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- Business· World
Revolut Delays IPO to 2028 While Pursuing US Banking Charter
Revolut CEO Nikolay Storonsky announced that the company's initial public offering is postponed until at least 2028 as it focuses on securing a US banking charter. This decision follows a recent secondary share sale that valued the company at $75 billion and reflects ongoing regulatory efforts to enhance its banking capabilities in the US. The long-term implication is that Revolut aims to establish itself as a trusted banking entity before going public, potentially reshaping its market strategy and investor relations.
4 sourcesApr 21Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Initiates Currency Swap Discussions with US Amid Economic Strain from Iran War
The United Arab Emirates Central Bank has begun discussions with U.S. officials regarding a potential currency swap line to enhance dollar liquidity. This move comes in response to economic pressures stemming from the ongoing Iran war, which has severely impacted Gulf oil exports and the UAE's foreign reserves. Long-term, this could signal a shift in the UAE's financial strategy, potentially leading to increased reliance on alternative currencies if dollar shortages persist.
3 sourcesApr 21High
- Economy· World
Iran War Triggers Surge in Global Energy Prices and Economic Strain
The ongoing Iran War, which began on 28 February 2026, has led to significant disruptions in oil supply following missile attacks that closed the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation has caused Brent crude prices to exceed $120 per barrel, resulting in increased energy costs and financial pressures on households, particularly in the UK and Europe. As the conflict continues, the long-term implications may include sustained volatility in global energy markets and heightened economic challenges for affected regions.
3 sourcesApr 21High
- Crypto· World
Strategy Acquires 34,164 Bitcoin for $2.542 Billion in Largest Purchase Since November 2024
Strategy has acquired 34,164 Bitcoin for $2.542 billion between April 13 and 19, 2026, marking its largest single acquisition in 16 months. This purchase is part of the company's ongoing strategy to bolster its Bitcoin treasury amid market volatility and follows a series of earlier acquisitions. The long-term implication is a strengthened institutional commitment to Bitcoin, potentially stabilizing its price and influencing market dynamics.
13 sourcesApr 21Very High
- Economy· World
Brent Crude Oil Prices Rise 6% Amid US-Iran Tensions in Strait of Hormuz
Brent crude oil futures surged by 6% to $95.36 per barrel following escalating tensions between the United States and Iran that undermined a fragile ceasefire. The immediate trigger for this spike was the reduced shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of supply disruptions. Long-term, this situation may lead to increased volatility in global oil markets and further strain on European economies reliant on stable oil prices.
3 sourcesApr 21High
- Business· World
Eli Lilly Acquires Kelonia Therapeutics for Up to $7 Billion to Enhance CAR-T Therapy Development
Eli Lilly and Company has announced its acquisition of Kelonia Therapeutics for a total of up to $7 billion, with an upfront payment of $3.25 billion. This strategic move is driven by Lilly's goal to strengthen its oncology portfolio by integrating Kelonia's innovative in vivo gene placement technology for CAR-T therapies. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals, and signifies Lilly's commitment to advancing cancer treatment capabilities amid increasing competition in the biotech sector.
4 sourcesApr 21Moderate
- Business· World
Honeywell to divest Productivity Solutions and Services business to Brady Corporation for $1.4 billion
Honeywell International Inc. has announced a definitive agreement to sell its Productivity Solutions and Services business to Brady Corporation for $1.4 billion. This transaction is part of Honeywell's ongoing portfolio simplification strategy as it prepares for separations into independent companies. The deal is expected to enhance Brady's capabilities in data capture and workflow automation while furthering Honeywell's restructuring efforts.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Business· World
Fermi Inc. CEO and CFO Depart, Triggering 31 Percent Share Price Drop
Fermi Inc. announced the immediate departure of CEO Toby Neugebauer and CFO Miles Everson, leading to a share price decline of up to 31 percent. This shift is occurring amid ongoing financial struggles, including a $486 million net loss in 2025 and stalled tenant negotiations for their AI data center project. The long-term implication may involve a strategic overhaul in leadership and operations as the company seeks to stabilize and secure new tenants for Project Matador.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Cease-Fire Nears Expiration
Oil futures rose significantly as markets reacted to the impending expiration of the U.S.-Iran cease-fire and ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The immediate trigger for this price increase is the uncertainty surrounding Iran's participation in peace talks and the potential for renewed conflict. Long-term implications may include sustained volatility in global oil markets and heightened geopolitical risks affecting energy supply chains.
5 sourcesApr 21Low
- Business· World
QXO Inc. to Acquire TopBuild Corp. for $17 Billion in Major Industry Consolidation
QXO Inc. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire TopBuild Corp. for approximately $17 billion, creating a combined entity with over $18 billion in annual revenue. This acquisition is part of QXO's strategy to consolidate the North American building products distribution market, following recent acquisitions and a focus on scaling operations. The long-term goal is to achieve $50 billion in annual revenue through further mergers and organic growth within the next decade.
6 sourcesApr 21Low
- Business· World
Evoke PLC Engages in Takeover Talks with Bally's Intralot S.A.
Evoke PLC has confirmed discussions with Bally's Intralot S.A. regarding a potential takeover offer at 50 pence per share. This announcement follows media speculation and comes as Evoke seeks to address significant financial challenges, including high debt and increased taxation in the UK gaming sector. If the deal proceeds, it could reshape the competitive landscape of the online gaming industry and impact Bally's Intralot's financial leverage significantly.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Business· World
HiPP Recalls Baby Food in Austria Due to Rat Poison Contamination
HiPP has recalled carrot and potato baby food jars from over 1,500 supermarkets in Austria after bromadiolone rat poison was detected in tampered samples. The recall was triggered by a customer report of a suspicious jar, leading to investigations that revealed post-production tampering possibly linked to extortion attempts. This incident raises concerns about food safety and could prompt stricter regulations and monitoring in the food industry across Europe.
7 sourcesApr 21Moderate
- Economy· World
UK Economy Faces Technical Recession Risk Amid Iran War Oil Shock
The EY Item Club has forecasted that the UK economy is at risk of a technical recession in 2026, projecting GDP growth to halve to 0.7 percent and unemployment to rise to 5.8 percent. This forecast is triggered by surging energy prices and supply disruptions resulting from the ongoing Iran war, particularly the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. If these conditions persist, the UK could see significant job losses, with an estimated 250,000 positions at risk by mid-2027, further straining the post-pandemic recovery efforts.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Business· World
USA Rare Earth Acquires Serra Verde Group for $2.8 Billion to Strengthen Non-Chinese Rare Earth Supply Chain
On April 20, 2026, USA Rare Earth Inc. announced a definitive agreement to acquire Serra Verde Group for approximately $2.8 billion. This acquisition is driven by the urgent need to diversify rare earth supply chains amid escalating U.S.-China geopolitical tensions. The long-term implication is a significant reduction in Western reliance on Chinese rare earths, positioning USA Rare Earth as a key player in the global market by potentially controlling over 50% of non-Chinese heavy rare earth element supply by 2027.
3 sourcesApr 21High
- Economy· World
Canada's Prime Minister Carney Calls for Economic Diversification from US Ties
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has declared that the country's strong economic ties to the United States have become a strategic weakness that needs correction. This shift is prompted by rising U.S. tariffs and a desire to enhance Canada's economic resilience ahead of the upcoming USMCA review. In the long term, Canada is likely to pursue new trade partnerships and investments to reduce its reliance on the U.S. market.
3 sourcesApr 21High
- Business· World
Polymarket Negotiates $400 Million Funding Round at $15 Billion Valuation
Polymarket is in advanced talks to secure approximately $400 million in funding at a post-money valuation of $15 billion. This development follows significant investments from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), which has committed over $1.6 billion since late 2025, coinciding with record trading volumes. The successful funding round could further solidify Polymarket's position in the decentralized prediction market sector and attract additional strategic investors.
6 sourcesApr 21Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Rise Over 5% Due to US-Iran Ceasefire Violations
Oil prices surged more than 5% on April 20, 2026, following renewed tensions between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz after both sides violated a ceasefire. The immediate trigger was the U.S. Navy's seizure of an Iranian tanker and Iran's attacks on commercial vessels, which severely restricted shipping through a critical global oil passage. Long-term implications include heightened volatility in oil markets and potential disruptions to global supply chains as geopolitical tensions escalate.
23 sourcesApr 21High
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Eastern Province Emir Hosts Graduation for 3,464 Vocational Trainees
The Emir of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, presided over a graduation ceremony for 3,464 male trainees on April 20, 2026. This event is part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to enhance vocational training and workforce development in alignment with Vision 2030. The long-term implication is a strengthened national workforce aimed at reducing reliance on expatriate labor and fostering economic diversification.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Domestic Liquidity Reaches SR3.289 Trillion by February 2026
Saudi Arabia's domestic liquidity (M3 money supply) surged 8.4 percent to SR3.289 trillion by the end of February 2026. This increase is driven by substantial growth in time and savings deposits and other quasi-monetary deposits amid ongoing economic diversification efforts. The long-term implication suggests enhanced financial stability in the region, potentially facilitating increased investments and trade flows within the GCC.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Crypto· World
Ethereum Whale Expands Long Position to 30,000 ETH After $44.61 Million Profit Realization
An Ethereum whale increased its leveraged long position to 30,000 ETH after securing $44.61 million in profits over the past two months. This move follows a brief price pullback near $2,300, reflecting the trader's bullish outlook amid ongoing market volatility. The long-term implication suggests heightened risks in the leveraged trading environment, particularly as analysts warn of potential liquidation risks if ETH prices dip below critical support levels.
2 sourcesApr 20Low