Money Majlis

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Season 2 of Money Majlis wraps with a powerful double feature recorded live at the inaugural Dubai Futurists Summit 2025, bringing together two of the world’s most compelling futurists: Ross Dawson and Ramez Naam. In this special back-to-back episode, host Suvo Sarkar explores how exponential technologies, AI, clean energy and information networks are reshaping money, work and society, and what leaders, investors and citizens must do now to build a future worth investing in.

Ross Dawson, bestselling author of “Living Networks” and “Thriving on Overload,” explains why we now live in a deeply networked economy – and how AI layered on top of these networks could unlock borderless finance while simultaneously amplifying cyber risk. He shares a practical playbook for turning information overload into an advantage, from sharpening purpose and mental models to mastering attention and synthesis in an age of distractions. 

Ross makes the case for designing human–AI collaboration that amplifies uniquely human capabilities instead of replacing them, and sketches a future of fluid organizations where talent, learning and AI agents flow together instead of being trapped in rigid job descriptions. He also warns of deepfakes and post-truth media, arguing that every company must now behave like a transparent media organization to earn trust..

Ramez Naam, futurist, award‑winning author and climate-tech investor, takes the conversation from networks to the planet’s physical systems, weaving together AI, clean energy and human ingenuity. He describes why, despite conflict and climate risk, this is statistically the best time in human history – and how ideas remain our “infinite resource” for overcoming scarcity. 

Ramez breaks down the exponential cost decline of solar, batteries and electric vehicles, and the pivotal role of smart policy in turning early subsidies into today’s market-driven clean-energy surge. He highlights the Middle East’s unique opportunity to leverage abundant sunlight and capital to become a powerhouse in low-cost energy and climate innovation, while also flagging the bottlenecks in grids, data centres and EV charging that entrepreneurs can solve.

Both guests converge on a common call: believe that a positive future is possible, then accept the responsibility to shape it – through better decisions, braver innovation and more inclusive policy. 

Produced by : Poddster

Giving partner : Goodworld

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Private banking and wealth management are under intense pressure: rising regulation, demanding next-gen clients and thinning margins are forcing institutions to rethink how they work. In this episode of Money Majlis, Suvo Sarkar sits with Banesh Prabhu, CEO of IntellectAI  to explore how AI can move from pilot to production – turning fragmented data into real-time intelligence for advisers, operations and risk teams. They debate 

what a truly AI-led wealth future looks like – from augmented relationship managers to agentic platforms that can orchestrate complex processes end to end. 

Can AI can turn fragmented data across core systems, market feeds and unstructured documents into a “knowledge garden” that powers secure, domain-specific copilots for wealth teams? Instead of manually piecing together reports and call notes, can relationship managers walk into meetings with real-time, AI-curated insights on goals, risks, past interactions and next-best actions? That shift, if real, promises not only higher productivity, but more relevant and timely conversations in a business that remains deeply emotive and trust-based.

Suvo and Banesh unpack why the real battleground will be “trusted intelligence”, not raw intelligence. They discuss how audit trails, human-in-the-loop design and explicit governance layers around toxicity, bias and hallucination are becoming non-negotiable for regulators focused on suitability, consumer duty and fair outcomes. The future wealth winners, they argue, will be institutions that can industrialise AI use cases while still making it clear who is accountable when things go wrong.

For the GCC, Suvo and Banesh see a rare opening to build AI-native wealth hubs: less legacy, faster decision cycles, ambitious regulators and an influx of global wealth all create fertile ground for platform-led innovation. But they warn that success will depend on upgrading data maturity, cultivating new skills and resisting the temptation to bolt AI onto broken models instead of reimagining journeys around outcomes.

The episode also dives into leadership: building cross-cultural, cross-functional teams, moving from command-and-control to empowered “diamond-shaped” organisations, and why ruthless prioritisation, patience and people-first thinking are at the heart of any successful transformation.

If you want a realistic roadmap to AI-enabled, human-centric wealth management – grounded in what is working in large, regulated institutions today – this episode offers a concise, practitioner’s guide to the future. ​

Produced by : Poddster 

Giving partner : Goodworld

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Money Majlis kicks off 2026 with my predictions for the 6 top trends in banking this year plus a candid, high-energy conversation with one of Europe’s original fintech pioneers: Kim Fournais, founder and CEO of Saxo Bank. 

From starting with just a telephone, a fax machine and Euro 70,000 in capital in 1992, to building a global multi-asset trading and investment powerhouse serving nearly 1.5 million clients with over USD 140 billion in assets, Kim’s journey is a masterclass in vision, grit and disciplined innovation. In this episode, Kim explains how a young engineer in Copenhagen spotted the inefficiencies of voice-based trading and decided to put “the whole capital markets business on the internet” years before online trading was mainstream. He recalls sketching his first trading screen on paper, launching Saxo’s online platform in 1998, and convincing a sceptical industry that real-time, transparent pricing and digital execution would define the future of markets.

 We talk about Saxo’s evolution from a niche Danish brokerage into a global facilitator of capital markets — a tech-first bank delivering multi-asset, multi-currency, multilingual platforms not only to direct clients, but also to more than a hundred financial institutions through a white-label “banking-as-a-service” model. Kim shares how partnerships, culture and an obsession with the “Saxo experience” have allowed the firm to stay agile even as it scaled, embedding technology into every team instead of isolating IT in a silo. He talks about using AI for years across the value chain, and why the real revolution is a new service model that combines human relationship managers with hyper-personalised, AI-driven insights and digital wealth solutions.  

Kim reflects on responsible risk-taking, arguing that common sense, diversification and education must anchor a world where powerful tools are increasingly in everyone’s hands. He warns against the “get rich fast” culture around trading and crypto, stressing that true financial democracy requires informed investors, robust guardrails and long-term, win–win relationships between platforms and clients. 

 Finally, Kim explains “honest capitalism” through his self-sustaining Danish island, powered by wind, solar, batteries and regenerative farming, which he sees as a microcosm of how capital can create beauty, biodiversity and independence rather than excess. He shares what true wealth means to him – meaningful relationships, health, and purposeful work – and how martial arts, flying turboprops and modern art all shape his mindset as a leader. 

 Produced by : Poddster

Giving partner : Goodworld

Sponsors : Aquanow, Emirates NBD, Intellect Design Arena, e& Etisalat and Network International

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In this episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar sits down with former colleague Dr. Tariq bin Hendi, Vice Chairman and CEO of Astra Tech, to unpack how Botim is transforming from a simple VoIP calling app into an AI-native fintech powerhouse for the UAE and beyond. It is a conversation that weaves together policy, technology, inclusion, and leadership—anchored in one of the region’s most ambitious experiments in embedded finance.

Tariq begins by tracing his unconventional journey across investment banking, wealth management, government service and now consumer technology, and explains why the financial needs of a blue collar worker are fundamentally the same as those of a millionaire. That perspective underpins Astra Tech’s big bet on Botim: rebuilding the platform from the ground up as an AI-native ecosystem that combines communication, payments, lending, remittances and investments into a single everyday app. With over 100 million users globally and more than 3.5 million wallet customers in the UAE alone, Botim now sits at the crossroads of digital life and digital money in the region. 

Suvo and Tariq dig into what it really took to re-architect Botim from a scattered set of brands to a unified financial-services-first platform. Tariq explains how the team rebuilt the tech stack, integrated payments and lending under one roof, and used AI to simplify user journeys for customer segments that are often excluded from sophisticated financial tools. He shares how Botim’s wallet now gives many underbanked users their first virtual IBAN, enabling wallet-to-wallet, wallet-to-bank and bank-to-wallet flows at some of the lowest remittance costs in the UAE, while also building credit histories that connect them to the wider financial system. 

The episode also explores the human side of financial inclusion. Tariq talks candidly about understanding the realities of workers who still queue at ATMs for cash, and designing products that meet their real needs rather than just their “nice-to-haves.” From micro-lending and low-ticket gold investments to future features that will help families and children build savings and financial literacy, he outlines a roadmap that is commercial, but deeply social in its impact. Looking ahead, he predicts that AI-powered advice, hyper-personalised interfaces and frictionless, voice-led interactions will redefine how people across emerging markets experience money. 

Beyond the product story, the conversation covers leadership, culture and resilience. Tariq reflects on creating a culture of accountability without fear, and the leadership traits that have carried him across banking, government and tech: honesty, execution, and the discipline to “listen to understand, not to respond.” He closes with practical career advice for young professionals and his obsession with collecting Lego blocks. 

Produced by : Sabine Achkar at Poddster 
Giving partner : Goodworld

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Dr Ranjan Banerjee brings a rare blend of empathy, intellect and visionary leadership to this XTRA episode of Money Majlis recorded in Mumbai. As founding Vice Chancellor of Nayanta University, he is pioneering an audacious experiment in Indian higher education—one that elevates inclusion, curiosity, and purpose above conventional metrics. Banerjee’s own eclectic journey, travelling from consulting and marketing to academic stewardship and institution-building, sets the stage for a riveting conversation on how universities can shape not just careers, but character and citizenship.

In this episode, Banerjee evokes the founding vision of Nayanta, a university conceived by some of India’s most influential industrialists determined to build a world-class institution—one that fuses the best of Western liberal arts with India’s vibrant social diversity. He illuminates the “four Cs” at the heart of Nayanta’s philosophy: Care, Curiosity, Confidence, and Careers. For Banerjee, true transformation happens when faculty spend meaningful time with students outside the classroom, and when learning turns from rote memorisation into a journey of discovery. His stories of personal impact—unlocking a student’s self-worth, or fostering radical approachability—reveal an ethos where every learner is seen as special, their stories respected and nurtured.

Banerjee unpacks the power of behavioural economics—how subtle changes in context can dissolve hierarchy and foster a culture of collaboration and care. Through vivid anecdotes, he shows how student achievement can be measured not with a single number, but by curiosity and ambition, and how resilience and purpose have become the most valued skills in the age of AI.

Listeners will hear Banerjee’s reflections on leadership, his insights on equipping students for a world where AI and automation are rewriting the rules, and his belief that excellence arises from pursuing what you truly care about—with money as a happy side effect. Above all, this conversation is an invitation to reimagine education—not as a conveyor belt to jobs, but a movement to inspire changemakers and contributors. You will be challenged to see learning as a lifelong adventure, and legacy as a culture of care, curiosity and impact. 

And do remember to join the giving movement of this podcast by visiting moneymajlis.com and redeeming your complimentary GiveCard for a charity closest to your heart. 

Produced by : Poddster

Giving partner : Goodworld

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In this riveting new episode of Money Majlis, Suvo Sarkar welcomes Pablos Holman, the legendary hacker, inventor, and futurist whose creativity transforms science fiction into the fabric of our daily lives. Suvo engages Pablos in a conversation that reveals why the world’s biggest crises require not just incremental “apps,” but audacious, moonshot technologies that redefine what’s possible for humanity.

Pablos’s career is a journey across innovation’s wildest frontiers: from pioneering cryptocurrency in the early 1990s and building spaceships at Blue Origin with Jeff Bezos, to serving as chief provocateur at Intellectual Ventures Lab, where he and his teams invent everything from nuclear reactors powered by waste to laser-based systems for eradicating malaria mosquitoes. Arguing that software alone cannot feed, clothe, or power humanity, Pablos frames deep tech as the force multiplier the world needs—technologies that target fundamental human needs like energy, clean water, food, and infrastructure, not just digital convenience.

You will be enthralled as Pablos recounts his role as a go-to problem solver for visionaries such as Bill Gates, who entrusted him with some of the world’s hardest humanitarian challenges. The story of his “mosquito-zapping laser” is both bizarre and inspiring, exemplifying how radical ideas, cross-disciplinary brains, and relentless experimentation can tackle problems ignored by the status quo. For Pablos, true impact is achieved when innovation moves beyond surface-level disruption and addresses the root causes of poverty, disease, and inequality.

This episode also dives deep into the philosophy of failure—why real innovation is born from environments that encourage wild experimentation and accept that 99 ideas must fall for one world-changing breakthrough to rise. Pablos’s investment approach in “shots on goal” contrasts the short-term, market-risk pursuits of Silicon Valley, pointing instead to the vast untapped markets in shipping, energy, agriculture, and durable goods that await visionary inventors and funders.

Suvo and Pablos challenge listeners to rethink not just the ethics of invention, but the need for new frameworks of open collaboration and long-term thinking. The path to abundance, say both host and guest, lies not in regulating technologies we don’t yet understand, but in fostering curious minds and bold institutions willing to solve global-scale challenges for future generations. Tune in for a masterclass in courage, creativity, and compassion from one of technology’s great mavericks. 

And remember to visit www.moneymajlis.com to redeem your complimentary GiveCard for a charity of your choice.

Produced by : Poddster

Giving partner: Goodworld 

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In this captivating episode of Money Majlis, the spotlight shines on Zain Verjee, a formidable journalist, entrepreneur, and global communicator whose inspiring journey bridges continents, cultures, and industries. 

From her early days as a radio DJ in Nairobi to becoming a respected CNN anchor covering some of the most consequential global events of our time, Zain's story is one of relentless curiosity, courage, and reinvention. She candidly shares how witnessing the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing in Nairobi propelled her into hard news, setting the stage for a remarkable international career that saw her report on world-changing moments and leaders, including Condoleezza Rice and the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.

But Zain’s journey didn’t stop at journalism. After 14 years at CNN, she redirected her passion towards entrepreneurial ventures amplifying African voices on the global stage. As founder of theZVG and pioneering platforms like aKoma Media and Amplify, she has tirelessly championed Africa’s rich, multifaceted creative economy and challenged prevailing stereotypes. Her work seamlessly integrates AI ethics and innovative storytelling, informed by her role as an Executive Fellow at Harvard’s Tech for All Lab.

Zain reflects on the evolving landscape of media in the age of social media and AI, weighing the unprecedented challenges of misinformation against new opportunities for empowerment and trust-building. She also offers powerful insights on leadership, gender parity, and the importance of authenticity and empathy in communication. With her deep roots in Africa and her vast global experiences, Zain bridges worlds — advocating for a richer, more honest narrative for the continent while inspiring women leaders worldwide.

Join Suvo Sarkar as he dives deep into Zain Verjee’s extraordinary career, her visionary media ventures, and her thoughtful predictions on the future of journalism and technology. This episode promises to enlighten, provoke, and inspire listeners eager to understand the complex interplay of media, global economics, and transformative leadership today.

And remember to visit moneymajlis.com to redeem your free $50 GiveCard for a charity of your choice. 

Produced by Sabine Achkar/ Poddster

Giving partner : Goodworld 

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Step into a masterclass on purpose-driven leadership and global impact with this XTRA episode of Money Majlis. Host Suvo Sarkar interviews Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, the dynamic CEO and Vice Chairman of Dubai Cares, for a conversation that moves from boardroom ambition to classroom transformation on a worldwide scale. 

Tariq’s remarkable journey began in the demanding environment of banking, where he rose through the ranks of a leading national bank, absorbing lessons in discipline, strategic leadership, and people management. His career took a dramatic and uncommon turn in 2009, when he traded the security of a banking career for a mission that blends ambition with empathy—leading Dubai Cares, now a philanthropic powerhouse reaching more than 116 million children across 60 countries.

The episode delves into Tariq’s “aha” moment, the blend of personal purpose and visionary thinking that drove him to redefine success by uplifting the most vulnerable through education. He reveals how a banker’s mindset, with its focus on systems and accountability, became the foundation for scaling impact in the development sector. Instead of profits as the bottom line, Dubai Cares pursues a return on investment measured through children’s learning and well-being. 

Dr. Al Gurg unpacks the practical innovations that distinguish Dubai Cares—from pioneering integrated education and health programs in Ethiopia, to gender-transformative work for girls in the Philippines and Central America, all the way to digital inclusion pilots and the ambitious Global Education Solutions Accelerator (GESA), a framework endorsed by the United Nations and designed to rewire education for more than two billion beneficiaries. He shares why changing mindsets matters as much as marshalling resources, describing how partnering with governments, UN agencies, and local communities helps embed innovation at scale. The human side of his leadership—his belief in “no room for impossible,” empathy, and the power of bold ideas—shines throughout.

If you want to understand what it means to move money with meaning, and to shape the future by investing in people, this episode is unmissable. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg’s insights will inspire any leader, changemaker, or listener who cares about education, social progress, and building a world where every child has the foundations to thrive.

For more information on Dubai Cares, please visit dubaicares.ae. 

And remember to visit moneymajlis.com to redeem your free $50 GiveCard for Dubai Cares.

Produced by Sabine Achkar/ Poddster

Giving partner : Goodworld

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In this illuminating episode of Money Majlis, visionary thinker Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of the Stewardship Asia Center, takes listeners on a powerful journey through the future of leadership, purpose, and the pursuit of good profit. 

Drawing from his groundbreaking book, Sustainable Sustainability, Rajeev argues that the global obsession with ESG metrics has reduced sustainability to an exercise in compliance rather than conviction. What the world needs, he insists, is not more measurement—but more meaning. His solution: ESL, or Environmental, Social, and Leadership, a framework that places purpose-driven leadership at the heart of sustainable business strategy.

Rajeev explains how his personal evolution from financier to steward advocate reflects the very essence of transformation he now teaches: that real progress begins with intrinsic motivation, not external regulation. In his signature candid style, Rajeev critiques greenwashing, the fetish for ESG rankings, and the folly of “rewarding A while hoping for B.” True steward leaders, he says, measure success not by quarterly returns but by their ability to create a collective, better future for society, future generations, and the environment.

From examining corporate giants like Unilever, Tata Group, Faber-Castell, and Patagonia to exposing the hollow promises of net-zero pledges decades away, Rajeev challenges the idea that doing good must come at the cost of doing well. Referencing the “naked era” of radical transparency, he asserts that in a hyper-connected world, companies can only sustain profitability by maximizing purpose. He underscores this with empirical research showing that steward-led enterprises consistently demonstrate greater longevity and resilience than competitors chasing quarterly targets.

This conversation also explores the moral energy behind stewardship—the belief that leaders must harness emotional integrity, gratitude, and forgiveness to lead authentically. We are reminded that happiness is not a byproduct of success but the foundation of it. 

Insightful, provocative, and profoundly human, this episode invites business leaders to reimagine capitalism itself: not as a zero-sum pursuit of profit, but as a moral enterprise powered by stewardship. In an age defined by crisis and short-termism, Rajeev’s message is both urgent and uplifting: leadership is not a title but a choice to leave the world a little better than we found it.

Produced by Sabine Achkar @ Poddster

Giving partner : Goodworld

Please visit www.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free USD 50 GiveCard towards a charity of your choice.

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In this episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar sits down with Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, for a rare, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the headlines. From the 30th floor of Uptown Dubai’s gleaming new DMCC headquarters, Ahmed shares the inside story of how Dubai has transformed from a regional trading outpost into a global powerhouse for commodities, technology, and innovation.

Ahmed’s journey at DMCC began in 2003, when the organization counted just 28 member companies. Today, DMCC is home to 26,000 companies from 180 countries, supporting more than 90,000 jobs and anchoring the vibrant Jumeirah Lakes Towers community. Ahmed reflects on the vision, risk-taking, and relentless drive that fuelled this exponential growth, and why Dubai’s unique blend of ambition, infrastructure, and openness cannot simply be replicated elsewhere.

You will discover how DMCC has become the world’s leading international business district, not just for gold and diamonds, but also for coffee, tea, and now cutting-edge sectors like AI, blockchain, and gaming. Ahmed discusses the evolution of the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange and the Dubai Diamond Exchange, and how Dubai’s diamond trade soared from virtually zero in the 1990s to $40 billion last year. He addresses the challenges of ethical sourcing, the impact of lab-grown diamonds, and the future of traceability in the gemstone market.

The conversation also explores DMCC’s role as a catalyst for innovation, from the launch of the DMCC AI Centre and Crypto Centre to the creation of a thriving ecosystem for tech, fintech, and Web3 companies. Ahmed shares candid insights on leadership, the importance of listening and adaptability, and how social media has become a powerful tool for shaping narratives and engaging with a global audience.

From the bustling DMCC Coffee and Tea Centres to the ambitious Uptown Dubai project and the soon-to-rise Burj 2020, Ahmed reveals how DMCC is redefining what it means to be a global hub for trade and entrepreneurship. He also opens up about the personal experiences that shaped his leadership style, the lessons learned from setbacks, and his vision for the next chapter of DMCC’s growth.

Tune in for a conversation that’s as candid as it is inspiring—and discover why Dubai’s story is just getting started.

Produced by Sabine Achkar @ Poddster

Giving partner : Goodworld 

Please visit www.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free $50 GiveCard for a charity of your choice.