Ep 110. Fintech Frontier: AI & Blockchain Leading the Future with Marwan Alzarouni

Japan has long been a leader in financial technology, from pioneering 24/7 ATMs to developing QR codes and digital payment systems. But in recent years, the country has struggled to keep up with the global fintech revolution. That might be about to change.In this episode, Pieter Franken, Managing Director of GFTN Japan, joins us to explore Japan’s fintech resurgence and what’s driving innovation in the region. With Japan FinTech Week and the GFTN Japan Forum on the horizon, we discuss:- Japan’s fintech evolution – early innovations, missed opportunities, and today’s comeback.- Regulatory shifts – how Japan is leading in digital assets, open banking, and fintech-friendly policies.- GFTN Japan Forum – how this event is shaping Japan’s fintech ecosystem and attracting global leaders.- AI, crypto & deep tech – key trends redefining financial services in Japan.- Startup & investor landscape – why Japan has lagged in unicorns and how new initiatives are fostering high-growth fintech startups.With global fintech giants turning their attention to Japan, is this the country’s moment to lead again? 🇯🇵 Don’t miss this deep dive into Japan’s fintech future!Watch now and subscribe for more fintech insights! Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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

That’s a wrap on Season 3 of #Couchonomics! And we’re ending on a high note.In this season finale, we welcome Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, CEO of AI at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, to the couch for an insightful discussion on how AI is reshaping industries, the evolution of blockchain, and Dubai’s vision for a tech-driven economy.We also cover: ✅ AI’s role in Dubai’s government and economic strategy ✅ The intersection of AI and blockchain for security, efficiency, and transparency ✅ The impact of AI on jobs, entrepreneurship, and the future of work ✅ The speed of AI-driven change and what it means for industriesThis season explored how fintech, AI, and emerging tech are transforming business in the MENA region and beyond. Watch the final episode now!  Couchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ToYou https://toyou.io/arMastercard https://mastercard.com/Thunes https://thunes.com/M2P https://m2pfintech.com/Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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

Can Capital Save the Planet? 🌍💰In this special Couchonomics x The Founders Peak episode from Singapore Fintech Festival 2024, we sit down with Oi Yee Choo, CEO of Climate Impact X (CIX), to discuss the future of sustainability finance and carbon markets.🌱 Topics we covered: ✅ The biggest challenges in carbon markets ✅ How CIX is building a trusted global marketplace ✅ The role of AI, blockchain, and tokenization in improving transparency ✅ What’s next for carbon trading and finance’s role in sustainabilityWith trust and transparency key to scaling carbon markets, how do we get there? Watch the full episode to find out!📺 Tune in now & share your thoughts in the comments!#Couchonomics #CarbonMarkets #Sustainability #ClimateFinance #Fintech #SingaporeFintechFestival #Innovation #AI #Blockchain #TokenizationFind 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=20TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@couchonomicsSubscribe to Arjun's LinkedIn newsletter, Couchonomics Crunch: https://bit.ly/3WI4A6Echapters:00:00 Introduction 01:08 Insights from the Sustainability Forum02:44 The Birth and Vision of Climate Impact X04:27 Challenges and Responsibilities in a Nascent Sector08:13 Global Ambitions and Market Dynamics10:12 Product Focus and Market Trends15:58 Building Trust and Transparency18:59 Engaging Corporates and Overcoming Barriers23:19 Future Perspectives and Regulatory Clarity24:56 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsOur website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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

Japan is making big moves in AI, blockchain, and digital asset regulation. In this special episode—filmed live at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2024 with The Founders Peak Unplugged—Arjun sits down with Ryosuke Ushida, Chief Fintech Officer at Japan’s Financial Services Agency, to discuss the country’s fintech future.  What's inside: ✅ Japan’s fintech regulations—innovation vs. compliance  ✅ AI, blockchain, and stablecoin policies  ✅ Financial inclusion & fintech’s role in the silver economy  ✅ Cybersecurity, AML/CFT & protecting financial systems  ✅ Why Japan is a rising fintech hub 📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights from Couchonomics!🎧 Now streaming everywhere.Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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

Is the Middle East set to be the ultimate billionaire’s playground by 2025?In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we're joined by Fahd Iqbal, CIO of UBS Middle East. We explore the influx of billionaires reshaping the UAE, the rise of family offices, and how AI is transforming investment strategies. Fahd shares his expert predictions for 2025 and the financial shifts happening across the region.Don’t miss out—watch now to stay ahead of the curve! Couchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ToYou https://toyou.io/arMastercard https://mastercard.com/Thunes https://thunes.com/M2P https://m2pfintech.com/Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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

Can payments ever be truly invisible? Lawrence Chan, Group CEO of NETS, is beaming in virtually from Singapore to discuss how the world of payments is rapidly changing and what it means for businesses everywhere. Lawrence and Arjun covered a range of topics during our conversation. Here are some key points:🌐 ASEAN payment connectivity and the potential of cross-border QR payments 🔧 How NETS is supporting merchants with smart solutions beyond just payments 🔑 The evolution of payment systems over the next 5-7 years and why resiliency will be keyWe’re excited for you to hear Lawrence’s take on the future of payments and how NETS is at the heart of this transformation. Tune in now!#Couchonomics #Fintech #Payments #DigitalFinance #Innovation #Leadership #Nets #SoutheastAsia #DigitalPayments #FutureOfFinanceCouchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ToYou https://toyou.io/arMastercard https://mastercard.com/Thunes https://thunes.com/M2P https://m2pfintech.com/Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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

PropTech Power in Saudi Arabia!In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we had an engaging conversation with Razwa Alharthi, Co-Founder of Nuzul, at Jeel, Riyadh Bank's innovation hub. Razwa shared how her PropTech startup is driving innovation and efficiency in Saudi Arabia's real estate sector through cutting-edge technology.We also discussed: 👉 The story behind Nuzul and how it empowers real estate agents with digital tools to streamline workflows. 👉 How Nuzul addresses inefficiencies in areas like inventory management and client interactions. 👉 The transformative potential of data, AI, and blockchain in shaping the future of real estate.Tune in to learn how Nuzul is paving the way for a more transparent, efficient, and tech-driven real estate market in Saudi Arabia.#Couchonomics #PropTech #Fintech #blockchain #Innovation #Technology #AI #RealEstate #SaudiArabia #DigitalInnovation #Startups #TechTransformation Couchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ToYou https://toyou.io/arMastercard https://mastercard.com/Thunes https://thunes.com/M2P https://m2pfintech.com/Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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

A New Era of Wealth Management! 💰Couchonomics with Arjun is coming to you straight from Saudi Arabia! 🇸🇦 In this episode filmed at Jeel, Riyadh Bank's innovation hub, we chat with Ali Alorainy and Faisal Alqarni, the founders of Malaa Technologies, a wealth tech platform reshaping personal finance with a fresh, automated approach.Here’s what you’ll discover in our conversation: 👉 How Malaa is shifting from traditional financial tools to goal-driven, automated financial planning. 👉 The impact of financial inclusion and how Malaa is bridging gaps in underserved markets. 👉 Why automation is key to achieving financial goals, even when financial literacy is a challenge. 👉 How personalization is becoming the core of finance, adapting to users’ changing needs and goals.The episode is live now on YouTube and all podcasting platforms! 🎧#Couchonomics #FintechInnovation #WealthManagement #FinancialInclusion #PersonalFinance #SaudiArabia #Jeel #TechForGood #EntrepreneurshipCouchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners:Adyen https://www.adyen.com/ToYou https://toyou.io/arMastercard https://mastercard.com/Thunes https://thunes.com/M2P https://m2pfintech.com/Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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

Future of crypto! 💱We’re honored to have Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, joining us for an exclusive conversation straight from the heart of the Singapore FinTech Festival. As one of the most influential leaders in the crypto space, Richard takes us through his journey at the helm of Binance, a company that’s leading the charge in crypto adoption, education, and innovation.Richard and Arjun also discussed:👉 Binance’s journey in navigating regulatory challenges across 20+ countries.👉 The rapid growth of crypto adoption and Bitcoin’s new, record-breaking milestone of $75K.👉 The future of decentralized finance and how traditional finance is embracing crypto.👉 Binance’s commitment to education, with over 27 million users engaging with Binance Academy.👉 The impact of institutional adoption and how products like ETFs are driving mainstream crypto acceptance.This episode is part of the special series in collaboration with The Founders Peak—and with Richard’s leadership insights, it’s one you won’t want to miss!Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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

Tokenizing Trade Finance: A Glimpse into the Future of Digital Assets Live from SFF 2024, we had the privilege of sitting down with Wee Kee Toh, Global Head of Business Architecture for Coin Systems at Onyx by JPMorgan, to unpack the groundbreaking innovations shaping the future of digital finance.From interoperability to Global Layer One—a collaborative blockchain network operated by banks—we dove deep into how these advancements are revolutionizing the financial ecosystem.Don’t miss this insightful conversation on the future of digital assets and blockchain-powered finance!A big shoutout to Founders Peak for their collaboration in making this special series at SFF 2024 a reality.Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0Find 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