of the Istanbul Fintech Week 2025, host Suvo Sarkar sits down with Sopnendu Mohanty, Group CEO of the Global Finance and Technology Network and former Chief Fintech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Together, they trace Singapore’s extraordinary journey from fintech outsider to one of the world’s leading innovation hubs, attracting billions in investment and setting global benchmarks for trust, collaboration, speed and digital infrastructure. Mohanty identifies AI, tokenization, and quantum computing as the next frontiers for the future of finance — technologies set to transform everything from user experience to the security and structure of financial assets.How should banks drive innovation? What are the six things regulators look for while approving fintechs? Why did Japan lose out on the fintech revolution? What are the challenges to the inter-operability of cross-border payments? Is stablecoin the future? And will embedded finance and superapps drive financial inclusion? Mohanty and Sarkar debate these and other topics in this intimate conversation that also covers the virtues of a small town upbringing, the constraints to passporting of regulatory approvals and the opportunities for public-private partnerships.  This episode is a masterclass from a celebrity regulator in how bold policy, open collaboration, and relentless experimentation can reshape the future of finance—not just for Singapore, but for the world.And please visit give.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free $50 GiveCard for a charity of your choice. Produced by : Sabine Achkar at PoddsterResearch partner: Perplexity ProGiving partner : Goodworld

Send us a textIn this Advertising-special episode of Money Majlis, we sit down with Sasan Saeidi, global client lead at WPP & VML and the current world president of the International Advertising Association to understand the playbook of modern advertising. Sasan’s journey—from New York’s Madison Avenue to the vibrant streets of Dubai—reads like the script of a modern-day Mad Men, but with a distinctly international twist. Sasan shares what makes regional brands unique, and why understanding local consumers is more crucial than ever in a globalized world. He unpacks the anatomy of truly effective campaigns, drawing on his experience with iconic brands like Coca Cola, Mazda and KitKat. Sasan reveals the collaborative dance between client and agency, and why great advertising is never just about a clever idea—it’s about partnership, trust, and relentless curiosity. And about balancing technology with humanity. We tackle the challenge of declining customer engagement and the rise of experiential marketing, discussing how brands can move beyond fleeting impressions to build lasting loyalty and emotional resonance. Can brands authentically balance purpose and profit? How do you navigate the risks of polarization in today’s divided world? Should agencies chase awards or results? Do creative campaigns drive higher sales? Is BX more important than CX? And what does it really take to connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha? Sasan offers a front-row perspective on how generative AI and data is reshaping creative work, on the future skillset for marketers, the war for creative and analytical talent, and why the human touch will always matter—even as machines get smarter. Tune in for a masterclass in creativity, leadership, and the future of advertising with one of the industry’s most dynamic and insightful leaders. And remember to visit give.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free $50 GiveCard for charity. Research by Shekhar Krishnamurthy & Perplexity Pro Produced by Poddster Giving partner : Goodworld

Send us a textThis week on Money Majlis XTRA, we travel to Jaipur for a truly uplifting conversation with D. R. Mehta, the visionary founder of Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti—better known as Jaipur Foot. Mr. Mehta’s life work has restored dignity and mobility to millions, offering hope where there was once despair. In this episode, you’ll hear how his relentless pursuit of innovation and service has made Jaipur Foot the world’s largest provider of free prosthetic limbs and mobility aids for the differently-abled.Mr. Mehta shares the remarkable journey of Jaipur Foot, which began in 1975 with just 59 prosthetic fittings and has now crossed two million fitments, all provided free of charge and often completed within a single day. He recounts the fascinating story behind the Jaipur Foot’s design—a product of local ingenuity, collaboration with global institutions like Stanford and MIT, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of users in India and beyond. You’ll learn how the organization’s ethos of frugal innovation led to the creation of the Jaipur Knee, recognized by Time magazine as one of the world’s best inventions, and why BMVSS never patents its designs, ensuring their solutions can reach as many people as possible.Beyond his humanitarian achievements, Mr. Mehta reflects on his distinguished career as a public servant, including his transformative leadership at SEBI and the Reserve Bank of India. He discusses the reforms that shaped India’s financial markets and his commitment to expanding access to banking for underserved communities. Discover how BMVSS keeps its administrative costs below 3%, the role of crowdfunding and partnerships in sustaining its work in India and over 40 other countries, and the organization’s embrace of Kaizen philosophy and new digital technologies like 3D printing to further its mission.For the first 100 listeners who select Jaipur Foot on our giving website give.moneymajlis.com, a $50 donation will be made on your behalf, thanks to our sponsors. If you’re inspired by Mr. Mehta’s story, don’t miss this chance to make a difference. Tune in, share the episode, and join us in supporting a movement that changes lives every day. This episode was made possible with the generous assistance of Mr S S Bhandari, executive president of BMVSS (Jaipur Foot). Research by : Shekhar KrishnamurthyProduced by : PoddsterGiving partner : Goodworld

Send us a textIn this episode of Money Majlis, recorded at the Dubai Fintech Summit 2025, you are invited into a dynamic conversation between host Suvo Sarkar and Justin Grooms, President of Bolt Financial. Justin Grooms, who has led Bolt’s global strategy since 2019, shares a front-row perspective on the seismic shifts happening in payments and e-commerce. With Bolt’s universal shopper network now connecting over 80 million users, Justin offers rare insight into how independent retailers can compete with global giants through frictionless checkout, loyalty programs, and password-less authentication.Justin and Suvo explore the crossroads facing the payments industry: while transaction volumes are soaring, revenue growth is slowing and the sector is ripe for disruption. Where will the next wave of growth come from? What drives customer choices in online shopping - is it product selection, user experience, pricing, or trust? Will the industry will see consolidation or continued fragmentation? Justin deep dives into Bolt’s new superapp, which aims to make buying, selling, and using cryptocurrencies as easy as traditional payments. He discusses the impact of generative AI on payments, from real-time fraud prevention to enhancing customer experience, and shares his leadership philosophy that helped Bolt scale tenfold through challenging times.Don’t miss this masterclass on the future of money, technology, and leadership. And remember to visit give.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free $50 GiveCard for charity.Research by Shekhar Krishnamurthy & Perplexity ProProduced by PoddsterGiving partner : Goodworld

Send us a textIn this episode of Money Majlis, Suvo Sarkar goes on a journey with Khalifa Alshamsi, CEO of e& life and e& international, who explains the rationale and opportunity of e& expanding into financial services, lifestyle, entertainment and cybersecurity. Can a company be an incumbent and challenger at the same time? How do you diversify into new industries and target markets? Does a bold new strategy require a fully new mindset of “going for more”? Is collaboration with partners the way forward for successful companies?Hear Khalifa Alshamsi explain why he believes e& money will win in an overcrowded market, how open finance and AI will shake up the industry, why the time for super-apps in the region has come and what skills the younger generation needs to hone in today’s interconnected world.Once you have heard the episode, please visit give.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free gift card of $50 to contribute to a charity of your choice. Thank you for joining my giving movement. Research partner : Shekhar Krishnamurthy Giving partner : Goodworld Production : Poddster

Send us a textIn this riveting episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar travels to Bangalore for a debate with the legendary T.V. Mohandas Pai, a trailblazer in finance, technology, education, and philanthropy. Known for his transformative contributions as the former CFO of Infosys and as a venture capitalist and chairman of Manipal Global Education, Pai shares his insights on navigating the intersections of business, technology, and social impact. Discover how Pai helped scale Infosys to a $6.5 billion global powerhouse and the first Indian company to be listed on NASDAQ. As one of India’s most prolific angel investors, Pai discusses his investments in life sciences, education, and technology startups, along with his vision for fostering innovation in India. Also dive deep into Pai’s passion for education and child welfare, including the story behind co-founding Akshaya Patra—the world’s largest mid-day meal program. How many hours a week should one work? Is human capital more critical than financial capital? Should start-ups aim to solve social problems? Is a bad college better than no college? Will Bangalore’s traffic problems ever be resolved? And should companies appoint younger members on their boards? Pai debates these and other thorny issues with Sarkar in an unmissable episode peppered with wisdom, wit and a lot of statistics. Once you have heard the episode, please visit give.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free gift card of $50 to contribute to a charity of your choice. Thank you for joining my giving movement. Research partner : Shekhar Krishnamurthy Giving partner : Goodworld Production : Poddster

Send us a textWelcome to a special episode on customer loyalty where Suvo Sarkar is in deep discussion with Ajay Row, a globally acknowledged expert on loyalty programs and the founder & chairman of Customer Capital. Why is data the most valuable commodity but is freely given away? What are the 6 key assets of a loyalty program? Are points better than discounts? Should we try to dazzle and delight every single customer? And how are digitisation and AI transforming the “card-points-rewards” principles of loyalty? Ajay analyses the economics of pan-bank loyalty programs and explains why they mostly fail to take off. And he lays out the future factors for success, and argues that marketers need to redefine their job roles. Join Suvo & Ajay for a thoughtful discussion on unboxing loyalty programs, enhancing email open rates and sailing in Mumbai harbour every weekend. If you are in the business of banking, marketing, sales or loyalty, or believe making money from customers by delivering affordable value is important, this is one episode you can’t afford to miss.Visit give.moneymajlis.com to join my giving movement and contribute to a charity of your choice by redeeming your free gift card.Research by : Shekhar Krishnamurthy Production : Poddster Giving partner : Goodworld