Couchonomics with Arjun

Arjun Singh
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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 9 About 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. 

  1. Build Cashflow, Not Hype: Abhi’s Liquidity Playbook

    9 SEPT

    Build Cashflow, Not Hype: Abhi’s Liquidity Playbook

    Most fintechs chased hype. Abhi chased cash flow. In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we sit down with Omair Ansari, Co-Founder & CEO of Abhi, one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing fintechs. Abhi began with earned wage access, giving workers instant liquidity. Today, it has scaled into payroll financing, SME lending, and invoice factoring — and even acquired a licensed microfinance bank in Pakistan to materially lower its cost of funds. We explore: - Why profitability and cost of capital decide who survives fintech’s winter - How Abhi scaled from earned wage access into a full-stack working capital platform - Pakistan as the anchor, GCC as the growth frontier - The real potential (and limits) of tokenization & private credit - Why licences and compliance, not glossy apps, are the true moat in fintech - How embedded finance at payroll and receivables lowers costs and expands inclusion This is more than a growth story — it’s a blueprint for building durable fintech in emerging markets. 🎧 Full episode now streaming on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Couchonomics with Arjun Season 04 is brought to you by our partners: Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ Thunes https://thunes.com/ Mastercard https://mastercard.com/ E& https://www.eand.com/ Digit9 https://www.digitnine.com/ SC Ventures https://scventures.io/ Hala https://hala.com/ chapters: 00:00 Episode Highlights 00:59 Welcome to Couchonomics 02:19 FinTech Evolution and Market Dynamics 06:28 Business Model Adaptations 12:21 Manual Operations and Testing 14:34 Credit Models and Market Realities 17:24 Funding and Capital Challenges 23:54 Regulatory Landscape and Innovations 27:38 Navigating Regulatory Challenges 29:14 The Debate on Fintech Regulation 32:07 Embedded Finance: Progress and Challenges 35:24 The Future of Banking and Fintech 38:44 Crypto and Digital Assets in Emerging Markets 43:27 Expanding into Pakistan: Opportunities and Risks 46:52 Strategic Focus and Future Vision 51:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find 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

    54 min
  2. Digital Wealth Platforms vs Robo-Advisors: What Investors Need to Know

    2 SEPT

    Digital Wealth Platforms vs Robo-Advisors: What Investors Need to Know

    Wealth management is no longer just champagne perks and 2% fees. The new generation of investors demands digital, transparent, and affordable solutions. In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we’re joined by Dhruv Arora, Founder & CEO of Syfe, a digital wealth management platform managing over US$10B. We cover: - Why trust is the biggest competition in digital wealth - The difference between robo-advisors & true digital wealth platforms - How Syfe is scaling across Singapore, Hong Kong & Australia - Why inclusivity without affordability doesn’t work - The merging of saving + investing into one continuum A sharp look into the future of wealth management, fintech, and investing. 🎧 Full episode now on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Couchonomics with Arjun Season 04 is brought to you by our partners: Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ Thunes https://thunes.com/ Mastercard https://mastercard.com/ E& https://www.eand.com/ Digit9 https://www.digitnine.com/ SC Ventures https://scventures.io/ Hala https://hala.com/ chapters: 00:00 Episode Highlights 00:55 Introduction 01:38 Defining Digital Wealth Management 02:28 The Future of Wealth Management 07:07 Challenges for Traditional Banks 16:07 Trust and Transparency in Wealth Management 19:56 Expansion and Growth Strategies 24:42 Localization and Personalization in Wealth 26:42 Exploring Syfe's Offerings 27:28 Model Portfolios and Cash Management 28:15 Holistic Wealth Management 29:33 Deep Integration and Proprietary Technology 31:49 Rule-Based Investing vs. Robo-Advisors 35:08 Democratizing Access to Wealth Management 41:06 Future of Wealth Management and Crypto Integration 48:47 Syfe's Expansion Plans and Final Thoughts Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find 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

    52 min
  3. Africa’s Fintech Boom: From Mobile Money to Purpose-Driven Lending

    26 AUG

    Africa’s Fintech Boom: From Mobile Money to Purpose-Driven Lending

    💡 Africa’s fintech story is no longer a local experiment — it’s a global test case for the future of inclusion, innovation, and capital flows. In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we’re joined by Yustus Aribariho, Co-Founder of Furaha Financial (part of SC Ventures by Standard Chartered). Yustus is now on a mission to unlock education financing and opportunity across Sub-Saharan Africa. We unpack: 💸 Why capital inflows into African fintech lag behind the opportunity 📱 How mobile money became the blueprint for financial inclusion worldwide 🛠 The frictions of regulation, repatriation, and cross-border flows 👥 Why human capital and local talent could be Africa’s ultimate advantage Furaha isn’t just another fintech — it’s building infrastructure that bridges capital and impact in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions. 🎧 Watch the full episode now on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Couchonomics with Arjun Season 04 is brought to you by our partners: Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ Thunes https://thunes.com/ Mastercard https://mastercard.com/ E& https://www.eand.com/ Digit9 https://www.digitnine.com/ SC Ventures https://scventures.io/ Hala https://hala.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Episode Highlights 02:40 State of FinTech in Sub-Saharan Africa 08:11 Challenges and Opportunities in African FinTech 10:48 The Role of Mobile Money and Digital Banks 15:00 Investment Dynamics and Regulatory Challenges 17:57 Affordability and Financial Inclusion 21:46 Alternative Financial Services in Africa 27:46 High Cost of Borrowing and Risk-Based Pricing 28:36 Purpose-Driven Financing 33:37 Addressing the Education Financing Gap 35:43 Building an Ecosystem for Education Loans 37:42 Why Uganda? 45:29 Future Expansion and Challenges 48:04 Business Model and Partnerships 52:25 Vision for the Future 55:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find 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

    56 min
  4. The New Rails of Money: Stablecoins, CBDCs & Tokenisation

    19 AUG

    The New Rails of Money: Stablecoins, CBDCs & Tokenisation

    Stablecoins are no longer on the sidelines — they’re stepping into the core of global finance. In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we're joined by Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer & Head of Global Policy at Circle, for his second appearance on the show. Speaking from Washington, DC, Dante brings a timely perspective on how digital finance is evolving — and why it matters now more than ever. We unpack: - Stablecoins as real financial infrastructure for payments, remittances, and cross-border flows - How smart regulation acts as a catalyst for trust, adoption, and institutional capital - CBDCs and tokenisation — separating hype from substance, and where they’ll truly reshape markets and inclusion - Why MENA is emerging as a global hub for digital assets, with the UAE leading from the front If you want to understand how money itself is being rebuilt — not just the apps we use, but the foundations beneath the system — this conversation with Dante is essential listening. 🎧 Watch and listen now on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Couchonomics with Arjun Season 04 is brought to you by our partners: Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ Thunes https://thunes.com/ Mastercard https://mastercard.com/ E& https://www.eand.com/ Digit9 https://www.digitnine.com/ SC Ventures https://scventures.io/ Hala https://hala.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Digital Assets and Policy 00:54 Welcoming the Guest: Dante Disparte 02:35 Stablecoins: Current State and Future Prospects 03:05 Regulatory Changes and Their Impact 06:21 Exploring Use Cases for Digital Assets 16:29 The Role of Banks and Stablecoins 24:46 Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) 28:15 The Genius Act: Opportunities and Risks 29:59 The Resilience of Digital Assets 30:37 The Genius Act: A Legislative Proposal 31:20 Stablecoins and Market Stability 31:55 The Role of Stablecoins in the Banking System 32:54 Guardrails and Systemic Risk 33:45 Tokenized Treasuries vs. Stablecoins 35:48 Concerns About Tether 38:05 The Genius Act and Global Regulatory Harmonization 40:41 Corporate Stablecoins and Market Adoption 49:00 Circle's IPO and Long-Term Vision 53:03 Circle Payment Network (CPN) and Financial Inclusion Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find 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

    57 min
  5. Fraud-as-a-Service, Stablecoins & the Future of Financial Crime

    12 AUG

    Fraud-as-a-Service, Stablecoins & the Future of Financial Crime

    Fraud just had its AI upgrade. It’s faster than your payments and industrialised at a global scale.  Welcome to the Scamdemic — a global wave of scams and financial crime growing faster than almost any asset class. We’re joined by Simon Taylor, Head of Strategy at Sardine and Co-Founder of 11:FS. Together, we unpack how fraud has evolved, why it’s so hard to stop, and what financial institutions, fintechs, and regulators must do now. Inside the episode: - Why faster payments = faster fraud - Deepfakes, fraud-as-a-service, and industrialised scam call centres - Why liability shifts and reimbursements can fuel crime instead of stopping it - The missed open banking opportunity: building a global “fraud utility” - Stablecoins, AI agents, and the next wave of attack surfaces - How to protect customers without killing innovation Whether you work in banking, fintech, payments, or policy, this episode will change how you think about fraud prevention in the age of AI and real-time payments. 🎧 Listen now and stay ahead of the Scamdemic. Couchonomics with Arjun Season 04 is brought to you by our partners: Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ Thunes https://thunes.com/ Mastercard https://mastercard.com/ E& https://www.eand.com/ Digit9 https://www.digitnine.com/ SC Ventures https://scventures.io/ Hala https://hala.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Episode Highlights 02:04 The Scam Epidemic: An Overview 06:33 The Impact of Fraud on Financial Institutions 14:14 Introducing Sardine: AI-Powered Financial Crime Platform 19:17 Global Fraud Typologies and Real-Time Payments 22:47 Global Reactions to the Pandemic 23:46 The Impact on Wealthy Individuals and Businesses 24:43 The Need for Transparency and Best Practices 25:23 Regulatory Responses and Fraud Prevention 26:34 The Role of Social Media in Fraud 27:38 Challenges in Fraud Prevention and Coordination 29:42 Opportunities in Open Banking and Data Sharing 34:31 Digital Assets and Stablecoins 39:08 The Role of AI in Fraud Prevention 42:10 Future of Financial Crime and Conclusion Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find 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

    43 min
  6. How Finternet Labs Is Building the Internet Layer for Finance

    5 AUG

    How Finternet Labs Is Building the Internet Layer for Finance

    Is today’s financial system fit for a digital-first world? Not quite — and Siddharth Shetty is here to tell us why. In this episode of Couchonomics, Arjun speaks with Finternet Labs CEO Siddharth Shetty, one of the architects behind India’s UPI and  Account Aggregator framework, to unpack the vision for Finternet — a universal financial infrastructure layer designed to empower users, build trust, and unlock global interoperability. We explore how fragmented rails, legacy systems, and a lack of verifiability are holding back progress, and how Finternet could be the solution that brings it all together. 👉 What you’ll learn: - Why identity, credentials & asset control need to shift back to users - How Finternet coexists with CBDCs, stablecoins & real-time payment systems - The role of governments vs private sector in future infrastructure - Middle East leapfrogging, tokenization & AI-driven transactions 🔗 Watch, learn, and join the conversation about the future of digital finance. Couchonomics with Arjun Season 04 is brought to you by our partners: Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ Thunes https://thunes.com/ Mastercard https://mastercard.com/ E& https://www.eand.com/ Digit9 https://www.digitnine.com/ SC Ventures https://scventures.io/ Hala https://hala.com/ Discover how the Finternet is reimagining finance for a connected world. Tap the link in the show notes to learn more. 👇 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qIw8wSbw26mw8uLXIK8SohmGvvJobcPX/view?usp=sharing  Explore Finternet Labs: https://finternetlab.io/ Chapters: 00:00 Episode Highlights 01:58 Exploring Finternet Labs 03:01 Understanding Financial Infrastructure 05:33 The Vision of Finternet Labs 13:19 Governance and Dispute Resolution 25:02 Future of Financial Systems 27:07 Web3 and Coexistence with Traditional Financial Systems 29:15 Interoperability Challenges and Solutions 31:42 Cross-Border Transactions and Emerging Technologies 36:12 The Role of Digital Identity in Financial Ecosystems 40:45 Centralization vs. Decentralization in Digital Identity 44:13 Introduction to Finnet and Its Objectives 46:34 The Finternet Labs: Structure and Goals 50:21 Opportunities for the Middle East in Digital Finance 53:01 Conclusion and Future Events Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find 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

    54 min
  7. Stablecoins, Wallets, and the Rise of Embedded Cross-Border Payments

    29 JUL

    Stablecoins, Wallets, and the Rise of Embedded Cross-Border Payments

    The future of payments won’t be card-swiped or cash-counted — it’ll be fast, digital, and deeply integrated. In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, Floris de Kort, CEO of Thunes, joins to unpack what it really takes to build a global payments network across 130+ markets, from wallets to banks to mobile rails. What’s inside: - Why real-time payments still face real-world friction - How Thunes is turning compliance into a competitive edge - The rise of B2B payouts — and why corporates are driving the volume - Why MENA is now a proving ground for wallet innovation - The growing role of stablecoins in global finance If you're building in fintech, infrastructure, or cross-border payments, this one’s essential listening. 🎧 Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Couchonomics with Arjun Season 04 is brought to you by our partners: Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ Thunes https://thunes.com/ Mastercard https://mastercard.com/ E& https://www.eand.com/ Digit9 https://www.digitnine.com/ SC Ventures https://scventures.io/ Hala https://hala.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Episode Highlights 00:48 Introduction 01:34 State of the Payments Industry 03:39 The Rise of B2B Payments 05:33 Real-Time Payments and Global Trends 11:26 The Role of Stablecoins in Modern Payments 20:34 Regulation and the Future of Stablecoins 23:27 Cost and Efficiency of Modern Payment Systems 23:52 Regulatory Evolution and Market Disruption 24:17 Thunes' Recent Milestones and Future Plans 24:50 Challenges and Strategies in the US Market 25:30 Investment and Growth Focus 26:29 AI Integration in Financial Services 29:41 Navigating Complex Regulatory Environments 38:37 Middle East Expansion and Local Strategies 42:23 Conclusion and Future Outlook Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find 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

    44 min
  8. Stablecoins, Tokenization & Regulation: Crypto’s Next Chapter

    22 JUL

    Stablecoins, Tokenization & Regulation: Crypto’s Next Chapter

    Crypto isn’t dead, it’s going institutional.  In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, Rifad Mahasneh, CEO of OKX MENA, joins the show to unpack what real digital asset adoption looks like beyond the headlines. We explore how OKX is building for scale, trust, and regulation - especially in the UAE, where crypto is becoming infrastructure, not just innovation. 🎯 What’s inside:  • Post-FTX trust rebuild: custody, compliance & proof-of-reserves  • Stablecoins, CBDCs & the future of programmable money  • Tokenization with real-world utility  • Why the UAE is leading the global charge in crypto regulation Full episode out now on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Couchonomics with Arjun Season 04 is brought to you by our partners: Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ Thunes https://thunes.com/ Mastercard https://mastercard.com/ E& https://www.eand.com/ Digit9 https://www.digitnine.com/ SC Ventures https://scventures.io/ Hala https://hala.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Episode Highlights 00:56 Welcome to Couchonomics 01:48 Exploring OKX and Crypto Basics 03:29 Why the UAE for Crypto? 06:34 Understanding Crypto Terminology 09:37 State of Crypto in 2025 12:57 Institutional Adoption of Crypto 17:04 Bitcoin: Proof of Value 19:24 Centralized vs Decentralized Finance 24:00 Regulatory Landscape and Challenges 28:59 Regulatory Challenges in Blockchain 31:00 Innovating in the Crypto Space 32:32 Educating and Differentiating in the Market 41:04 Stablecoins and Their Impact 45:06 The Future of CBDCs and Stablecoins 49:46 Tokenization of Real-World Assets 54:50 OKX's Future Plans and Market Expansion 57:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0 Find 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

    59 min
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About

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 9 About 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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Arjun Singh
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    154
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Couchonomics with Arjun
  • Show Website
    Couchonomics with Arjun

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