Recent Episodes

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The new shift in the private equity scene with Elias Yazbeck

Join Arjun as he explores Africa's dynamic startup scene and fintech landscape with Elias Yazbeck, Managing Director at Helios Investment Partners.

Discover key insights into Africa's market dynamics, challenges, and future trends in fintech. Elias also shares Helios Investment Partners' strategies and potential seismic shifts in private equity.

Topics covered include real-time payments, digital banking for SMEs, regulatory roles, entrepreneurship challenges, and Helios Investment's unique philosophy.

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Fintech Ana Jovicic Fintech Ana Jovicic

The evolution of financial technology in the region with Abdulla Almoayed

Join Arjun on Couchonomics as we explore open banking and fintech in the GCC with Abdulla Almoayed, Founder & CEO of Tarabut. Discover the evolving landscape of financial services, BaaS, and gain insights into open banking. We also delve into Tarabut's inspiration, GCC financial services, managed competition, challenges, and opportunities with open banking, BaaS integration, and accelerating digital adoption through fintech partnerships.

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Fintech Ana Jovicic Fintech Ana Jovicic

Unhappy at work? How to find meaning and maintain your mental health with Scott Armstrong

In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of mental health with Scott Armstrong, Founder & CEO of Mentl, a mental health advocacy platform. From workplace challenges to the impact of AI, we explore various facets of mental well-being in today's world. Tune in for insightful discussions on work-life balance, stress management, and more. Don't miss out on this important conversation!

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Fintech Ana Jovicic Fintech Ana Jovicic

Fintech: Friend, Foe or Frenemy?

In the latest episode of Couchonomics, Arjun was joined by Paul Melotto, Executive Board Member at Alraedah Finance. Paul has played a key part in Arjun’s journey to understand the Saudi ecosystem, especially regarding fintech and financial services.

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Fintech Ana Jovicic Fintech Ana Jovicic

From Street Parties to Policy Talks: A Glimpse into SFF 2023 with Pat Patel

Dive into the heart of FinTech with Arjun's exclusive episode featuring Pat Patel, the mastermind behind Elevandi, as they unveil the highlights of Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2023. From key figures like World Bank's Ajay Bhanga to groundbreaking tech discussions, get an insider's look into the world's premier FinTech event. Whether it's the significance of Ravi Menon's address or Singapore's Club Street transformation, this episode is a must-listen for every FinTech enthusiast. Don't miss the blend of policy, finance, and tech reshaping the global digital economy.

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Fintech Ana Jovicic Fintech Ana Jovicic

Reimagining Retirement: Aurem's Global Vision with Michael Watkins

In the latest episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, dive into the world of financial technology and the future of retirement with none other than Michael Watkins, the mastermind behind Aurem. From unearthing behavioral challenges people face in securing their future, to demystifying the real value of money and breaking down misconceptions about wealth - this episode is a treasure trove of insights. As the landscape of work and finance shifts beneath our feet, discover how platforms like Aurem stand at the forefront of innovation, illuminating the path to a prosperous future. Don't miss this enlightening conversation!

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Fintech Ana Jovicic Fintech Ana Jovicic

Investment Realities in MENA: Analyzing Trends and Predictions with MAGNiTT's Philip Bahoshy

Venture capital, startups, and the nuances of the MENA region - these are the intriguing elements at the core of our latest episode of Couchonomics. We're honored to host Philip Bahoshy, the visionary CEO of MAGNiTT, as he shares unparalleled insights into the evolving landscape of venture investments in the MENA ecosystem. Drawing from his wealth of experience and MAGNiTT's impactful journey, Philip presents an in-depth perspective on the significant trends, challenges, and opportunities in the startup world. Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or an ardent follower of the MENA market, this episode promises a riveting dive into the heart of venture capital dynamics. Tune in and be part of this enlightening discourse!

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Future-Proof Wealth Management with Joseph El Am: A StashAway Perspective

Dive into the dynamic world of digital wealth management in the latest episode of Couchonomics. As we navigate the intricacies of asset management and financial adaptability in the MENA region, Joseph El Am from StashAway MENA offers an insider’s perspective on the future of investments. From StashAway's cutting-edge ERA investment strategy to the post-COVID financial landscapes and the crucial pursuit of financial literacy, this episode is a deep dive into the mechanisms, challenges, and innovations of the modern investment era. Unearth the nuances behind StashAway's expansion, their visionary approach, and the ever-evolving market trends. A must-listen for every finance enthusiast eager to grasp the pulse of the MENA investment horizon.

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From Pearl Trading to Digital Wallets with Hasan Al Fardan

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complex world of global financial services. From discussions on adopting Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) to the role of financial literacy in fostering inclusion, this conversation promises to change the way you think about money, technology, and their impact on human lives globally. Don't miss this compelling journey through the past, present, and future of financial systems, guided by one of the industry's leading figures.

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Solving The Gulf's Financial Puzzle with Nabil Ismail: Fintech, Consolidation, and The Cash Game

Unlock the secrets of fintech and the magic of cash flow with Nabil Ismail, the brains behind Gulf Capital. Dive into the world of mergers, embedded finance, and global investment strategies. From the UAE's golf greens to global boardrooms, join Arjun on Couchonomics as we decode the Gulf's financial puzzle. Don't miss the gold in this episode!

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Mastering the Art of Ultra Platforms: A Conversation with Abdallah Abu-Sheikh

In our recent Couchonomics episode, Arjun explores the intriguing domain of Ultra Platforms and the evolving future of fintech and digital services with Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, the pioneering CEO of Botim and Founder of Astra Tech. A visionary leader, Abu-Sheikh is transforming the way we interact with technology, turning Botim into an all-in-one Ultra App that encompasses a vast range of services. He dives into the evolution of Astra Tech, discussing the concept and necessity of Ultra Platforms, characterized by extreme usage, organic adoption, multi-service functionality, and the capability to surpass targeted platforms. Tune in to gain unique insights into the future of the digital landscape, courtesy of this thought-provoking conversation with Abdallah Abu-Sheikh.

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Navigating the “MENA Fintech Landscape” with Renier Lemmens, CEO of Geidea

Welcome to a milestone episode of Couchonomics with Arjun - a golden journey through the intricate labyrinth of global finance. Our 50th episode features an exciting guest, Renier Lemmens, the seasoned CEO of Geidea. Renier unveils the riveting dynamics of fintech in the MENA region, the rise of cashless societies, and how Geidea is contributing to this transformative shift.

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From Singapore to Africa: Charting the FinTech Course with Pat Patel

In this episode, Pat Patel of Elevandi discusses advancing FinTech through public-private collaboration, fostering innovation and redefining risk frameworks for today's economy. He also shares insights into India's potential as a FinTech hub, the pivotal role of digital public goods in constructing a digital economy, and the transformative power of technology in reaching underserved markets. Learn about Elevandi's role in sparking open dialogue between public and private sectors to shape the future of FinTech.

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Building a Super App: The Journey of Careem Pay

In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we speak with Madiha Sattar, VP of Careem Pay, the fintech arm of Careem, the Middle East's first unicorn. As VP of Careem Pay, Madiha is leading strategy development and key partnerships for Careem's fintech business and products. She envisions making Careem Pay the leading digital financial services provider in the region.

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Building a World-Class FinTech Hub

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.

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