Couchonomics with Arjun – Détails, épisodes et analyse

What if the future of money isn’t about new currencies, but about rebuilding how value moves?

Arjun sits down with Keith Grose, Senior Country Director at Coinbase UK, to explore how crypto is moving from hype to real infrastructure.
They talk about the UK’s second-mover advantage in regulation, the role of stablecoins in global trade, and how Coinbase is building the bridge between traditional finance and the on-chain world.

🎙️ In this episode:
→ Why Coinbase’s mission is to increase economic freedom for a billion people
→ How crypto complements, not replaces, real-time payment systems
→ Why stablecoins are becoming the settlement layer for global trade
→ What the UK’s second-mover advantage means for innovation
→ How regulation can balance control with growth
→ Why private stablecoins may move faster than CBDCs
→ What it takes to make crypto secure, compliant, and trusted
→ How on-chain transparency is reshaping user protection

👉 Watch now to understand how crypto, regulation, and finance are converging into the next chapter of global money movement.

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 Teaser
01:02 Introducing Keith Gross and Coinbase
02:07 Coinbase's Mission and Crypto's Promise
03:55 The Role of Regulation in Crypto
04:14 Global Payment Systems and Crypto's Potential
11:11 The Promise and Growth of Stablecoins
13:48 Institutional Adoption and Tokenized Deposits
18:50 The Future of Crypto Regulation in the UK
25:18 Understanding Wholesale CBDC and Stable Coins
25:39 The Role of Stablecoins in Government Bonds
26:27 Yield and Regulatory Challenges of Stablecoins
27:58 Coinbase's Offerings for Retail and Institutional Customers
29:49 Defi Lending and Borrowing Innovations
34:10 Security and Custody in Crypto Trading
41:06 Regulatory Collaboration and Industry Standards
46:53 Balancing Growth and Risk in Crypto
48:57 Future Metrics and Tokenization Trends
50:13 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0

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• Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/
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What if the future of money isn’t about creating new currencies, but redefining what money really is?

In this episode, Arjun sits down with Tony McLaughlin, CEO and Founder of Ubyx Inc, to talk about why he believes the bank account is dead and how the next version of money could live on public blockchains.

They break down what stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and CBDCs really mean, and how they could quietly replace the systems we’ve used for decades.

🎙️ In this episode:
 → Why blockchain is simply a “who owns what” machine
 → How stablecoins could become the new form of fiat
 → Why tokenization could replace ACH, SWIFT, and cards
 → How Ubyx is building a clearing system for the age of digital money
 → How stablecoins could transform global trade and cross-border payments
 → The balance between privacy, regulation, and innovation

👉 Watch now to understand how the next phase of finance will be built on tokens, trust, and interoperability.


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 Teaser
 02:45 What Fintech Really Built: Layers on Legacy Rails
 05:30 Blockchain as the “Who Owns What” Machine
 09:15 Regulation, Policy, and the Shift to Public Blockchains
 11:20 Stablecoins and the Irony of Perfecting Fiat Currency
 15:00 The Death of the Bank Account and Rise of Tokens
 17:10 CBDCs, Tokenized Deposits, and the Ancient IOU
 23:00 How Ubyx Fits into the Global Clearing Puzzle
 26:20 Why Banks Will Love Stablecoins for FX Revenue
 32:00 The $300B E-commerce Stablecoin Opportunity
 37:00 CBDCs vs. Stablecoins: Parallel Systems, Not Rivals
 39:10 How Europe Should Respond to USD Stablecoins
 41:00 Turning Regulation Fear into Opportunity
 45:00 Privacy, Surveillance, and Life on the Ledger
 47:40 Ubyx’s Journey from White Paper to Product
 50:00 Building the Mastercard of Stablecoins
 53:00 Lessons from an Older Founder and What Comes Next

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
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💡 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

Dive deep into the bustling world of investment, fintech, and the strategy behind successful consolidations. In this episode of Couchonomics, we venture into the art of picking the right businesses, the significance of 'cash,' and why sometimes, it's not just about growth.

Meet Nabil Ismail, the Executive Director at Gulf Capital. With over a decade of experience in investment and private equity, Nabil brings his expertise, especially from the tech & fintech realms, to our couch. From representing the UAE National Golf team to serving as a judge on several SME awards, Nabil’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Nabil talks about the ongoing mergers happening in the region, such as Magnati and Ideal, the consolidation story around payments, and how good money can still be made in this sector. Everyone is talking about profitability, but do they truly grasp it? It's not just about net profit or EBITDA; it's about the cash flow!

Other topics discussed:  

- Buying a Business: The reasons and strategies behind acquisitions.

- Regional Perspectives: Analyzing the 'dry powder' scenario across regions, and how geopolitical shifts are influencing investment directions.

- Embedded Finance: The significance of banks and how fintech is being integrated into various platforms.

- Expanding Horizons: Gulf Capital's investments in international markets like India and Southeast Asia.

With insights from one of the leading minds in the investment sector, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone looking to understand the landscape of alternative investments, fintech trends, and the nuances of regional and global expansions. Remember, as Nabil rightly points out, it's all about having the right people on board and learning from both successes and failures.

Be sure to hit that 'Like' button if you found value in this episode and don't forget to subscribe for more Couchonomics insights!

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

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Join Arjun on this riveting episode of Couchonomics as we embark on a journey from the nuances of Web 3.0 to the impending carbon economy. With gaming, metaverse, and blockchain as stepping stones, Arjun and his esteemed guest dive deep into the future of technology and sustainability.

Meet Prakash Somosundram, a serial entrepreneur with a flair for innovation in the digital advertising, startup, and blockchain realms. As the Co-Founder & CEO of Enjinstarter, Prakash is lighting the path for the next generation of blockchain gaming, metaverse experiences, and entertainment. With a stellar track record, his ventures echo with success, innovation, and a persistent drive for positive social impact.

Prakash demystifies the transition to Web 3.0 and the role of blockchain in shaping the new-age internet. As digital ownership and content security become the talk of the town, find out where Enjinstarter stands amid this digital revolution.

Experience a candid conversation about investment trends, AI's promising horizon, and the need for a new decentralized financial system. From the gaming hype to the rise of the metaverse, Prakash sheds light on the evolutions and revolutions that have marked Enjinstarter's journey.

In a world heating up faster than ever, Prakash shares a unique perspective on carbon credits, emphasizing its potential to become a significant asset class. How do businesses offset their footprint, and what's the next step for the global community?

Other Major Topics Discussed:

- The role of trust in Web3 projects and the impending need for regulations.

- An intriguing look at the global carbon trading landscape and companies leading the way.

- Unpacking the challenges and triumphs of initiating and operationalizing blockchain startups in today's dynamic environment.

- A discussion on the possibilities of bridging the funding gap through blockchain's transparency.

Arjun and Prakash's conversation is a testament to the exciting times we live in, as they bridge the worlds of technology, finance, and sustainability. Whether you're a tech aficionado, an environmental enthusiast, or someone intrigued by the ever-evolving world of startups, this episode is sure to leave you with insights, laughter, and a thirst for more. Dive in and let the Couchonomics session enlighten your day!

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

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In this insightful episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Khalifa AlShamsi, the CEO at e& life, navigating the intriguing waters of digital disruption, FinTech innovations, and the rise of Super Apps. Tune in as we explore the cutting-edge strategies propelling the technology and investment group e& into new horizons. 

Khalifa AlShamsi, our esteemed guest, holds over 29 years of experience in telecom, media, and ICT. As the Chief Executive Officer at e& life, he has spearheaded key innovations in digital services, shaping new revenue streams and accelerating business growth. With a formidable resume encompassing roles like Head of Mobile Networks, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Digital Officer, Khalifa brings a wealth of knowledge and industry insights to our conversation.

In our engaging dialogue, Khalifa sheds light on e& life's strategic approach to their B2B business and their venture into the consumer digital space. He outlines the company’s intention to provide high-value, quality services that extend beyond traditional telecom offerings, aiming to transform digital services across multiple markets.

Other Major Topics Discussed: 

- The promising future of FinTech across e& group markets and the company’s focus on tailoring products for diverse customer segments.

- The role and evolution of Super Apps, with specific focus on the partnership with Careem.

- The success story of 'Smiles', a top-performing loyalty program.

- Exploring untapped potential in sectors like healthcare technology and media production.

- The emergence of blockchain in the remittance business, its cost-effectiveness, and its impact on investment areas, such as real estate tokenization. 

This episode is an enriching journey through the evolving digital landscape, illuminating the transformative power of technology, strategy, and innovation. With Khalifa AlShamsi's in-depth insights and experiences, we take a closer look at how e& life is shaping a digital-first future. For anyone intrigued by the digital revolution, this episode is a must-listen. So tune in, and let's delve into the world of digital disruptions together!

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

Welcome to this unique, AI-focused episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, where we revisit some of the most insightful discussions from our second season. This special edition provides a deep dive into the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence and its transformative impact on the fintech industry.

Featuring conversations with esteemed guests:

Dr. Noah Raford, a renowned futurist with a grasp on AI's potentials and pitfalls.

Financial Economist & Emerging Tech Strategist, Amna Usman Chaudhry (in two enlightening parts), offering a deep analysis of AI's role in finance and technology.

Tram Anh Nguyen, Co-Founder of CFTE, with her astute perspective on the intersection of finance and technology.

Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), delving into the regulatory landscape of AI in fintech.

Saqr Ereiqat, Co-Founder of Crypto Oasis, discussing the convergence of blockchain and AI.

Renier Lemmens, Group CEO of Geidea, sharing innovative insights on AI's disruptive potential.

Ali Abulhasan, Co-Founder & CEO at Tap Payments, presenting real-world applications of AI in payment solutions.

Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, CEO of Botim and Founder of Astra Tech, uncovering the fusion of AI, ultra-apps, and digital convenience.

Dr. Waleed Sadek, CEO of PaySky and Yalla, illustrating how AI-driven solutions can reshape the payments industry.

Oliver Hughes, former CEO of Tinkoff, providing expert insights into AI's role in digital banking.

Gabrielle Inzirillo, Head of Ecosystem Development at Abu Dhabi Global Market's FSRA, highlighting the crucial role of regulation in the burgeoning AI-driven fintech landscape.

In this compilation of interviews, we explore the frontlines of the AI revolution, understanding its implications for finance, technology, and society. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on other platforms for more such insightful content on tech and finance. Join us as we explore the AI revolution and its transformative potential in reshaping our world.

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/
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Welcome to the latest episode of Couchonomics with Arjun. In this fascinating conversation, we delve deep into the world of Ultra Platforms, fintech, and the future of digital services with our esteemed guest, Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, the dynamic CEO of Botim and Founder of Astra Tech.

Abdallah Abu-Sheikh is a renowned entrepreneur and a visionary leader in the MENA region, known for his unconventional approach to business and innovation. At the helm of Astra Tech, he is paving the way towards an Ultra Platform future that seeks to simplify daily transactions and activities for consumers. His transformation of Botim into an Ultra App that provides an all-encompassing range of services sets the bar high for what consumer technology can accomplish.

In this eye-opening discussion, Abdallah talks about the evolution of Astra Tech and its various ventures, including Botim, PayBy, and Rizek. He shares insights on the need for and the creation of Ultra Platforms, noting the four components that define them: extreme usage, organic adoption, multi-service functionality, and their inherent ability to transcend targeted platforms.

Other Major Topics Discussed:

- Unpacking the journey of Botim and its success in markets beyond the UAE.

- The strategy of "last mover advantage" and how it can help companies thrive in saturated markets.

- A critical look at how businesses pass on costs to consumers and the urgent need for change.

- An introduction to Botim GPT, a world-first execution of generative AI that can carry out tasks based on user commands.

In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, Abdallah Abu-Sheikh has not just shared the journey of Astra Tech and Botim but also provided a glimpse into the future of the digital world. His insights and experience offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, businesses, and consumers alike. Tune in to understand the intricate world of fintech, the essence of Ultra Platforms, and to get a peek into what the future holds for digital services.

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
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Welcome to another insightful episode of Couchonomics with Arjun. In this episode, we delve into the innovative world of FinTech, discussing the groundbreaking journey of Twig, a start-up focused on cultivating a culture of saving in the MENA region. Twig's unique embedded savings infrastructure offers goal-based saving tools, enabling consumers to realize their financial dreams effortlessly.

Joining us on the show are the brain trusts behind Twig – Chafic Idriss, the founder and CEO, Rayan Antonios, the founder and CBO, and Karam El Dik, the founder and COO. Through their collective efforts, Twig has made remarkable strides in the realm of financial wellness, reshaping how individuals and businesses perceive and engage with saving strategies.

Throughout this episode, we discuss the inspiration behind Twig, and how the idea of making saving fun and engaging led to a transformative platform. Our guests also delve into the journey of their pre-seed round, the milestones achieved, and the strategic planning behind using the funds for expansion.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Twig's unique business model and its focus on the engagement aspect of financial management
• The significance of receiving the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) approval and why Dubai was chosen as their launchpad
• Twig's latest automated savings platform and its user-friendly, goal-oriented features
• The company's expansion plans and their aim to seamlessly integrate their services into different platforms, making savings a natural part of users' daily lives

In this riveting discussion, our guests provide an in-depth look at their ambitions to integrate savings into the daily lives of individuals and businesses alike. They also reveal insights into the challenges and triumphs of their entrepreneurial journey and their vision for Twig's future. Join us on Couchonomics to learn more about the revolution Twig is bringing to the financial landscape in the MENA region.

Find Twig online: https://www.twig.ae/

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
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In this riveting episode of Couchonomics, we dive deep into the intricate world of blockchain, metaverse, and web 3.0 with Amna Usman Chaudhry, a renowned Financial Economist & Emerging Tech Strategist. From the mechanics of blockchain and metaverse to its implications on fintech, Islamic fintech, and the efforts towards gender equality, this conversation explores the intersection of technology and societal norms.

Amna Usman Chaudhry is a force in the financial and tech space. As a part of the UNICEF Giga Blockchain, Metaverse, and Web 3.0 team, she contributes to a mission to connect every school and child worldwide to the internet by 2030. Amna holds several prestigious positions, including her work with the Oxford Blockchain Foundation and the AllStarsWomen NFT Club and DAO. Her deep involvement in the blockchain space and her passion for improving female representation and inclusion in tech uniquely positions her as a thought leader in the industry.

The discussion between Amna and Arjun delves into an array of insightful topics, including the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report's predictions, the potential of generative AI, and the history of DAOs. A notable highlight is the exploration of the importance of thorough smart contract auditing, evidenced by the 2016 DAO hack.

Amna also touches on the concept of deep fakes and generative AI, comparing it to both a magic lamp and a Pandora's box. The talk transitions to web 3.0, where Arjun and Amna ponder its nature, viewing it more as a transition or state of mind rather than a destination.

Other Major Topics Discussed:

1. A discussion on John Rawls' concept of "veil of ignorance" in relation to AI regulations.
2. The value of blockchain in providing control over one's digital identity.
3. The dichotomy of blockchain's environmental impact, emphasizing the shift from energy-intensive proof of work mechanisms to environmentally friendlier options.
4. Exploring how blockchain can aid in environmental efforts, highlighted by the example of the Plastic Bank project.

The episode wraps up with a reflection on Amna's extensive work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech space. Her insights on how blockchain and Web 3.0 can serve as tools for empowering women and fostering societal equality provide a hopeful perspective on the future of technology.

Join us on this insightful journey as we delve deep into the opportunities and challenges of blockchain, metaverse, and Web 3.0, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in these burgeoning fields.

Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0

Find us on our social media platforms:

• Arjun's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunvirsingh/
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