
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
Fermi Inc. Faces Leadership Crisis as CEO and CFO Depart, Shares Plummet
Fermi Inc. announced the immediate departure of CEO Toby Neugebauer and CFO Miles Everson, leading to a share price decline exceeding 20%. This upheaval is triggered by ongoing challenges in tenant acquisition and significant financial losses, raising investor concerns about the company's future. The long-term implication may involve a strategic overhaul as the company seeks new leadership and attempts to stabilize its operations amid heightened scrutiny.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· World
Bank of Canada Reports Improved Business Sentiment Before Iran War
The Bank of Canada released its First Quarter 2026 Business Outlook Survey indicating a recovery in business sentiment among Canadian firms just prior to the onset of the Iran war on February 28, 2026. This positive shift in sentiment is attributed to a decrease in recession expectations, which fell to 9%, the lowest since the survey began in 2023. In the long term, firms are likely to face rising input costs due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, impacting inflation and economic stability in Canada and beyond.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· MENA
Oil Prices Rise as U.S.-Iran Cease-Fire Nears Expiration and Strait of Hormuz Remains Blockaded
Oil prices surged over 4% as the U.S.-Iran cease-fire, set to expire on April 22, 2026, raises concerns over continued tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The immediate trigger for this volatility is the uncertainty surrounding Iran's participation in upcoming negotiations amid a double blockade affecting oil trade. Long-term implications include potential disruptions to global oil supply and increased geopolitical tensions in the region.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Energy Secretary Predicts Gas Prices Above $3 Until 2027 Due to U.S.-Iran Conflict
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that national average gasoline prices are expected to remain above $3 per gallon until 2027. This forecast is driven by ongoing supply disruptions caused by the U.S.-Iran conflict, including blockades in the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian attacks on shipping. The long-term implication suggests that geopolitical stabilization is crucial for any significant relief in fuel prices and market volatility.
2 sourcesApr 20High
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Surge Over 5% Amid U.S.-Iran Standoff in Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices increased by over 5% following a renewed standoff between the U.S. and Iran that has closed the Strait of Hormuz to tankers. This escalation was triggered by the U.S. Navy's seizure of an Iranian cargo ship, prompting Iran to reverse its earlier decision to reopen the strait. The long-term implication is heightened market volatility and potential disruptions in global oil supply as the ceasefire nears expiration on April 22, 2026.
5 sourcesApr 20High
- Business· World
Eli Lilly Negotiates Acquisition of Kelonia Therapeutics for Over $2 Billion
Eli Lilly and Company is in advanced talks to acquire Kelonia Therapeutics for more than $2 billion, focusing on enhancing its oncology pipeline. This strategic move is driven by Eli Lilly's ongoing efforts to diversify its portfolio beyond obesity treatments amid a surge in biotech acquisitions. The long-term implication may see Eli Lilly solidifying its position in the competitive blood cancer market with next-generation CAR-T therapies.
4 sourcesApr 20Moderate
- Crypto· World
BIS General Manager Warns U.S. Dollar Stablecoins Threaten Global Financial Stability
On April 20, 2026, BIS General Manager Pablo Hernández de Cos warned that the expansion of U.S. dollar stablecoins could destabilize global markets. This warning comes as the stablecoin market reached a capitalization of $315 billion, raising concerns about financial runs and regulatory challenges. The long-term implication is a push for international regulatory coordination to address the systemic risks posed by these digital assets.
3 sourcesApr 20Moderate
- Business· World
Revolut CEO Announces US IPO Targeting 2028
Revolut CEO Nik Storonsky has confirmed that the company's initial public offering is planned for approximately 2028, with a preference for a US listing. This announcement follows the recent achievement of key regulatory milestones, including a full UK banking license and a US national bank charter application. The long-term implication is that Revolut aims to leverage superior liquidity and valuation multiples in the US market, potentially reshaping its competitive landscape in the fintech sector.
4 sourcesApr 20Low
- Business· World
Honeywell Sells Productivity Solutions Business to Brady for $1.4 Billion
Honeywell International has announced the sale of its Productivity Solutions and Services business to Brady Corporation for $1.4 billion. This divestiture is part of Honeywell's ongoing portfolio optimization strategy ahead of its Aerospace spin-off planned for Q3 2026. The acquisition is expected to enhance Brady's capabilities in data capture and workflow automation, indicating a strategic shift in the automation sector.
3 sourcesApr 20Low
- Business· MENA
Qatar Resumes International Flights After US-Iran Ceasefire
On April 20, 2026, Qatar fully resumed international flight operations to its airspace. This decision follows a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, declared on April 8, which eased tensions that had previously led to airspace closures. The long-term implication is a potential normalization of regional air travel and economic recovery for Gulf states affected by the conflict.
3 sourcesApr 20Moderate
- Crypto· World
Cryptocurrency Funds See $1.4 Billion in Weekly Inflows Following US-Iran Ceasefire
Cryptocurrency investment funds experienced $1.4 billion in net inflows for the week ending April 18, 2026, marking the largest weekly inflow since January. This surge is attributed to the recent US-Iran ceasefire agreement announced on April 7, which alleviated fears of energy supply disruptions and boosted risk appetite among institutional investors. The long-term implication suggests a continued bullish sentiment in the cryptocurrency market as institutional interest grows amid stabilizing geopolitical conditions.
3 sourcesApr 20Low
- Crypto· World
Strategy Acquires 34,164 Bitcoin for $2.54 Billion Elevating Total Holdings to 815,061 BTC
On April 20, 2026, Strategy announced the acquisition of 34,164 Bitcoin for approximately $2.54 billion, increasing its total holdings to 815,061 BTC. This purchase was triggered by the company's ongoing treasury reserve strategy and was funded through recent equity offerings. The long-term implication is that Strategy solidifies its position as a leading institutional player in the Bitcoin market, potentially influencing corporate adoption trends in cryptocurrency.
2 sourcesApr 20Very High
- Crypto· World
U.S. Bitcoin ETFs See Record Inflows Amid Major DeFi Exploit
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted nearly $1 billion in inflows over the past week, marking the highest level since January 2026. This surge in institutional investment coincided with a significant $292 million exploit of the KelpDAO DeFi protocol, attributed to North Korea's Lazarus Group. The dual events highlight the growing demand for Bitcoin while raising concerns over the security vulnerabilities within the DeFi sector.
2 sourcesApr 20High
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Faces $7.9 Billion Options Expiry with Price Near $75,000
Bitcoin is approaching a $7.9 billion options expiry on April 25, 2026, with its price hovering around $75,000. This situation is driven by significant call open interest and negative funding rates, indicating potential volatility from short squeezes or price pullbacks. The long-term implication suggests that traders may experience heightened volatility, impacting market dynamics as they navigate the expiry event.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Crypto· World
Aave Token Price Drops to $89 After Kelp DAO Exploit Causes $293 Million Losses
On April 20, 2026, Aave's AAVE token price fell to an intraday low of $89 following a $293 million exploit at Kelp DAO, resulting in approximately $195 million in bad debt on Aave. The incident was triggered by a vulnerability in a LayerZero bridge, leading to significant outflows from Aave and the freezing of rsETH markets. In the long term, this exploit may prompt increased scrutiny and regulatory measures within the decentralized finance sector to mitigate interconnected risks.
2 sourcesApr 20Very High
- Economy· World
UK Consumer Confidence Hits Lowest Level Since 2023 Amid US-Iran Tensions
UK consumer confidence indices have fallen to their lowest levels since 2023 due to escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz linked to the US-Iran conflict. The immediate trigger for this decline is the recent US seizure of an Iranian vessel, which has heightened geopolitical uncertainty and contributed to rising energy prices. Long-term implications suggest that continued instability in the region may further strain the UK economy, exacerbating inflation and consumer sentiment issues.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Drop as US Dollar Strengthens Amid US-Iran Tensions
Gold prices fell on April 20, 2026, primarily due to a firmer US dollar and heightened inflation concerns from surging energy costs, even as US-Iran tensions revived following the US seizure of an Iranian cargo ship. The immediate trigger for this decline is the market's reaction to rising Treasury yields and expectations of tighter Federal Reserve policy, overshadowing gold's traditional safe-haven appeal. Long-term, this trend suggests that gold may remain suppressed below $5,000 per ounce unless there is a significant de-escalation in geopolitical tensions in the region.
2 sourcesApr 20Moderate
- Economy· World
U.S. Stock Index Futures Drop as Iran Reinstates Strait of Hormuz Closure
U.S. stock index futures declined in premarket trading following a record rally, driven by renewed tensions after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation was triggered by the U.S. seizure of an Iranian cargo ship, leading to investor caution amid geopolitical instability. The long-term implication suggests continued volatility in global markets, particularly in energy sectors, as the U.S.-Iran conflict remains unresolved.
3 sourcesApr 20High
- Business· UAE
Nakheel Awards Dh527 Million Infrastructure Contract for Dubai Islands Development
Nakheel has awarded a Dh527 million contract to Al Nasr Contracting for infrastructure works on Island B at Dubai Islands. This decision is driven by the need to support Dubai's coastal masterplan amid ongoing population growth and tourism expansion. The long-term implication is the establishment of a significant residential and mixed-use development that will enhance Dubai's urban landscape and economic diversification efforts.
3 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· MENA
Oil Prices Surge Over 5% Following Closure of Strait of Hormuz Amid US-Iran Tensions
Oil prices increased by more than 5% on April 20, 2026, due to the effective re-closure of the Strait of Hormuz following US-Iran ceasefire violations. The immediate trigger was Iran's Revolutionary Guard firing on oil tankers and the US Navy detaining an Iranian vessel, escalating fears of a complete ceasefire collapse. Long-term implications include potential disruptions to global oil supply and increased geopolitical tensions in the region.
2 sourcesApr 20Very High