Welcome to a very special edition of Couchonomics with Arjun, your window into the dynamic world of global finance. We're incredibly excited to share this episode with you, recorded live from the city of a thousand hills, Kigali, Rwanda. Arjun, our esteemed host, joined the conversation at the first-ever Inclusive FinTech Forum (IFF), a global platform advocating financial inclusion and good FinTech practices, especially in emerging markets.

Our guest for this episode is none other than Sopnendu Mohanty, the Chief Fintech Officer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Chairman of the Board of Elevandi, the company behind IFF. With his profound insights into fintech and financial policy, Sopnendu provides a unique perspective on global finance.

Throughout this exciting conversation, Sopnendu shares the genesis and vision behind the Inclusive FinTech Forum. They delve into the challenges and unique opportunities of solving financial inclusion problems in Africa, while exploring the high costs of financing, the demand for new technology, and the immense talent pool available. In addition, the discussion leads to the importance of domestic capital formation, with Sopnendu highlighting the need for local capital to have a 'skin in the game.'

Other Major Topics Discussed

• The high bar set by IFF's inaugural event and how it aims to grow even more prominent in the coming years.

• President Kagame's keen interest in fostering tech-based solutions in Rwanda and his desire to see the event expand.

• The palpable hunger for innovation observed by Arjun, alongside the recognition of unique problem-solving approaches needed in Africa.

• The critical role Middle East could play in supporting and participating in future editions of the IFF.

In this special edition of Couchonomics, we take you into the heart of a new movement, leveraging the power of fintech for financial inclusion. Arjun's conversation with Sopnendu paints an inspiring picture of the potential held by emerging markets and the pivotal role technology can play in driving inclusive growth.

Join us on this insightful journey exploring the next frontiers of global finance, and stay tuned for more riveting conversations in our upcoming episodes of Couchonomics. If you enjoyed this special edition, don't forget to like, share and subscribe. See you in the next episode!

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