
Bio
Saqib is COO and co-founder at A47 AI, where he runs operations and leads the prediction-markets initiative. He covers crypto, Web3, and the decentralization of the sport and entertainment economy.
Editorial Responsibility
As A47's prediction-markets and crypto editor, I am responsible for our coverage of these markets and Web3 — ensuring it is grounded in real product, data, and revenue rather than speculation.
Previous experience · 14+ years
- · WPP Media (GroupM PK, Wavemaker PH)
- · MYCO
- · ARY Digital Network
Education
MBA Marketing, SZABIST
Areas of expertise
Categories overseen
Stories from Saqib Pathan’s desk
8460 stories- Business· MENA
Saudi Arabia inaugurates world's largest truck convoy area at Jeddah Islamic Port
Saudi Arabia has launched the largest truck convoy area in the world at Jeddah Islamic Port, enhancing its logistics capabilities. This initiative is driven by the need to improve operational efficiency and security in the region's trade infrastructure. The long-term implication is that this development may position Saudi Arabia as a key player in global trade logistics, attracting more international investment and collaboration.
3 sourcesJul 19
- Business· MENA
Kuwait Airways Reschedules Flights Amid Kuwaiti Airspace Closure
Kuwait Airways has announced the rescheduling of most of its flights due to the closure of Kuwaiti airspace. This disruption has also led to other airlines, including Singapore Airlines and Air France, extending their flight suspensions in the region. The long-term implication may involve ongoing operational challenges for airlines in the Middle East as they adapt to the airspace restrictions.
4 sourcesJul 19
- Economy· UAE
Gold prices in the UAE hit a 90-day low amid escalating Middle East tensions
Gold prices in the UAE have fallen significantly, reaching a 90-day low after a decline of 18.75 dirhams over the past two weeks. This drop is primarily driven by rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, overshadowing previous optimism regarding inflation. As these tensions persist, fluctuations in gold prices are expected to continue, impacting both investors and consumers in the region.
3 sourcesJul 19
- Business· World
Eli Lilly acquires AtaiBeckley for up to $3.8 billion to expand into psychedelic medicine
Eli Lilly has announced its acquisition of AtaiBeckley, a biotechnology firm specializing in psychedelic therapies, in a deal valued at up to $3.8 billion. This strategic move is driven by the increasing interest and acceptance of psychedelic treatments for mental health issues. The acquisition positions Eli Lilly to potentially lead in the evolving market of psychedelic medicine, which may reshape mental health care in the long term.
3 sourcesJul 19
- Business· World
OnePlus exits US and European markets to focus on China
OnePlus has announced its official exit from the US and European markets, ceasing new product launches in these regions. This decision follows the cancellation of its second foldable phone and reflects a strategic pivot towards prioritizing the Chinese market. The long-term implication may involve a significant reduction of OnePlus's global presence and potential operational downsizing in India by 2027.
6 sourcesJul 19
- Economy· World
Japan's Nikkei 225 Enters Correction Phase Amid Global Tech Sell-Off
Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Average has fallen over 10% from its June peak, marking a significant correction. This decline is primarily driven by a global sell-off in technology stocks, particularly in the semiconductor sector, raising concerns about the sustainability of the recent AI-driven market rally. Investors are likely to adopt a more cautious approach as they reassess their positions in high-risk assets amidst ongoing volatility in the tech sector.
3 sourcesJul 19
- Business· World
Coca-Cola halts Fairlife dairy production following ransomware attack
Coca-Cola has suspended Fairlife dairy production in the U.S. due to a ransomware attack that has disrupted its operations. The immediate cause of this suspension is the cyberattack, which was confirmed through an SEC filing. This incident underscores the growing vulnerability of food and beverage companies to cyber threats, prompting a reevaluation of security measures in the industry.
3 sourcesJul 19
- Crypto· World
Vlad.fun halts operations due to internal integrity issue
Vlad.fun has suspended its operations following the discovery of a serious internal integrity issue. This event is occurring now due to the immediate need for accountability and transparency within the platform's governance. The long-term implication may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory measures across the cryptocurrency sector.
3 sourcesJul 19
- Crypto· World
Tether invests $20 million in Argentine neobank Ualá to expand Latin American presence
Tether has invested $20 million in the Argentine neobank Ualá as part of a larger funding round. This investment is driven by Tether's strategy to enhance its influence in Latin America, despite current regulations preventing the immediate integration of its stablecoin USDT. Long-term, this move may lead to future collaborations and adaptations as regulatory landscapes evolve in the region.
3 sourcesJul 19
- Crypto· World
Ondo Finance's ONDO token surges 15% after partnership with SBI Group for Japanese stock tokenization
Ondo Finance's native token, ONDO, surged 15% following the announcement of a partnership with SBI Group to tokenize Japanese stocks. This collaboration is driven by the integration of Ondo's financial products into SBI's ecosystem, utilizing the JPYSC stablecoin for transactions. The long-term implication could be a significant shift towards the adoption of tokenized financial products in Japan, influencing global trends in the cryptocurrency market.
3 sourcesJul 19
- Crypto· World
Visa launches Open USD stablecoin platform for banks and fintechs
Visa has unveiled its Open USD stablecoin platform, allowing banks and fintechs to issue and manage digital dollars. This launch is driven by the growing interest in digital currencies among financial institutions and the backing of over 140 firms in a consortium. The long-term implication is that Visa's entry into the stablecoin market could significantly enhance competition and accelerate the adoption of digital currencies in traditional finance.
6 sourcesJul 19
- Crypto· World
BitPay Secures First MiCA License for Crypto Payments in Europe
BitPay has received authorization under the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets framework, allowing it to provide regulated digital asset services across Europe. This milestone is triggered by the EU's efforts to create a unified regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies, with BitPay being the first crypto payments company to gain such approval. The long-term implication is that this could lead to increased compliance and innovation in the European crypto payments landscape, potentially encouraging other firms to seek similar licenses.
4 sourcesJul 19
- Crypto· World
Keyrock acquires BlockFills' trading assets to enhance crypto derivatives capabilities
Keyrock has completed the acquisition of BlockFills' institutional trading and brokerage assets. This strategic move is driven by Keyrock's goal to expand its client base and regulatory reach in the cryptocurrency market. The long-term implication is a potential increase in consolidation within the crypto sector as firms seek to enhance their service offerings.
3 sourcesJul 19
- Crypto· World
Dutch cryptocurrency platform Knaken declared bankrupt amid missing €7 million in customer funds
Knaken has been declared bankrupt following the discovery of missing customer funds. The immediate trigger for this event is the reported shortfall of approximately €7 million, prompting an investigation by prosecutors. This situation highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in the cryptocurrency sector, likely leading to increased regulatory scrutiny and potential reforms in fund management practices.
3 sourcesJul 19
- Crypto· World
Morgan Stanley launches cryptocurrency trading on E*TRADE platform
Morgan Stanley has completed the rollout of cryptocurrency trading for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana on its E*TRADE platform. This initiative is driven by a partnership with Zero Hash, providing the necessary infrastructure and introducing a 0.50% transaction fee for trades. The long-term implication is an expected increase in competition among brokerages in the cryptocurrency market, potentially leading to greater adoption among retail investors.
3 sourcesJul 19
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin ETFs See $368 Million Inflow While Ether Funds Experience Losses
Bitcoin ETFs have attracted approximately $368 million in capital over the last three days, indicating a strong recovery in investor interest. This surge is occurring as Ether funds face a decline of over $28 million, reflecting a shift in investor sentiment towards Bitcoin. The contrasting performance may signal a long-term bifurcation in the cryptocurrency market, with Bitcoin gaining favor amidst fluctuating investor preferences.
3 sourcesJul 19
- Economy· World
Bank of Korea raises interest rate to 2.75% amid inflationary pressures
The Bank of Korea has raised its base interest rate to 2.75%, marking its first increase since 2023. This decision is driven by rising inflation, which has exceeded 3%, and is influenced by global economic pressures, including the U.S.-Iran conflict. The long-term implication may involve further rate adjustments that could impact South Korea's cryptocurrency market and borrowing costs for consumers.
5 sourcesJul 19
- Business· World
Hyundai Motor Group to Fully Acquire Boston Dynamics from SoftBank
Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to acquire SoftBank's 10% stake in Boston Dynamics, completing its ownership of the robotics company. This strategic move comes as Hyundai aims to consolidate its position in the robotics industry following its initial acquisition of an 80% stake in 2021. The full ownership is expected to enhance Hyundai's capabilities in robotics and automation, potentially leading to significant innovations in various sectors.
3 sourcesJul 19
- Economy· World
South Korea halts new listings of leveraged ETFs to stabilize market volatility
South Korea's Financial Services Commission has announced a temporary halt on new listings of single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds to mitigate market volatility. This decision comes in response to increased trading activity and speculation surrounding major companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which have contributed to significant market fluctuations. The long-term implication may involve further regulatory measures aimed at balancing investor protection with market innovation in the financial sector.
3 sourcesJul 19
- Business· World
Alpaca secures $435 million funding to enhance tokenized markets and AI services
Alpaca has raised $435 million in funding to expand its offerings in tokenized financial markets and AI-driven services. This funding round, which includes $135 million in equity and $300 million in debt, is a response to the growing demand for innovative financial solutions. The long-term implication is that Alpaca's advancements could significantly reshape the brokerage landscape and increase its market influence in both traditional and decentralized finance sectors.
4 sourcesJul 19