Couchonomics with Arjun

Arjun Singh
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • 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. The Next Decade of FinTech: AI, Tokenization & Quantum Finance

    6D AGO

    The Next Decade of FinTech: AI, Tokenization & Quantum Finance

    What if the next decade of finance isn’t about disruption, but inclusion? In this episode, Arjun sits down with Sopnendu Mohanty, Group CEO of GFTN and Advisor to the Monetary Authority of Singapore, to explore how technology, policy, and people are shaping the future of global finance. 🎙️ In this episode: → The three pillars that defined the first wave of fintech: APIs, DPIs, and cloud → Why inclusion remains the biggest unfinished story in finance → How AI and tokenization could rebuild finance from the inside out → Why collaboration, not disruption, will shape the next decade → How the Middle East is emerging as a major hub for innovation and investment → The growing role of regulators and public infrastructure in driving progress → How the Global South can leapfrog through digital infrastructure 👉 Watch now and see how the next chapter of finance is being built. 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 02:45 The Last Decade of Fintech: APIs, DPIs, and Cloud 05:30 How Banks and Regulators Learned to Collaborate 09:15 Why Inclusion Remains the Biggest Unsolved Problem 13:40 The Next Wave: AI, Tokenization, and Quantum Security 17:20 Stablecoins, Networks, and the Future of Money Movement 22:05 Consumer Awareness and the Fight Against Scams 26:10 Building the Global South’s Digital Infrastructure 30:25 The Middle East and the New Role of the GCC 35:10 GFTN’s Vision and the Future of Responsible Finance 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

    47 min
  2. How AI and Stablecoins Are Rewriting Payments

    OCT 21

    How AI and Stablecoins Are Rewriting Payments

    When money moves faster than ever, who really controls it?  In this episode, Arjun sits down with Arik Shtilman, Founder and CEO of Rapyd, to explore how AI and stablecoins are rewriting the rules of global payments.  From powering transactions across 100+ countries to building an AI-first infrastructure, Rapyd is proving that the next financial revolution is already underway. 🎙️ In this episode: - Why payments companies that aren’t AI-first may not survive the next three years - How stablecoins are reshaping liquidity, cross-border trade, and working capital - Why banks and SWIFT are in a race to stay relevant - How Rapyd embedded stablecoins into every layer of its platform - The real battle between AI-powered fraud and AI-driven fraud prevention - What the rise of CBDCs means for the future of money movement This isn’t a discussion about what’s coming. It’s a look at how the foundations of finance are being rebuilt in real time. 👉 Watch now and discover how Rapyd is shaping the future of payments. #CouchonomicsWithArjun #Fintech #AI #Stablecoins #CrossBorderPayments #DigitalFinance #FutureOfMoney #financialinnovation  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 03:00 AI and Stablecoins: The Twin Shifts 05:00 How Regulation and Politics Changed Crypto 08:00 Cross-Border Trade in Stablecoins 12:00 Swift’s Future and Bank Partnerships 16:00 Rapyd’s Stablecoin Strategy and Revenue Impact 18:00 Compliance, Regulation, and Market Readiness 25:00 CBDCs and the New Monetary Order 30:00 Inside Rapyd’s AI Engine 39:00 The Rapyd Story and Its Evolution 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

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

    OCT 14

    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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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out of 5
2 Ratings

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
    160
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Couchonomics with Arjun
  • Show Website
    Couchonomics with Arjun

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