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
4374 stories- Crypto· World
Alcoa Corporation in Advanced Talks to Sell Massena East Smelter to NYDIG for Bitcoin Mining
Alcoa Corporation has disclosed that it is in advanced negotiations to sell its dormant Massena East smelter site to Bitcoin mining firm NYDIG. This transaction is driven by NYDIG's strategy to expand its mining operations leveraging the site's existing energy infrastructure. The long-term implication is a growing trend of repurposing industrial sites for cryptocurrency mining, potentially reshaping local economies and energy markets.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Crypto· World
U.S. Spot Cryptocurrency ETFs See Nearly $1 Billion in Weekly Inflows Led by Bitcoin and Ethereum
During the week ending April 18, 2026, U.S. spot cryptocurrency ETFs experienced a significant surge, attracting nearly $1 billion in net inflows, primarily driven by Bitcoin products. This influx was triggered by institutional investors capitalizing on temporarily easing geopolitical tensions, with a peak single-day inflow of $663.9 million on April 17. The long-term implication suggests a potential for sustained growth in cryptocurrency investments as institutional demand continues to rise amid improving market sentiment.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Crypto· World
US Spot Bitcoin ETFs Attract Nearly $1 Billion in Net Inflows Amid Geopolitical Tensions
US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded approximately $996.4 million in net inflows for the week ending April 19, 2026. This surge is driven by institutional investors seeking Bitcoin as a hedge against ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, particularly related to the US-Iran ceasefire and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication suggests a strengthening of Bitcoin's position as a mainstream investment vehicle, potentially leading to increased institutional adoption and market stability.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Crypto· World
Kelp DAO Exploit Triggers $293 Million Loss and Aave Token Price Drop
On April 18, 2026, Kelp DAO's rsETH bridge was exploited, resulting in the loss of approximately $293 million in unbacked tokens. The immediate panic was triggered by the attacker depositing these tokens as collateral on Aave, leading to a liquidity crisis and significant withdrawals. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in the DeFi ecosystem and may prompt increased scrutiny and regulatory measures for liquid restaking protocols in the future.
10 sourcesApr 21Very High
- Crypto· World
Wrapped XRP Trading Launches on WhatsApp via Solana Integration
Wrapped XRP (wXRP) trading went live on WhatsApp on April 17, 2026, enabling users to execute trades through AI-powered bots. This integration is driven by the need for enhanced accessibility in crypto trading, leveraging Solana's DeFi ecosystem and partnerships with LayerZero and Hex Trust. The long-term implication is a potential increase in mainstream adoption of decentralized finance as more users engage with crypto assets through familiar platforms like WhatsApp.
4 sourcesApr 21Moderate
- Crypto· World
Digital asset investment products see $1.4 billion in net inflows amid Bitcoin surge
Digital asset investment products recorded $1.4 billion in net inflows for the week ending April 20, 2026, marking the strongest weekly total since January 2026. This surge is primarily driven by Bitcoin's breakout above $76,000, fueled by optimism surrounding US-Iran ceasefire extension talks and favorable CPI data. The long-term implication suggests a sustained positive sentiment in the digital asset market, potentially leading to increased institutional investment and market capitalization growth.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Crypto· World
Cryptocurrency Hacks Surpass $607 Million in April 2026
Over $607 million was stolen in cryptocurrency hacks across 12 incidents during the first three weeks of April 2026. The immediate trigger for this surge in thefts was a series of sophisticated attacks, primarily attributed to North Korean hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in DeFi protocols and cross-chain bridges. In the long term, this crisis is likely to lead to increased security measures and a 'security tax' being priced into the DeFi market as investors react to heightened risks.
4 sourcesApr 21Moderate
- Crypto· World
RaveDAO's RAVE Token Plummets 98% Following Insider Manipulation Allegations
RaveDAO's RAVE token experienced a dramatic 98% price collapse, erasing $6.6 billion in market capitalization amid allegations of market manipulation. The decline was triggered by on-chain investigator ZachXBT's public call for investigations into suspicious trading activities by entities controlling 95% of the token supply. This incident raises concerns about regulatory scrutiny and could lead to increased vigilance in the cryptocurrency market regarding high-concentration assets.
9 sourcesApr 21High
- Crypto· World
Bitmine Immersion Technologies Acquires 101,627 ETH in Largest Weekly Purchase Since December 2025
Bitmine Immersion Technologies has purchased 101,627 ETH during the week ending April 20, 2026, marking the largest weekly acquisition since December 2025. This strategic move is driven by the company's goal to control 5% of Ethereum's total supply amid a bullish market sentiment and institutional accumulation. The long-term implication is a potential shift in Ethereum's market dynamics as corporate holdings increase, influencing liquidity and price stability.
3 sourcesApr 21High
- Crypto· World
BIS Warns of Financial Stability Risks from US Dollar Stablecoins and Calls for Global Regulation
On April 20, 2026, the Bank for International Settlements highlighted significant financial stability risks posed by the rapid growth of US dollar-denominated stablecoins. This warning comes as the stablecoin market reaches a capitalization of $315 billion, prompting concerns over potential runs and regulatory evasion. The BIS advocates for coordinated global regulatory frameworks to mitigate these risks and prevent market fragmentation in the long term.
3 sourcesApr 21Moderate
- Crypto· World
Ethereum Whale Increases 15x Leveraged Long Position to 30,000 ETH After $44.61 Million in Profits
An Ethereum whale linked to Matrixport has expanded its leveraged long position by 12,000 ETH, bringing the total to 30,000 ETH following a profit realization of $44.61 million over the past two months. This move comes amid a temporary price pullback in Ethereum, which has pressured other large holders but has not deterred this whale's bullish sentiment. The long-term implication suggests a potential increase in market confidence and further bullish activity in Ethereum trading as the price rebounds above $2,300.
3 sourcesApr 21Low - Crypto· World
Kelp DAO Exploit Linked to North Korean Lazarus Group Results in $292 Million Loss
On April 18, 2026, Kelp DAO experienced a $292 million exploit attributed to North Korea's Lazarus Group, compromising its LayerZero-powered cross-chain bridge. The attack was triggered by Kelp DAO's failure to implement recommended multi-verifier redundancy, allowing attackers to manipulate transaction data and drain funds. This incident highlights vulnerabilities in DeFi protocols and may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory measures within the cryptocurrency industry.
10 sourcesApr 21High
- Crypto· World
SEC Under Paul Atkins Shifts to Clarity-Focused Crypto Regulation One Year After Appointment
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has transitioned from an enforcement-heavy approach to a more clarity-driven regulatory framework under Chair Paul Atkins. This shift is occurring now as the agency seeks to align with the pro-crypto agenda of the Trump administration and prepare for upcoming congressional legislation. Long-term, this could lead to increased institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies and a more stable market environment.
4 sourcesApr 21High
- Crypto· World
Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust Achieves Over $100 Million in Inflows in First Week
Morgan Stanley's Bitcoin ETF, MSBT, has garnered over $100 million in net inflows within its first week of trading. This surge in interest is driven by Bitcoin's price exceeding $73,000 and a reduction in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which has positively impacted oil prices. The successful launch of MSBT signals a growing institutional acceptance of cryptocurrency investments and may intensify competition among ETF providers in the market.
4 sourcesApr 21Low
- Crypto· UAE
KAIO Secures $8 Million Funding from Tether to Enhance Onchain Asset Distribution in UAE
On April 20, 2026, KAIO, a tokenization firm regulated in Abu Dhabi, closed an $8 million funding round led by Tether. This investment aims to expand KAIO's onchain fund distribution infrastructure, leveraging USDT liquidity for new financial products. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for the UAE as a digital asset hub, potentially increasing institutional investment in tokenized assets.
3 sourcesApr 21Moderate
- Crypto· World
$292 Million KelpDAO rsETH Bridge Exploit Exposes Cross-Chain Security Flaws
On April 18, 2026, the KelpDAO rsETH bridge was exploited for approximately $292 million through a vulnerability in its LayerZero-powered cross-chain infrastructure. This incident was triggered by a misconfigured Decentralized Verifier Network that allowed the attacker to mint unbacked tokens, leading to immediate contract pauses and market freezes across DeFi platforms. The long-term implication is a significant decline in total value locked across DeFi protocols, raising urgent concerns about the security of cross-chain bridges and the potential for further regulatory scrutiny.
12 sourcesApr 21Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Price Surges to $76,500 Amid US-Iran Tensions and Strait of Hormuz Closure
Bitcoin's price reclaimed the $76,500 level on April 20, 2026, recovering from a weekend decline toward $75,000. This recovery is driven by escalating US-Iran tensions and the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has heightened concerns over oil supply disruptions. The long-term implication suggests that Bitcoin's price stability will heavily depend on the geopolitical outcomes surrounding the US-Iran ceasefire negotiations.
8 sourcesApr 21Low
- Business· MENA
Berkshire Hathaway Joins $40 Billion U.S.-Backed Insurance Syndicate for Strait of Hormuz
Berkshire Hathaway has entered a U.S. government-backed insurance syndicate providing $40 billion in war risk coverage for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This move comes as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate, threatening a critical maritime route for global oil transit. The long-term implication may involve increased shipping costs and potential shifts in global oil supply chains due to heightened risks in the region.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Business· World
IEA Proposes Basra-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline to Enhance Energy Security Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis
On April 19, 2026, the International Energy Agency proposed a new oil pipeline from Iraq's Basra fields to Türkiye's Ceyhan terminal to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative is triggered by ongoing disruptions in the strait due to the conflict involving Iran, which has severely impacted Iraq's oil exports. The long-term implication is a potential diversification of Iraq's oil export routes, enhancing energy security for Europe and reducing reliance on vulnerable maritime pathways.
3 sourcesApr 21Moderate
- Business· World
Intel Corporation Shares Drop 3.78% Ahead of Q1 Earnings Report
Intel Corporation's shares declined 3.78% on April 20, 2026, as investors took profits ahead of the upcoming Q1 earnings report. This drop is attributed to concerns over foundry execution risks and competition from TSMC, alongside modest revenue expectations. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny on Intel's turnaround strategy and its ability to meet market expectations amid rising competition in the semiconductor sector.
3 sourcesApr 21Low