Henri Arslanian brings you in-depth discussions and constructive analyses of the developments shaping the future of money and finance from Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies to CBDCs and DeFi
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Henri Arslanian Podcasts
Join host Luca Allam on Luca's Insight Track, a talk show that helps uncover real insights from real people across different industries. In each episode, Luca chats openly with people from all over the world and walks of life, into their unique stories and challenges, sharing their own insights they have learned along the way. Get ready to gain a fresh perspective, all done over a cup of coffee and authentic conversation. From exciting interviews to insightful discussions, these candid conve ...
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🎧🚀 In my podcast, I will speak with some of the global Top Voices in the digital area, and we will discuss topics like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, NFTs, Crypto Currencies, the Metaverse, Financial Inclusion, the Future of Finance, Arts and Music, Video Games... If there was no doubt of the importance of new technologies (such as Blockchain and AI) these last few years, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has certainly confronted the whole world with an unprecedented challenge, has ...
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On digital technology transforming financial services.
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Henri Arslanian Exposes the Dark Side of Crypto (And Why He Still Believes)
1:21:18
1:21:18
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1:21:18What happens when one of the world’s most respected crypto minds meets one of the most thoughtful voices in media? In this electric episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam sits down with Henri Arslanian—global crypto authority, author, hedge fund founder, and relentless educator—for a conversation that moves far beyond hype. Henri Arslania…
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Off Track: From Liberating Beliefs to Liberated Living
14:44
14:44
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14:44This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my incredible and personal conversation with Zeina Abboud, a practitioner of ‘Theta’ as a healing modality. I have been a client of Zeina’s for over a year. In this improvised Off Track episode, I focus on 3 insights that I have taken from my overall l…
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How UAE banks are embracing stablecoins and blockchain?
7:29
7:29
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7:29My interview with Michael Chan, CEO of Zand Bank. - How stablecoins are reshaping global banking - The role of U.S. regulatory shifts in driving adoption - Why Zand is betting big on digital assets - How AI and blockchain are enhancing compliance and efficiency - Why banks launching their own stablecoins could be a game changer - The biggest risk k…
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Why the Asia-Middle East corridor could be the next big opportunity and how stablecoins may reshape it.
14:44
14:44
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14:44My interview with Ben El-Baz, Managing Director of HashKey MENA. - The Asia–Middle East crypto corridor is expanding fast, driven by stablecoin-powered B2B payments. - Hong Kong’s regulatory clarity has fostered a “financial-grade” crypto ecosystem across banks, brokers, and asset managers. - Dubai and the UAE are emerging as key partners in bridgi…
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Zeina Abboud on ThetaHealing, Narcissistic Abuse & What Doctors Don’t Tell You About Trauma
1:12:10
1:12:10
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1:12:10What happens when a deeply intuitive healer steps into the spotlight to share her near-death experience, her journey into the subconscious, and her mission to help others reclaim their power? In this extraordinary episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam is joined by Zeina Abboud—a theta healer, trauma specialist, and spiritual guide—for on…
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If the future of finance is autonomous and invisible finance, what role will crypto play?
6:58
6:58
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Off Track: Where Did The Marketing Magic Go?
15:41
15:41
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15:41By Rasha Hamzeh
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What are the technical challenges in underwriting crypto insurance?
6:11
6:11
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6:11My interview with Robin Scott, General Manager of Middle East at AIFT. - Insurance for digital assets has grown rapidly, with coverage now exceeding $1 billion - Centralized exchanges and custodians are meeting higher technical standards, making policies viable - DeFi remains challenging due to frequent hacks, leading to high premiums - Legacy insu…
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The Dark Side of Marketing: Budgets, Procurement & Broken Creativity with Moadh Bukhash
1:33:11
1:33:11
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1:33:11What happens when one of the region’s top marketeers steps away from boardrooms to reveal the truths behind the industry? In this thought-provoking episode, Luca sits down with Moadh Bukhash—CMO of PureHealth, former CMO of Emirates NBD, and member of the renowned Bukhash family—to explore the art, struggle, and future of marketing. This isn’t just…
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Off Track: Leadership Beyond Gender, Bias, And Titles
15:38
15:38
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15:38This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my very informed leadership conversation with Marisa Kamall, the former MD of HSBC and the founder of Gaia network, a women’s leadership network in Dubai. In this improvised Off Track episode, I focus on 3 insights that I took from my chat with Marisa;…
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Is enterprise blockchain making a comeback? My interview with Sunny Lu, Co-Founder and CEO of VeChain
7:34
7:34
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7:34My interview with Sunny Lu, Co-Founder and CEO of VeChain, on enterprise blockchain, sustainability, and why adoption is accelerating. - VeChain has focused on enterprise blockchain since 2015, with use cases from anti-counterfeiting to sustainability - Regulation and better infrastructure are lowering barriers for corporate adoption of blockchain …
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Institutional DeFi adoption and the future of on-chain finance with Michael Bentley, CEO of Euler Labs
7:27
7:27
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7:27My interview with Michael Bentley, CEO of Euler Labs. - DeFi adoption surged from zero to $3 billion on Euler in just nine months - Institutional players such as BlackRock and Apollo are tokenising money market funds on-chain - Stablecoin growth is driving new lending and borrowing markets in DeFi - Traditional fintechs are starting to use DeFi rai…
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How Marisa Kamall Survived Burnout and Reinvented Leadership for Women
1:20:42
1:20:42
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1:20:42What happens when a woman at the top of corporate life walks away from a prestigious title, a comfortable paycheck, and a high-stakes role managing over 5,000 people—only to find her voice, her purpose, and her true power on the other side? In this deeply personal and emotionally charged episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam sits down wi…
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Off Track: Crypto, Courage, And Common Sense
13:22
13:22
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13:22This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my eye-opening conversation with Henri Arslanian, an award-winning crypto author, CNBC presenter, and co-founder of a crypto hedge fund here in the UAE. In this improvised Off Track episode, I focus on 3 insights that I took from my chat with Henri; ho…
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Inside Bitcoin Mining: My interview with Munaf Ali, Founder and CEO at Phoenix Group
7:39
7:39
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7:39- The UAE emerges as one of the world’s largest sovereign Bitcoin holders - How Phoenix Group built the first and largest mining firm in the Middle East and Africa - The intersection of Bitcoin mining, AI, and data infrastructure - Why sovereign Bitcoin reserves are legitimising the mining industry worldwide - The rise of Digital Asset Treasuries (…
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What do VARA applicants need to know about the Dubai crypto regulations?
15:12
15:12
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15:12My interview with Sean McHugh, Head of Market Assurance at VARA. - VARA has grown from 14 to 36 licensed firms in just over a year - Biggest applicant mistakes: unclear business plans and shifting models - How VARA uses AI and blockchain analytics to supervise licensees - Four regulatory priorities: customer protection, AML/KYC, financial soundness…
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This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my open and frank conversation with Hikmat Wehbi, an award-winning photographer and podcaster who has recorded over 230 episodes. In this improvised Off Track episode, I focus on just 1 insight that I took from my chat with Hikmat - how influencers, ho…
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My interview with Alex Manson, CEO at SC Ventures by Standard Chartered on how Standard Chartered is trying to build the rails for digital assets, tokenisation, and institutional adoption
4:00
4:00
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4:00Digital banking, supply chain, and tokenised finance are converging faster than expected Bitcoin, stablecoins, and tokenised instruments are here to stay Institutional adoption needs robust, trustworthy infrastructure From lonely beginnings to a maturing, bank-grade digital asset ecosystem Partnerships, patience, and discipline are key to building …
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Inside World Liberty Financial: My interview with CEO Zach Witkoff on USD1 and WLFI
8:00
8:00
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8:00The next frontier of stablecoins: My interview with Zach Witkoff, CEO and Co-Founder of World Liberty Financial - Why World Liberty Financial believes it can rival Tether and Circle with USD1 - How a $2B transaction with Binance was settled in under two seconds, with zero fees - The Trump family’s direct involvement in the project and its focus on …
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Hikmat Wehbi Tore Up a $20K Check, Dropped Out, and Reinvented Storytelling Through Podcasting
1:15:02
1:15:02
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1:15:02What happens when one of the Arab world’s most beloved podcast hosts finally trades seats and becomes the guest? In this captivating episode of Luca’s Insight Track, the mic is flipped on Hikmat Wehbi—a renowned visual artist turned podcasting legend—whose 225+ episodes and 40M+ views have reshaped the art of storytelling across the Middle East. Bu…
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E72 - Stablecoins and Asset Tokenization: Henri Arslanian
35:44
35:44
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35:44🎧 What are Stablecoins and why is the stablecoin ecosystem growing so much? What are the main regulatory initiatives globally and the GENIUS Act in the US? How will stablecoins coexist with Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)? What is Asset Tokenization and why is it becoming more relevant?I had a discussion with Henri Arslanian, Co-Founder and…
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Off Track: Mind Over Mountain - 4 Insights Inspired From Nelly Attar
16:57
16:57
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16:57This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my incredible conversation with the Nelly Attar, the mountain climber who has summitted over 30 peaks, including Everest and K2. In this raw and improvised ‘Off Track’ episode, I share 4 insights that I took from our conversation; how lacking relatabil…
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Why Fear Can Save Your Life: Nelly Attar on K2 and Everest
1:06:44
1:06:44
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1:06:44What happens when one of the Arab world’s most fearless adventurers sits down to share the risks, triumphs, and raw truths behind her record-breaking climbs? In this riveting episode of Luca’s Insight Track, Luca is joined by Nelly Attar—the first Arab woman to summit K2—whose journey from dance studio founder in Saudi Arabia to conquering some of …
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Off Track: The Media & Content Shift, And The Local Advantage
12:59
12:59
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12:59Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my conversation with the now former CEO of OSN, Joe Kawkabani. Joe was the perfect guest to share insights on how media keeps evolving, the bleak state of linear television, and the cluttered world of content. With podcasting now increasingly becomi…
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Joe Kawkabani on Piracy, Trust and the Fight for the Future of TV
1:09:21
1:09:21
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1:09:21What happens when a private equity investor steps into the media world and takes charge of one of the Middle East’s most iconic entertainment brands? In this unmissable episode of Luca’s Insight Track, Luca sits down with Joe Kawkabani, former CEO of OSN, for a raw and thought-provoking conversation about the battles, lessons, and transformations t…
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Why are stablecoins and crypto infrastructure such areas of focus by investors? My interview with Haseeb Qureshi of Dragonfly.
6:20
6:20
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6:20Crypto is still in its early days, less than 10 years since Ethereum launched Regulation is finally opening the door for corporates to build in crypto Most value creation still comes from startups, not big banks or asset managers Adoption is global: built in the US, used across Asia, LATAM, and beyond Biggest founder mistake: chasing hype instead o…
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Off Track: Leadership, Virtue and Life Lessons with Osman Sultan
17:54
17:54
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17:54Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, it was inspired by my conversation with the MENA region's number 1 telco guru, the former CEO of Du, Osman Sultan. Osman was the perfect guest to kick off season 4, with insights on leadership, the telco industry, and most importantly, - life lessons from someo…
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Osman Sultan on Du, balance, Integrity & What It Really Takes to Be a CEO
1:23:33
1:23:33
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1:23:33What happens when one of the Arab world’s most influential CEOs steps off the corporate stage and opens up about life, leadership, and legacy? In this powerful episode of Luca’s Insight Track, Luca Allam sits down with Osman Sultan—the legendary telecom visionary who served as CEO of du for 15 years, transforming the UAE’s telecom monopoly and ment…
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Institutional investors are looking at crypto. But what products or strategies are they focused on? My interview with Kelvin Koh of The Spartan Group on where institutional crypto is heading next.
8:18
8:18
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8:18Why institutional and family office investors are driving demand in crypto asset management The rise of strategies beyond ETFs: altcoins, market-neutral plays, and venture capital How fundamental analysis and on-chain data are applied to evaluate crypto tokens Why venture funds still play a critical role in early-stage crypto projects The sectors t…
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Why is Ripple launching their own stablecoin? My interview with Monica Long, President of Ripple on making stablecoins work for real-world payments.
2:33
2:33
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2:33Why Ripple launched its own US dollar stablecoin amid a rapidly growing market Stablecoins’ expanding role beyond speculative crypto trading How Ripple uses stablecoins to make cross-border payments faster and cheaper The two big challenges to global stablecoin adoption: blockchain-to-domestic system connections and liquidity Ripple’s focus on buil…
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Bridging the gap between DLT and real enterprise use cases. My interview with Kamal Youssefi, President of the Hashgraph Association.
5:37
5:37
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5:37How Hedera’s journey moved from education to enablement to funding for startups Why understanding DLT vs blockchain is key to adoption The $100M venture fund driving Hedera’s startup ecosystem How “cross-pollination” between startups and enterprises accelerates solutions The biggest challenges for enterprise blockchain adoption—and how to overcome …
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Why Bitcoin yield could unlock billions in idle value? My interview with Fisher Yu, Co-Founder of Babylon.
7:33
7:33
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7:33Can Bitcoin finally generate yield without compromising self-custody? My interview with Fisher Yu, Co-Founder of Babylon, on unlocking Bitcoin staking. Babylon enables BTC holders to earn staking rewards by securing other networks. The future of Bitcoin DeFi could unlock trillions in idle value. Regulation and technology must align to ensure secure…
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ChatGPT Comes to LIFE – First Podcast Face-to-Face with AI!
45:49
45:49
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45:49What happens when the world’s most curious interviewer meets the world’s most advanced artificial intelligence? In this thought-provoking episode of Luca’s Insight Track, we take you into a groundbreaking conversation with ChatGPT, an AI that has spoken to more humans than anyone else on the planet. This is not your usual tech talk. There are no re…
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Brand building matters in crypto — OKX bets on trust, design and culture with Haider Rafique
7:21
7:21
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7:21My Interview with Haider Rafique, CMO, OKX at #token2049 Why the crypto industry must call out bad behaviour to move from the wild wild West to the middle mile West OKX’s pivot from centralised exchange to Web3 wallet and why product design and self-custody matter The role of storytelling in rebuilding crypto’s reputation after scandals like FTX Wh…
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Off Track: Rediscovering Your Genius Through Sound, Soul, and Self-Reflection
16:39
16:39
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16:39Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, it was inspired by my conversation with the regions number 1 sonic branding composer Ahmad Haffar - the Voice of Dubai. Ahmad has created hundreds of melodies/jingles for brands in the region, and he was the mastermind behind the new sonic branding for this pod…
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From Trauma to Trademark: Ahmad Haffar’s Unbelievable Journey
59:27
59:27
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59:27What does it mean to be the voice of a city — not just through sound, but through soul? In this electrifying episode of Luca’s Inside Track, host Luca Allam sits down with sonic branding maestro Ahmad Haffar, famously known as the “Voice of Dubai,” to explore the emotional architecture of sound, identity, and creative purpose. From iconic Expo 2020…
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Off Track: A Second Adulthood - Reclaiming Your True Self in a Digital Age with Dr Saliha Afridi
15:32
15:32
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15:32Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, it was inspired by my conversation with Dr Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist, and founder of Lighthouse Arabia. In this episode we discuss some of the key insights from our great conversation, focusing on topics like remembering our true identity as part of …
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Can DeFi’s transparency and 20% yields attract institutional capital?
6:22
6:22
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6:22Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4
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You’re Not Depressed — You’re Disconnected. Dr. Saliha Afridi Breaks It Down
1:22:37
1:22:37
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1:22:37What does it mean to truly understand yourself — in a world of digital noise, urgency addiction, and emotional avoidance? In this illuminating episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam sits down with Dr. Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist and founder of The Lighthouse Arabia, to explore the deep, personal work of healing, parenting, and re…
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Off Track: Passion for Peace and the need to reframe sustainability with Tatianna Antonelli Abella
15:22
15:22
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15:22Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, it was inspired by my conversation with the driving force of sustainability in the UAE, Tatiana Antonelli Abella, founder of Goumbook. Sustainability remains a bit undefined in many eyes, but at its core, it is the preparation for a better future for us humans.…
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Your Eco-Friendly Choices May Be Hurting the Planet- Tatiana Antonelli Abella
1:24:29
1:24:29
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1:24:29What does it take to inspire real environmental change — and still remain relentlessly optimistic in a world of rising temperatures, policy fatigue, and plastic overload? In this powerful episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam sits down with Tatiana Antonelli Abella, founder and force behind Goombook — the UAE’s pioneering social enterpri…
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Off Track: Leadership, Hospitality, and the art of Service with Haitham Mattar
15:49
15:49
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15:49Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, it was inspired by my conversation with the impressive Haitham Mattar, CEO of IHG across the Middle East and wider region. In the conversation, we uncovered insights on what makes a good leader, the state of hospitality and its ongoing challenges, the dying art…
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Deribit CEO on Coinbase’s $2.9B Buyout and the Next Era for Crypto Options
34:15
34:15
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34:15In this episode of the Future of Money podcast, I sat down with Luuk Strijers, CEO of Deribit, to discuss their landmark $2.9 billion acquisition by Coinbase. We explore what this means for crypto options, institutional adoption, the evolving landscape of collateral in crypto derivatives, and how regulatory clarity is reshaping the market. A must-w…
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Built 200 Hotels, Ran a Nation’s Tourism, Still Washes His Own Dishes — Haitham Mattar
1:11:01
1:11:01
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1:11:01What does it take to turn a nation into a world-class destination — and still lead with humility, heart, and hustle? In this episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam sits down with Haitham Mattar — the dynamic CEO of IHG for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, and a legendary force behind Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation. From his…
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To scale DeFi, we need better education, stronger security, and clear risk ratings. My interview with Vikram Arun, CEO of Superform.
8:02
8:02
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8:02Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4
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Off Track: Embracing Adversity, Authenticity, and Independence with Tania Kassis
13:37
13:37
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13:37Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, inspired by my conversation with the multi award winning artist Tania Kassis, beyond just inspiring songwriters, I discuss the important role that pain and facing adversity plays in our life, why talent is no longer the most important aspect for success, and wh…
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Tania Kassis Mixed Opera with the Call to Prayer — What Happened Next Shocked the World
1:15:51
1:15:51
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1:15:51What does it take to blend opera and pop, tradition and innovation, and still remain deeply human in the spotlight? In this episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam sits down with the extraordinary Lebanese soprano Tania Kassis — a world-touring crossover artist, voice of unity, and passionate advocate for peace and independence. Known for …
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The future of DeFi includes tokenised real-world assets and hedge fund vaults built on chain. My interview with Cindy Leow, Co-Founder of Drift
8:00
8:00
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8:00Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4
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Off Track: Beyond Art: The hidden battles of Creativity, Mental Health and Childhood
17:26
17:26
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17:26Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, inspired by my conversation with the record-breaking global visual artist Sacha Jafri, we delve into the corruption of the art world, the agenda of certain charitable institutions, and how we should deal with the mental health epidemic facing us and future gene…
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AI is transforming crypto quant trading, but institutional capital won't move without robust infrastructure. My interview with Michael Ashby, CEO of ALGOQUANT
5:43
5:43
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5:43Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4
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