Couchonomics with Arjun

Arjun Singh
  • 5.0 (2)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. When AI Becomes the Banker: Inside Vietnam’s Cake Digital Bank

    2D AGO

    When AI Becomes the Banker: Inside Vietnam’s Cake Digital Bank

    What if AI ran your bank? 🤯 In this episode, Arjun sits down with Quang Nguyen, CEO of Cake Digital Bank, Vietnam’s AI-first bank that’s redefining what digital finance looks like. With only 300 employees serving 6 million customers, Cake has become one of Southeast Asia’s most efficient and innovative financial institutions — proving that the future of banking is lean, intelligent, and fully automated. 🎙️ In this episode: - How Cake uses AI to power 70% of its operations - Building trust through technology in a young, digital-first market - Why Vietnam is leading the next fintech wave - How Cake achieved profitability in just 3 years - What AI-first banking really means beyond the buzz   This isn’t a story about the future of banking - it’s a look at what’s already here. 👉 Watch now and see how AI is transforming finance from the inside out. #CouchonomicsWithArjun #Fintech #DigitalBanking #AI #Vietnam #FinancialInnovation #FutureOfFinance 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 02:22 Vietnam's Digital Transformation 06:19 Building Trust in Digital Banking 09:06 The Playful Brand: Cake 11:46 Regulatory Landscape in Vietnam 19:20 AI Integration in Banking 23:26 Staffing and AI Integration 24:21 Embracing AI in Operations 25:22 Approach to Small Loans 28:21 Deposit Strategies and Competitive Pricing 29:42 Building Ecosystems and Partnerships 33:16 Challenges and Opportunities in Embedded Banking 36:34 Regulatory Compliance and AI 39:03 The Story Behind the Name 'Cake' 41:10 Future Plans and Regional Expansion 43:18 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

    42 min
  2. The Future of Wealth: AI, Trust & the Great $80 Trillion Shift

    OCT 7

    The Future of Wealth: AI, Trust & the Great $80 Trillion Shift

    Over $80 trillion in global wealth is moving to a younger, more digital generation. But who will manage it—and how will AI, trust, and technology reshape investing? In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, Caesar Sengupta, Co-Founder and CEO of Arta Finance (backed by Eric Schmidt, Peak XV, and Ribbit Capital), shares how his company is democratizing wealth management—bringing institutional-grade investing to millions worldwide. Discover how AI is redefining advice, why trust matters more than ever, and how digital platforms like Arta x Wio are changing the game for banks, advisors, and investors alike. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or 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  01:10 Introducing Caesar Sengupta 02:00 The Great Wealth Transfer 03:07 Secular Forces in Wealth Creation 05:38 The Myth of Democratization 10:13 Retail Trading: Speculation or Wealth Building? 13:33 Building Trust in Wealth Management 17:25 The Role of Technology in Wealth Management 24:42 Family Offices and Digital Capabilities 27:57 Regulatory Challenges and Partner Expertise 28:13 Designing and Offering Structured Products 30:13 AI's Role in Fintech and Wealth Management 33:41 AI's Impact on Wealth Strategies 35:46 AI in Customer Experience and Wealth Planning 42:26 Concerns and Future of AI in Wealth Management 45:39 Business Strategy and Future Directions 49:29 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

    51 min
  3. Latin America’s Fintech Giant: The Rise of PicPay with 60M Users

    SEP 30

    Latin America’s Fintech Giant: The Rise of PicPay with 60M Users

    Episode 150 of Couchonomics with Arjun is here — and it’s a milestone. For the very first time, we go to Latin America. My guest: Eduardo Chedid, CEO of PicPay — Brazil’s biggest super app and one of the fastest-scaling fintechs in the world. With 60M+ customers, $1B+ in revenues, profits up 7× YoY, and 4,500 employees, PicPay is rewriting the rules of digital banking in one of the most competitive markets on earth. We cover: - Brazil’s fintech revolution and the role of regulation - How PicPay scaled from wallet → super app → full-service bank - Why AI and open finance are core to growth - The future of tokenized money and cross-border payments This isn’t just a Brazil story — it’s a blueprint for the future of 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/ Chapters: 00:00 Episode Highlights 01:11 Welcoming Eduardo Chedd 03:29 Brazilian FinTech Landscape 11:22 PicPay's Growth and Strategy 23:52 AI Integration and Innovations 28:25 Organizational Structure and Product Velocity 29:23 Ownership and Cross-Functional Integration 31:13 Driving Governance and Agile Practices 32:36 The Role of Data in Financial Services 36:55 The Evolution and Importance of Digital Wallets 38:46 Tokenized Money and Future Trends 41:59 Competition and Market Focus 45:21 Global Insights and Future Plans 50:44 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

    55 min
  4. From Crowdfunded Startup to Europe’s Fastest-Growing Wealth Platform

    SEP 23

    From Crowdfunded Startup to Europe’s Fastest-Growing Wealth Platform

    Turning Savings into Wealth — Inside Chip’s Fintech Playbook  UK fintech is entering a new chapter. While funding slows, savers poured £103bn into ISAs — proving that trust, not downloads, is the real currency. In this episode, Arjun speaks with Alex Latham, Co-Founder & CMO of Chip, one of Europe’s fastest-growing fintechs, on: - The future of UK fintech beyond banking apps - How Chip grew from a crowdfunded startup to a wealth platform managing billions - Why trust, community, and AI will shape wealth management 📺 Watch now and see how Chip is redefining the future of savings and investing. 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/ Find us on our social media platforms: Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/ Couchonomics 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 Chapters: 00:00 Episode Highlights 00:56 Introduction 02:09 State of UK FinTech 02:34 The Rise of British FinTech 04:05 Challenges and Opportunities in FinTech 09:00 Chip: A Digital Wealth Manager 18:12 Building Trust and Authenticity 26:35 Consumer Behavior Trends 29:38 Stabilizing Interest Rates and Long-Term Financial Planning 30:19 Exploring Alternative Investments: Crypto and ETFs 31:55 The British Saving Culture and Investment Challenges 34:01 The Role of Education in Financial Literacy 38:05 Marketing Strategies in FinTech 43:20 Building and Engaging a Community 47:43 Future Plans and Financial Advice Innovations 56:17 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

    57 min
  5. Build Cashflow, Not Hype: Abhi’s Liquidity Playbook

    SEP 9

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

    SEP 2

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

    AUG 26

    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
  8. The New Rails of Money: Stablecoins, CBDCs & Tokenisation

    AUG 19

    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
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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
    158
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Couchonomics with Arjun
  • Show Website
    Couchonomics with Arjun

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