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
European Airlines Call for EU Action to Address Jet Fuel Shortage Amid Iran Conflict
European airlines have urged the EU to implement emergency measures to prevent a jet fuel shortage caused by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This crisis has disrupted approximately 75% of Europe's jet fuel imports, prompting warnings of systemic shortages within weeks. If the situation does not improve, airlines may face significant operational challenges and increased flight cancellations during the peak summer travel season.
4 sourcesApr 17High
- Business· MENA
Instacart Acquires Colombia-Based Instaleap to Expand Global Grocery Technology Reach
Instacart has acquired Colombia-based Instaleap, enhancing its enterprise grocery technology platform to serve nearly 100 retailers across multiple continents. This acquisition is driven by Instacart's strategic shift towards enterprise solutions amid slowing consumer delivery growth post-IPO. The long-term implication is a strengthened international presence for Instacart, particularly in Latin America and the Middle East, as it integrates its technologies with local retailers like Lulu Hypermarket in Dubai.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
BMW Group reports 3.5 percent decline in Q1 2026 vehicle deliveries due to weak demand in China and the U.S.
On April 14, 2026, BMW Group announced a 3.5 percent year-over-year decline in global vehicle deliveries, totaling 565,748 units. This decline is primarily driven by a 10 percent drop in deliveries in China and a 4.3 percent decrease in the U.S., exacerbated by the end of electric vehicle incentives. Looking ahead, the company anticipates a recovery in sales as it focuses on new model launches and the positive outlook for its Neue Klasse platform.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· MENA
Bitcoin Surges Past $76,000 Amid US-Iran Negotiation Hopes
Bitcoin briefly surpassed $76,000 on April 14, 2026, driven by reports of potential renewed US-Iran negotiations before a ceasefire expiration. The immediate catalyst for this surge was the Iranian proposal to suspend uranium enrichment and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which eased geopolitical tensions. In the long term, this development may enhance the utility of cryptocurrencies in regional trade, particularly if Iran accepts Bitcoin for toll payments in the Strait.
22 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
BlackRock Reports 46% Increase in Q1 2026 Profit Driven by Record ETF Inflows
BlackRock Inc. announced a 46% increase in net income for Q1 2026, reaching $2.2 billion, primarily due to a surge in investment fees and record ETF inflows. This growth is attributed to heightened demand for low-cost investment options amid market volatility and geopolitical tensions. Looking ahead, BlackRock's strong performance may lead to increased competition in the asset management sector as firms seek to capitalize on similar trends in investment strategies.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Stegra Secures €1.4 Billion Financing for Green Steel Plant in Sweden
On April 14, 2026, Stegra announced an agreement in principle for €1.4 billion in financing to complete its hydrogen-based steel plant in Boden, Sweden. This funding, led by Wallenberg Investments, comes in response to rising construction costs and previous funding delays. The successful completion of this plant is expected to position Stegra as a leader in the green steel sector, significantly contributing to decarbonization efforts in Europe.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
UBS Upgrades Tesla Rating to Neutral with Price Target of $352
On April 14, 2026, UBS upgraded its rating on Tesla Inc. stock from Sell to Neutral and raised its price target to $352. This decision follows a significant year-to-date decline in Tesla shares, driven by various operational challenges and a reassessment of long-term growth potential in AI applications. The upgrade suggests a potential stabilization in Tesla's stock performance as analysts anticipate future advancements in autonomous technologies and robotics.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· MENA
Lucid Group secures $750 million in funding and appoints new CEO
Lucid Group has secured $750 million in funding commitments from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund affiliate and Uber, while appointing Silvio Napoli as CEO. This funding comes at a critical time as the company seeks to enhance profitability and expand its electric vehicle offerings amid previous financial challenges. The long-term implication is a strengthened position in the competitive EV market, particularly with plans for robotaxi services and potential growth in the MENA region.
6 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Dow Inc. Announces Leadership Transition with Karen S. Carter as New CEO
On April 14, 2026, Dow Inc. announced that Karen S. Carter will succeed Jim Fitterling as CEO effective July 1, 2026. This leadership change follows a multi-year succession planning process amid ongoing restructuring and weak industrial demand. The appointment is expected to bring operational continuity as the company navigates significant challenges and aims for profitability improvements through restructuring efforts.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· MENA
IMF Lowers MENAP Growth Forecast to 1.4% for 2026 Due to Iran War Disruptions
The International Monetary Fund has downgraded the MENAP region's growth forecast for 2026 by 2.3 percentage points to 1.4%, marking a significant economic shift. This revision is triggered by the ongoing disruptions from the Iran war, which have led to soaring oil prices and damaged infrastructure. In the long term, the region may face increased economic instability and require agile fiscal policies to mitigate the adverse effects on both oil exporters and importers.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· MENA
World Bank Proposes Up to $100 Billion Aid for Middle East War Impacted Countries
On April 14, 2026, the World Bank announced a potential mobilization of $80–100 billion in funding for countries affected by the ongoing Middle East war. This initiative is triggered by the urgent need to address economic disruptions, including energy price surges and inflation, exacerbated by the conflict. Long-term, this funding could reshape financial support mechanisms for developing nations facing crises similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Jefferies Upgrades Bloom Energy to Hold Following Oracle's AI Data Center Partnership Expansion
On April 14, 2026, Jefferies upgraded Bloom Energy's rating from Sell to Hold as the stock surged 21%. This adjustment followed Oracle's announcement expanding its partnership with Bloom Energy to deploy up to 2.8 gigawatts of solid-oxide fuel cell systems for U.S. AI data centers. The long-term implication is that Bloom Energy is positioned to become a key player in the essential infrastructure for AI, enhancing its revenue visibility amid increasing demand for onsite power solutions.
6 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Anthropic Rejects $800 Billion Venture Capital Offers Amid Rapid Growth
Anthropic PBC has received multiple unsolicited venture capital offers valuing the company at over $800 billion but has chosen to rebuff these overtures. This decision comes as the company experiences significant revenue growth, doubling its valuation from $350 billion in February 2026 to a $30 billion annualized run-rate. The long-term implication suggests Anthropic may be positioning itself for a potential IPO later in 2026, reflecting the intense competition in the AI sector.
9 sourcesApr 17High
- Crypto· World
Deutsche Börse Group invests $200 million in Kraken parent Payward Inc.
On April 14, 2026, Deutsche Börse Group announced a $200 million strategic investment in Payward Inc., acquiring a 1.5% stake that implies a $13.3 billion valuation. This investment follows a partnership initiated in late 2025 aimed at integrating traditional finance with cryptocurrency trading and custody solutions. The long-term implication is the potential for enhanced institutional access to cryptocurrency markets and the acceleration of hybrid market infrastructure development.
9 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Business· MENA
LVMH Achieves 1% Organic Revenue Growth Amid Middle East Conflict Impacting Sales
LVMH reported a 1% organic revenue growth for Q1 2026 despite a significant decline in its Fashion & Leather Goods division due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The immediate trigger for this situation is the escalation of conflict with Iran, which has led to reduced tourist spending and footfall in key Gulf markets like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In the long term, LVMH's resilience may prompt strategic shifts in luxury retail operations and brand investments to mitigate future risks from geopolitical instability.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Airlines Implement Fare Hikes and Capacity Cuts Due to Jet Fuel Crisis Amid Iran War
Airlines globally are raising ticket prices and cutting flight schedules as a jet fuel supply crisis intensifies due to the ongoing Iran War. The immediate trigger is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to a doubling of jet fuel prices and severe shortages in Europe. Long-term implications include potential systemic disruptions in air travel and increased costs for consumers as airlines struggle to manage fuel expenses.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· MENA
Kering Shares Drop 10% After Gucci Reports 14% Sales Decline in Q1 2026
Kering shares fell by up to 10% on April 15, 2026, following a disappointing 14% decline in Gucci's Q1 sales, marking the brand's 11th consecutive quarterly drop. The immediate cause is attributed to weakening demand in China and disruptions from the ongoing Iran war affecting Middle Eastern consumers. In response, Kering's CEO announced a turnaround strategy aimed at revitalizing Gucci and improving profitability by 2028.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- 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 gather feedback on the regulatory framework for cryptoassets, set to transition to a comprehensive regime by October 2027. This initiative is prompted by the need for clarity on regulated activities and compliance requirements for crypto firms following recent legislative changes. The long-term implication is a more structured regulatory environment that may enhance market confidence and competitiveness in the UK crypto sector.
6 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
IMF Chief Warns of Economic Challenges Amid Ongoing Middle East Conflict and High Oil Prices
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has issued a warning about potential global economic difficulties if the Middle East conflict continues and oil prices remain elevated. This alert follows significant disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to recent US-Israeli military actions against Iran, which have already downgraded global growth forecasts. Long-term, sustained high oil prices could lead to increased financing demands from low-income countries and further strain on global economic stability.
6 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Enter Bitcoin ETF Market Following SEC Reforms
Morgan Stanley launched the MSBT spot Bitcoin ETF on April 8, 2026, while Goldman Sachs filed for a Bitcoin Premium Income ETF on April 14, 2026. These actions were triggered by the SEC's adoption of generic listing standards in September 2025, which simplified the ETF approval process. The long-term implication is a significant increase in institutional and retail access to Bitcoin investments, potentially transforming the cryptocurrency landscape.
16 sourcesApr 17High