
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
4394 stories- Business· World
High Roller Technologies Executes Agreement with Crypto.com to Launch Prediction Markets in the U.S.
High Roller Technologies Inc. shares surged over 100% following the execution of a definitive agreement with Crypto.com to launch regulated prediction markets in the United States. This surge is driven by the anticipated growth in a market projected to exceed $1 trillion in annual trading volume, coinciding with increasing regulatory clarity for CFTC-approved event contracts. The long-term implication suggests a significant shift in the online gaming and derivatives trading landscape, positioning High Roller as a key player in this emerging sector.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
NASDAQ Composite and S&P 500 Reach Record Highs as Bitcoin Surges to $75,229
On April 15, 2026, the NASDAQ Composite and S&P 500 achieved record closing highs, driven by a significant rise in technology stocks and Bitcoin reaching $75,229. This surge is attributed to easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data, creating a favorable risk environment for investors. The long-term implication suggests a continued bullish trend in both equity and cryptocurrency markets as investor confidence grows amid stabilizing geopolitical conditions.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
BitMEX Research Proposes Canary Fund to Address Bitcoin's Quantum Vulnerability
BitMEX Research has introduced a conditional 'canary fund' mechanism to counteract the risks posed by quantum computing to Bitcoin, challenging the recently proposed BIP-361. This proposal comes in response to the immediate threat of quantum attacks that could compromise a significant portion of Bitcoin's supply, as highlighted by recent research. If adopted, this initiative may lead to a shift in how the Bitcoin community approaches security and protocol upgrades in the face of emerging technologies.
4 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Crypto· World
U.S. DOJ Initiates $40 Million Remission Program for OneCoin Fraud Victims
On April 13, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a remission process offering over $40 million in forfeited assets to victims of the OneCoin Ponzi scheme. This initiative is a direct response to the extensive fraud that affected 3.5 million investors globally, with claims open until June 30, 2026. The long-term implication is a potential shift in regulatory approaches to cryptocurrency fraud and increased scrutiny on similar schemes worldwide.
5 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· MENA
World Liberty Financial Proposes 10% Burn of Insider WLFI Tokens in Governance Overhaul
On April 15, 2026, World Liberty Financial announced a governance proposal to burn 10% of insider WLFI token allocations. This move is triggered by ongoing governance challenges and aims to restructure over 62 billion locked tokens to enhance long-term alignment among stakeholders. The long-term implication could lead to increased token scarcity and value, particularly benefiting investors linked to UAE firms involved in WLFI.
8 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Crypto· MENA
State Bank of Pakistan Lifts 2018 Ban on Bank Accounts for Virtual Asset Service Providers
On April 14, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan authorized regulated banks to open accounts for licensed virtual asset service providers, reversing a ban imposed in 2018. This policy shift is driven by the enactment of the Virtual Assets Act 2026, which aims to integrate crypto activities into the formal financial system while ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. The long-term implication is the potential for a more structured and regulated crypto market in Pakistan, enhancing financial inclusion and reducing reliance on informal remittance systems.
6 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Crypto· World
Denmark's Cryptocurrency Ownership Rate Stagnates at 4%, Lowest in Europe
Denmark's cryptocurrency ownership rate remains unchanged at 4%, the lowest in Europe, according to a recent staff paper by Danmarks Nationalbank. This stability is attributed to ongoing institutional barriers such as banking restrictions and high taxation on crypto gains. In the long term, the lack of adoption may prompt Danish financial institutions to reconsider their stance on cryptocurrency as regulatory frameworks evolve under the EU's MiCA regulation.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surges to $74,500 as S&P 500 Closes Above 7,000 for First Time
Bitcoin rebounded to nearly $74,500 on April 17, 2026, coinciding with the S&P 500 achieving a historic close above 7,000 points. This surge was triggered by better-than-expected US jobless claims data and easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The long-term implication suggests a strengthening correlation between Bitcoin and equity markets, potentially leading to further gains in the cryptocurrency sector as investor confidence grows.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Tests $76,800 Breakeven Resistance Amid Positive Macroeconomic Conditions
Bitcoin approached the critical $76,800 resistance level on April 16, 2026, as it traded near $75,000 in global markets. This movement is driven by macroeconomic factors such as a weakening U.S. dollar and inflows into new Bitcoin ETFs, prompting profit-taking among short-term holders. The long-term implication suggests continued volatility as traders monitor support levels and macroeconomic indicators in the coming days.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
U.S. Bitcoin ETFs See $186 Million in Net Inflows as Market Rally Continues
On April 15, 2026, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $186.03 million in net inflows, led by BlackRock's IBIT. This surge is driven by increasing institutional confidence following a broad recovery in the cryptocurrency market, particularly as Bitcoin stabilizes above $74,000. The long-term implication suggests a sustained demand for cryptocurrency investment products, potentially leading to further market expansion and innovation in the sector.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Faces Significant Selling Pressure at $76,000 Resistance Level
Bitcoin's price rally encountered a critical resistance at $76,000 on April 15–16, 2026, marked by increased selling activity from holders. This selling pressure was triggered by rising exchange inflows and realized profits nearing $500 million, reminiscent of previous patterns that led to price declines. The long-term implication suggests that if selling continues, Bitcoin may struggle to maintain upward momentum, potentially leading to further price corrections.
12 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Crypto· World
U.S. XRP Spot ETFs Achieve Record Inflows of $17.11 Million Amid Improved Market Sentiment
On April 15, 2026, U.S.-listed XRP spot exchange-traded funds recorded $17.11 million in net inflows, marking the largest single-day amount since February 2026. This surge was triggered by enhanced cryptocurrency market sentiment following U.S.-Iran ceasefire developments and regulatory clarifications from the SEC. The long-term implication suggests a potential increase in institutional investment in XRP and related assets as market conditions stabilize.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
Adam Back Challenges BIP-361 Proposal at Paris Blockchain Week
During Paris Blockchain Week, Adam Back opposed the BIP-361 proposal aimed at freezing quantum-vulnerable Bitcoin addresses. This debate arises as the threat of quantum computing to Bitcoin's security becomes increasingly pressing, with approximately 1.7 million BTC at risk. The outcome may redefine Bitcoin's consensus mechanisms and influence future protocol upgrades in response to emerging technological threats.
7 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
Ripple and Kyobo Life Insurance Launch Tokenized Government Bond Settlement Pilot in South Korea
Ripple and Kyobo Life Insurance initiated South Korea's first tokenized government bond settlement pilot on April 15, 2026. This pilot is driven by the need to enhance efficiency in bond settlements and assess regulatory feasibility within the country's evolving digital finance landscape. The long-term implication could see Ripple solidifying its presence in Asia's digital finance market, potentially influencing global tokenized asset frameworks.
5 sourcesApr 17High
- Business· World
Anthropic Long-Term Benefit Trust Appoints Novartis CEO to Board
Anthropic's Long-Term Benefit Trust appointed Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis, to its Board of Directors, achieving a majority for Trust-selected directors. This strategic move is driven by the need to enhance oversight of Anthropic's AI-driven healthcare initiatives amid increasing regulatory scrutiny. The long-term implication is a strengthened governance structure that may accelerate the integration of AI in the pharmaceutical sector, potentially influencing global healthcare advancements.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin funding rates reach record negative levels signaling potential market bottom
On April 16, 2026, Bitcoin funding rates fell to their most negative levels since 2023, with a 7-day moving average of -0.005%. This shift is driven by a significant number of short positions in the market, indicating bearish sentiment among traders. The long-term implication suggests a potential local bottom for Bitcoin prices, possibly leading to a short squeeze as the market stabilizes around $75,000.
3 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Monetary Authority of Singapore Tightens Monetary Policy Amid Middle East Energy Disruptions
On April 14, 2026, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) tightened its monetary policy by increasing the S$NEER appreciation rate to combat rising inflation. This decision was triggered by sharp increases in global energy prices due to shipping constraints in the Strait of Hormuz, which have persisted since late February 2026. The long-term implication is a potential shift in regional trade dynamics as Singapore's policy may influence inflationary pressures and economic stability in neighboring markets, including the UAE.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
OpenAI Faces Investor Scrutiny Over $852 Billion Valuation Amid Strategic Shift to Enterprise Market
OpenAI's valuation of $852 billion is under scrutiny from investors following a strategic pivot towards enterprise solutions. This scrutiny arises as the company has made multiple revisions to its product roadmap in response to competition from Google and Anthropic, raising concerns about its market position ahead of a planned IPO. The long-term implication may involve a reevaluation of investor confidence and potential shifts in funding strategies within the AI sector.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Chinese Exports Slow to 2.5% Amid Middle East Conflict and Oil Supply Disruptions
Chinese exports grew by only 2.5% year-on-year in March 2026, a significant drop attributed to the ongoing Middle East war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This slowdown follows a sharp increase in January-February and is driven by elevated shipping costs and reduced demand in key markets due to the conflict. Long-term, this situation may lead to increased geopolitical tensions and further disruptions in global supply chains, particularly in energy and agriculture sectors.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
BP Reports Strong Q1 2026 Oil Trading Results Amid Iran Conflict-Induced Market Turbulence
BP has announced exceptional oil trading performance for Q1 2026, driven by significant market volatility due to the ongoing war in Iran. The immediate cause of this surge is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a U.S. naval blockade, which have disrupted oil supplies and pushed prices above $100 per barrel. In the long term, this situation is likely to lead to increased scrutiny and strategic shifts within the energy sector as companies adapt to heightened geopolitical risks and fluctuating market conditions.
3 sourcesApr 17Low