Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Today we’re going to talk about a two-year old startup invested by Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai. Founded by a team of former Google executives, Arta Finance transforms the way people grow, protect and enjoy wealth by helping people gain the financial superpowers that were previously the domain of ultra-high net worth individuals.  It uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to enable intelligent investing in public market equities, as well as other alternative asset classes such as private equity, venture capital and real estate.  The platform aims to serve professionals who have a higher net worth but are not yet able to access private bank services or to have their own family offices. Think of Arta Finance like a personal digital family office with lower barriers to entry.  Since coming out of stealth mode in late 2022, the firm has raised over US$90 million from institutional investors such as Peak XV Partners (also formerly known as Sequoia Capital India), Ribbit Capital, Coatue and over 140 luminaries in the tech and finance space – including, again, Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. But what is in it for this group of players to come onboard? Meanwhile, the firm started offering its services in the US through an invite-only model in early 2023 and has since managed over US$100 million on members’ behalf. It plans to open its services in Singapore sometime this year.  But why did the firm choose the US and Singapore as markets to enter into as a start? What can we expect from its Singapore launch?  How far will the firm’s plans to expand aggressively take off from here? And how far away is it from becoming the next fintech unicorn?  On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Caesar Sengupta, Co-Founder and CEO at Arta Finance and Amanda Ong, Country Manager, Arta Finance Singapore.  

Russians will vote in a presidential election from March 15-17, and are all but guaranteed to hand Vladimir Putin a comfortable victory, paving the way for him to remain in power until at least 2030. While autocratic regimes like Russia’s have proved adept at managing the electoral process to squeeze out rivals, elections are still high-stakes events, and offers a glimpse into the Kremlin’s domestic challenges as it continues a war against Ukraine that recently entered its third year. So what should the rest of the world look out for during Russia’s elections? Cedomir Nestorovic, Professor of Geopolitics, ESSEC Business School, Asia-Pacific weighs in. 

What if you had the opportunity to sit down with a chef and ask them about their journey, inspiration, and experience in the kitchen? Well, ‘Chefs Uncut’ is a documentary series that tells the untold stories of Asia’s best chefs. The series takes viewers on a journey through the culinary lives of six prominent culinary stars, highlighting their creativity, passion, and dedication to their art. Jon Lister, CEO and Co-founder of CreatorsLabshares more.

The inclusion of BG Tampines Rovers head coach Gavin Lee to the National Team backroom staff has got fans of the local game talking! Known for his distinct brand of football in the domestic league, what will the 33-year old coach bring the table as new Lions head coach Tsutomu Ogura looks revive the fortunes of Singapore football? We spoke to Gavin to find out! READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/singapore-football-head-coach-brings-in-two-new-staff-ahead-of-world-cup-qualifiers Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

For homeowners, the journey to creating a dream home is both exciting and crucially important. But despite being careful, some do still fall prey to scam victims which would derail one’s renovation journey.  So how can one protect themselves from renovation scams? How could a platform like HomePay safeguard consumers? Wenny Lim, Chief Operating Officer, HomePay shares more. 

From Malaysia potentially hosting Commonwealth Games 2026 to Thailand election commission asking the country’s court to disband the Move Forward Party.  Adib Zalkapli, Director, BowerGroupAsia gives us an analysis of those headlines and more. 

Singapore stocks rose this morning, mirroring overnight gains in US and European markets following the release of Federal Reserve inflation data.  In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) rose 0.2 per cent to 3,149 points after 36 million securities changed hands in the broader market. Singapore’ growth numbers are in focus today after private economists marginally raised their forecast for Singapore’s 2024 economic growth to 2.4 per cent in the latest quarterly survey of professional forecasters published by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Elsewhere, from a closer look at US February CPI numbers to Cathay Pacific’s latest earnings, more international and corporate headlines are in focus today.  On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with David Poh, Head of Investment and ESG Strategies, South Asia, Amundi.

What were you doing at 14-years old? Well chances are you weren't clinching multiple world titles, showcasing your extraordinary talent with a steering wheel! That's exactly what Singaporean Dillan Tan has achieved at such a young age, and we spoke to him to find out more about his meteoric rise! Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore's luxury goods market is thriving, with high demand for high-end fashion and luxury brands among the affluent. In fact, the luxury goods market in Singapore is projected to generate revenue of US$4.23 billion in 2024, up from US$4.07 billion in 2023, according to research by Statista.   But now that luxury brands are raising their prices year-on-year, why is there still a strong appetite for designer handbags? And if you're in the market for an investment piece, how well do top performers a Chanel or Hermès perform in the long-run? Jana Lata, General Manager at BJ Luxury.

Singapore shares began the day with gains after global equities ended mixed overnight.   In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) advanced 0.4 per cent to 3,151.54 points after 18 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch for today, we have Keppel, after the asset manager said its Data Centre Fund II signed a framework agreement with Japan-listed property player Mitsui Fudosan to purchase a data centre in western Tokyo.  Elsewhere, from a rally in Foxconn Industrial amid the global artificial intelligence frenzy to what to watch ahead of February’s US consumer price index release and Jollibee targeting exponential growth in China to triple its profits  – more international headlines remain in focus.  On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Toby Gresham, Investment Counselor Team Lead, Citi Private Bank.