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- Economy· World
U.S. Department of Energy Allocates 26 Million Barrels from Strategic Petroleum Reserve Amid Iran War
On April 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy announced contracts for 26 million barrels of crude oil exchanges from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve's West Hackberry site to nine companies. This action is a response to supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war, which has led to surging oil prices. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of global oil markets, which may influence energy prices and economic conditions in oil-dependent regions like the UAE.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· World
OpenAI shifts focus to enterprise AI amid competition from Anthropic
OpenAI has announced a strategic pivot towards enterprise AI, launching a new model named 'Spud' while deprioritizing consumer projects. This shift is driven by competitive pressures from Anthropic, which has gained traction in enterprise adoption with its AI offerings. The long-term implication is a projected increase in enterprise revenue to 50% by year-end, indicating a significant transformation in OpenAI's business model and market positioning.
3 sourcesApr 19High
- Business· World
Apple Reports 30% Recycled Material in 2025 Shipments and Moves to Plastic-Free Packaging
On April 16, 2026, Apple Inc. announced that its 2025 product shipments achieved a record 30 percent recycled material content, alongside a complete transition to fiber-based packaging. This milestone is part of Apple's ongoing Apple 2030 initiative aimed at achieving supply chain carbon neutrality, driven by increasing global sustainability regulations. The long-term implication is a significant shift in the tech industry towards sustainable practices, potentially influencing competitors and setting new standards for corporate environmental responsibility.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· World
Upscale AI Negotiates $180–200 Million Funding Round at $2 Billion Valuation
On April 16, 2026, Upscale AI entered negotiations for its third funding round, seeking to raise $180–200 million at a $2 billion valuation. This move is prompted by the company's rapid growth and investor confidence in its AI infrastructure solutions despite not having launched a commercial product yet. The long-term implication suggests a continued influx of capital into the AI infrastructure sector, potentially leading to increased competition and innovation in the field.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Crypto· World
U.S. Lawmakers Near Final Agreement on CLARITY Act Stablecoin Yield Provisions
On April 16, 2026, U.S. lawmakers neared a deal on the CLARITY Act's stablecoin yield provisions amid final negotiations. The immediate causality stems from bipartisan efforts to resolve jurisdictional disputes between the SEC and CFTC while addressing concerns from traditional banks and crypto firms. The long-term implication is expected to pave the way for a clearer regulatory framework for digital assets, potentially increasing institutional participation in the crypto market.
3 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
UK FCA Initiates Consultation on Cryptoasset Regulation Ahead of 2027 Implementation
The UK Financial Conduct Authority has launched consultation paper CP26/13 to clarify authorization requirements for cryptoasset activities. This move is prompted by the upcoming transition to the Financial Services and Markets Act regime, effective October 2027. The long-term implication is a more structured regulatory environment for crypto firms operating in the UK, potentially influencing global standards in crypto regulation.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· World
Slash Financial Secures $100 Million Series C Funding at $1.4 Billion Valuation
Slash Financial achieved a $1.4 billion valuation following a $100 million Series C funding round on April 16, 2026. This funding was driven by the company's integration of stablecoin payments for B2B applications, reflecting a growing demand for efficient financial solutions in the fintech sector. The long-term implication is the potential for Slash to expand its AI-driven financial services, positioning itself as a leader in the evolving landscape of business banking and stablecoin usage.
5 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
Morgan Stanley Launches First Spot Bitcoin ETF by Major U.S. Bank on NYSE
Morgan Stanley Investment Management launched the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT), the first spot Bitcoin exchange-traded product by a major U.S. bank, on April 8, 2026. This launch follows the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, allowing major banks to enter the digital asset space. The introduction of MSBT is expected to accelerate institutional adoption of Bitcoin and intensify competition among existing Bitcoin ETFs.
3 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin perpetual futures funding rates hit record lows amid price rally
On April 16, 2026, Bitcoin perpetual futures funding rates fell to -0.005%, the most negative since 2023. This decline coincided with a Bitcoin price increase from the low-to-mid $60,000s to approximately $75,000, indicating a significant short positioning in the market. The long-term implication suggests a potential local market bottom, with analysts predicting a possible short squeeze as bearish positions unwind.
3 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
Flow Capital Partners to Tokenize $150 Million Private Credit Fund on DigiFT Platform
On April 17, 2026, Flow Capital Partners announced plans to tokenize its $150 million private credit fund. This initiative is driven by a partnership with DigiFT to enhance investor access through blockchain technology amid a growing trend in real-world asset tokenization. The long-term implication is a potential expansion of the fund to $250 million, targeting increased capital and returns in the Asia-Pacific credit market.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Crypto· World
Grinex Cryptocurrency Exchange Loses $15 Million in Cyberattack Blamed on Western Intelligence
On April 16, 2026, Grinex, a cryptocurrency exchange linked to Russia, suffered a cyberattack resulting in the theft of approximately $15 million in USDT from user wallets. The attack is attributed to alleged western special services, coinciding with ongoing geopolitical tensions and previous sanctions against the platform. This incident may prompt increased scrutiny and regulatory measures within the cryptocurrency sector, particularly for exchanges operating in high-risk jurisdictions.
6 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Circle Internet Financial Over Drift Protocol Exploit
On April 14, 2026, a class action lawsuit was filed in Massachusetts federal court against Circle Internet Financial for allegedly failing to freeze over $230 million in stolen USDC following the Drift Protocol exploit on April 1, 2026. The lawsuit claims that Circle had the authority to halt the funds' movement but did not act, allowing attackers linked to North Korea to transfer assets across multiple transactions. This legal action raises critical questions about the responsibilities of stablecoin issuers in decentralized finance breaches and may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny in the industry.
5 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
Cryptocurrency Market Sees $820 Million Liquidations as Bitcoin Surpasses $78,000
On April 17, 2026, the cryptocurrency market experienced liquidations totaling $820 million, primarily driven by a surge in Bitcoin's price above $78,000. This event was triggered by easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly Iran's announcement regarding the Strait of Hormuz, which boosted risk appetite among investors. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in market dynamics as traders reassess their positions and leverage in response to renewed bullish sentiment.
4 sourcesApr 19Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surges Past $77,000 as MicroStrategy Shares Jump 12%
Bitcoin crossed the $77,000 mark on April 17, 2026, reclaiming its 100-day moving average after a ten-week consolidation. This surge was triggered by significant institutional demand, including $597.5 million in Bitcoin ETF inflows and MicroStrategy's recent acquisition of 13,927 BTC. The long-term implication suggests a potential bullish trend in the cryptocurrency market, with expectations of further price increases targeting the $80,000 resistance level.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Crypto· World
Payward Inc. to Acquire Bitnomial for $550 Million to Enhance U.S. Crypto Derivatives Infrastructure
On April 17, 2026, Payward Inc. announced its agreement to acquire Bitnomial Exchange for up to $550 million, securing essential CFTC licenses for a comprehensive U.S. crypto derivatives platform. This acquisition is driven by the need for regulated trading solutions amid evolving U.S. regulatory frameworks for digital assets. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for Payward in the global derivatives market, potentially influencing future regulatory developments and competitive dynamics in the crypto industry.
5 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
Circle Launches USDC Bridge for Direct Cross-Chain Transfers Across EVM Networks
Circle has launched the USDC Bridge, enabling native 1:1 transfers of USDC across multiple EVM-compatible blockchains without the need for wrapped tokens. This launch is driven by the need to consolidate USDC liquidity and simplify cross-chain operations, addressing previous complexities and risks associated with third-party bridges. The long-term implication is a potential shift towards greater adoption of native USDC, reducing reliance on fragmented liquidity solutions in the blockchain ecosystem.
3 sourcesApr 19High
- Crypto· World
Grinex Cryptocurrency Exchange Halts Operations After $13.74 Million Cyberattack
Grinex, a cryptocurrency exchange with ties to Russia, suspended its operations on April 15, 2026, following a cyberattack that resulted in the theft of approximately $13.74 million in USDT. The attack is attributed to alleged Western intelligence agencies aiming to disrupt Russia's financial activities, coinciding with ongoing geopolitical tensions. This incident may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory actions against cryptocurrency exchanges linked to sanctioned entities in the future.
3 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
Binance and Bitget Investigate Alleged Insider Manipulation of RaveDAO Token Following 4,500% Surge
Binance and Bitget have initiated investigations into suspected market manipulation of RaveDAO's RAVE token, which surged 4,500% in one week before crashing over 68%. The immediate trigger for these investigations is the allegation by on-chain investigator ZachXBT that insiders orchestrated the price rally by manipulating token deposits and withdrawals. This incident may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory actions within the cryptocurrency market, particularly affecting tokens with low circulating supply and high insider ownership.
3 sourcesApr 19Very High
- Crypto· World
KelpDAO Exploit Leads to $292 Million Theft and Aave ETH Pool Crisis
An attacker exploited a vulnerability in KelpDAO's rsETH cross-chain bridge, resulting in the theft of 116,500 rsETH valued at approximately $292 million. This incident was triggered by a flaw in LayerZero's messaging layer, allowing the attacker to mint unbacked rsETH and subsequently borrow significant amounts from Aave, leading to a liquidity crisis. The long-term implications include heightened scrutiny on cross-chain protocols and potential regulatory responses as the DeFi sector grapples with security vulnerabilities.
3 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
Arkham Intelligence Labels Morgan Stanley Bitcoin ETF Wallets for Public Tracking
Arkham Intelligence has publicly labeled three on-chain wallets linked to Morgan Stanley's newly launched MSBT Bitcoin ETF, allowing real-time monitoring of its Bitcoin holdings. This development follows the ETF's launch on April 8, 2026, which marked a significant entry of a major U.S. bank into the Bitcoin market amid increasing institutional adoption. The long-term implication is a potential shift towards greater transparency in cryptocurrency holdings, influencing investor confidence and market dynamics.
5 sourcesApr 19Moderate