In this episode of Couchonomics, we tackle the burning question: "Bitcoin in 2024: Boom or Bust?" Join us as we engage in a fascinating conversation with Stefan Kimmel, the CEO of M2, a crypto exchange, and investment platform regulated by the FSRA in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

We dive deep into the world of cryptocurrency, exploring the intricate dynamics of Bitcoin, DeFi, and digital assets. Throughout our chat, we touch upon various topics, including market dynamics, product innovation, and future trends in the crypto space.

Don't miss out on this insightful discussion!

Couchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners:
Adyen https://www.adyen.com/
ToYou https://toyou.io/ar
Mastercard https://mastercard.com/
Geidea https://geidea.net/
M2P https://m2pfintech.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
00:46 - Introduction
02:08 - Definition of digital assets
03:17 - Definition of DeFi
04:55 - Definition of Crypto
04:58 - Impact of regulation on decentralization
08:04 - Introduction to M2
09:43 - Genesis of the business in Abu Dhabi
11:13 - Current landscape of digital asset companies in the Middle East
14:29 - Analog world's adoption of blockchain and DA
17:25 - What can accelerate the adoption of blockchain and DA
19:42 - Based in Abu Dhabi, having global reach
21:15 - How does M2 position itself differently
24:15 - Challenges and Opportunities in Crypto
25:15 - Crypto market growth and adoption
29:37 - Building innovative products
34:32 - Payments and Adoption
37:37 - Customer Acquisition
40:36 - What does the ecosystem need to do differently?
41:17 - Legitimizing digital currency to invest in commodities
42:43 - Regulation and Technology Trends
47:08 - Global Talent Sourcing
47:49 - Regulation Prediction
49:40 - Keeping capital patient
52:13 - What will be the role of AI?
56:04 - B2B Partnerships and Market Expansion
58:00 - Advice for Crypto Trading Beginners
01:02:01 - Closing Words

Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0

Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners:

• Adyen https://www.adyen.com/
• ToYou https://toyou.io/ar
• Visa https://ma.visamiddleeast.com/
• Geidea https://geidea.net/
• M2P https://m2pfintech.com/

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 a new episode of Couchonomics with Arjun!

Join Arjun as he explores Africa's dynamic startup scene and fintech landscape with Elias Yazbeck, Managing Director at Helios Investment Partners.
Discover key insights into Africa's market dynamics, challenges, and future trends in fintech. Elias also shares Helios Investment Partners' strategies and potential seismic shifts in private equity.
Topics covered include real-time payments, digital banking for SMEs, regulatory roles, entrepreneurship challenges, and Helios Investment's unique philosophy.

Tune in now for valuable insights! Watch the full episode on YouTube and major podcasting platforms.

Couchonomics with Arjun Season 3 is brought to you by our partners:
Adyen https://www.adyen.com/
ToYou https://toyou.io/ar
Mastercard https://mastercard.com/
Geidea https://geidea.net/
M2P https://m2pfintech.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

Timestamps:
00:00 - Episode Highlight
01:12 - Introduction
02:10 - Overview of Helios Investment Partners
06:10 - Africa's Diverse Startup Scene
09:02 - Investing in Major African Markets and Market Dynamics
11:48 - Key Sectors of Interest
18:18 - Africa-Specific Trends
21:00 - The Role of Central Banks
24:46 - Prevailing Trends in Private Equity
31:41 - Shifts in the Private Equity Scene
34:58 - The Next Phase of Africa's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
37:44 - Operational Challenges in Africa
42:08 - Investment Focus and Social Impact
46:51 - The Next Steps for Helios
49:51 - Closing Words

Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0

Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners:

• Adyen https://www.adyen.com/
• ToYou https://toyou.io/ar
• Visa https://ma.visamiddleeast.com/
• Geidea https://geidea.net/
• M2P https://m2pfintech.com/

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

Join Arjun on Couchonomics as we explore open banking and fintech in the GCC with Abdulla Almoayed, Founder & CEO of Tarabut. Discover the evolving landscape of financial services, BaaS, and gain insights into open banking.

We also delve into Tarabut's inspiration, GCC financial services, managed competition, challenges, and opportunities with open banking, BaaS integration, and accelerating digital adoption through fintech partnerships.

Watch now on YouTube and major podcast platforms! #Couchonomics #Fintech #OpenBanking #GCC #Tarabut

Couchonomics with Arjun Season 03 is brought to you by our partners:
Adyen https://www.adyen.com/
ToYou https://toyou.io/ar
Mastercard https://mastercard.com/
Geidea https://geidea.net/
M2P https://m2pfintech.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


time stamps:
- 00:00 - Episode highlights
- 01:42 - Introduction
- 02:43 - About Tarabut
- 05:50 - Fintech scene in the GCC region
- 11:40 - Free competition vs. managed competition
- 16:21 - Challenges with open banking
- 22:53 - Banks' reluctance to adopt new technology
- 30:25 - Regional nuances in financial markets
- 34:00 - Regulatory harmonization
- 38:40 - BaaS and open banking integration
- 47:16 - Third-party providers in BaaS
- 51:11 - Digital transformation challenges and strategies
- 57:00 - Future strategy for Tarabut
- 01:04:00 - Closing words

Our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3jk7UH0

Couchonomics with Arjun Season 02 is brought to you by our partners:

• Adyen https://www.adyen.com/
• ToYou https://toyou.io/ar
• Visa https://ma.visamiddleeast.com/
• Geidea https://geidea.net/
• M2P https://m2pfintech.com/

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