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- Crypto· World
Circle CEO Highlights Potential for Yuan-Backed Stablecoin in Global Currency Landscape
Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire announced a significant opportunity for a yuan-backed stablecoin during an interview in Hong Kong, predicting its launch within three to five years. This statement comes as China seeks to enhance the yuan's international presence amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and efforts to de-dollarize. The introduction of such a stablecoin could reshape global trade dynamics and further integrate digital currencies into international finance.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Canva Maintains Workforce Stability Amid Tech Sector Layoffs
Canva has avoided large-scale layoffs despite the ongoing downturn in the tech sector, as reported on April 16, 2026. The company's longstanding profitability and a significant user base growth have enabled it to maintain workforce stability while preparing for a U.S. IPO. This strategic positioning may serve as a model for other tech firms navigating economic challenges and workforce management.
5 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
Charles Schwab Launches Schwab Crypto for Direct Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading
On April 16, 2026, Charles Schwab announced the launch of Schwab Crypto™, a platform for direct spot trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum for U.S. retail clients. This initiative follows recent SEC and CFTC regulatory clarifications that classify these cryptocurrencies as digital commodities, enabling brokerages to offer direct trading. The long-term implication is a significant shift in the brokerage landscape, potentially increasing competition and inflows into the cryptocurrency market as traditional finance integrates digital assets more fully.
5 sourcesApr 17High
- Crypto· World
Drift Protocol Secures $150 Million Recovery Funding After $285 Million Exploit
Drift Protocol announced a recovery funding collaboration of up to $150 million led by Tether following a $285 million exploit that occurred on April 1, 2026. The immediate trigger for this funding is the significant user losses and the need to restore confidence in the platform after the attack. In the long term, this recovery plan aims to reposition Drift as a leading decentralized exchange on Solana, enhancing its liquidity and operational stability through a shift to USDT as the primary settlement asset.
11 sourcesApr 17High
- Business· World
Ford CEO Warns of Threat to US Jobs from Chinese Car Imports
On April 15, 2026, Ford CEO Jim Farley warned that nearly one million US manufacturing jobs are at risk due to the influx of Chinese car imports. This warning comes amid ongoing US-China trade tensions and the imposition of 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to protect domestic manufacturers. The long-term implication may involve intensified protective measures and a focus on domestic production in the automotive sector.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Banks Express Divergent Views on Private Credit Risks Amid Market Pressures
Major U.S. banks, including JPMorgan Chase and BlackRock, revealed mixed assessments of private credit risks during recent earnings calls, disclosing over $100 billion in exposures. This division comes as liquidity concerns and AI-related disruptions intensify, prompting banks to reassess their positions in the asset class. The ongoing scrutiny from regulators and market volatility may lead to tighter lending practices and increased caution in the financial sector moving forward.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Madison Air Solutions Completes $2.23 Billion IPO on NYSE
Madison Air Solutions Corp. successfully raised $2.23 billion in its initial public offering, marking the largest U.S. industrial IPO since 1999. The surge in demand for data center cooling solutions, driven by the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, prompted this significant market entry. This IPO positions Madison Air as a key player in the industrial sector, likely leading to increased investments in AI-related infrastructure and further growth opportunities.
3 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Futures Surge as Markets Anticipate Reopening of Strait of Hormuz Amid US-Iran Tensions
Oil futures rose significantly on April 16, 2026, as markets awaited the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blockaded since late February due to escalating US-Iran conflict. The immediate trigger for this market movement was the US's announcement of tightened naval blockade measures on Iranian ports, coupled with President Trump's indication of nearing negotiations. Long-term implications suggest that continued supply disruptions could lead to sustained volatility in global oil prices and further geopolitical tensions in the region.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Increase as U.S. Dollar Weakens and U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Progress
On April 16, 2026, gold prices rose 0.5% to $4,816.49 per ounce amid a declining U.S. dollar and renewed focus on U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations. The immediate trigger for this shift was the ongoing diplomatic discussions in Pakistan, which aim to extend a fragile ceasefire set to expire on April 21. Long-term, the outcome of these talks could stabilize gold prices further and influence inflation expectations in global markets.
8 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Surge in Jet Fuel Prices Threatens Spirit Airlines' Bankruptcy Restructuring Efforts
Spirit Airlines faces heightened liquidation risks as jet fuel prices surge to $4.24 per gallon, jeopardizing its 'Project Soar' restructuring plan. This price spike is driven by geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have led to unbudgeted cost increases for the airline. If these fuel costs persist, Spirit may need to explore further drastic measures, including potential asset sales or additional restructuring efforts to stabilize its finances.
4 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Economy· World
Nasdaq Composite Achieves 12th Consecutive Gain Amid Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Announcement
On April 16, 2026, the Nasdaq Composite index marked its 12th consecutive daily gain, closing at a record high of 24,102.70. This surge was triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which boosted investor optimism regarding Middle East stability. The long-term implication suggests that continued progress in regional diplomacy could further enhance market confidence and economic recovery in the U.S. and beyond.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
G7 Finance Ministers Urge Action to Mitigate Economic Impact of Middle East Conflict
On April 16, 2026, G7 finance ministers and central bank governors issued a statement emphasizing the urgent need to limit the global economic costs stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict. This call to action follows escalating military tensions in the region, particularly involving Iran, which have led to significant oil price surges and inflationary pressures worldwide. The long-term implication suggests that G7 nations may coordinate further measures to stabilize energy markets and promote peace in the region to prevent further economic fallout.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Netflix Q1 2026 Earnings Exceed Estimates but Shares Drop on Soft Q2 Guidance
Netflix reported Q1 2026 earnings with a diluted EPS of $1.23 and revenue of $12.25 billion, surpassing analyst expectations. The decline in share price by approximately 10% in after-hours trading is attributed to concerns over the company's Q2 revenue growth guidance of 13%. This situation may prompt Netflix to reassess its content strategy and revenue generation methods in the face of increasing competition in the streaming industry.
3 sourcesApr 17Very High
- Business· World
David Ellison Commits to 30 Annual Films from Merged Paramount and Warner Bros. Studios
David Ellison announced a pledge to produce a minimum of 30 theatrical films annually from the combined Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. studios at CinemaCon 2026. This commitment comes as part of his $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, aimed at reassuring theater owners amid skepticism about the merger's impact on film output. The long-term implication suggests a potential revitalization of cinema exhibition, although concerns about job losses and market consolidation persist among industry stakeholders.
3 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Business· World
EagleRock Land LLC Files for Initial Public Offering in the Permian Basin
On April 16, 2026, EagleRock Land LLC filed a Form S-1 with the SEC for an initial public offering, targeting a valuation of $1-2 billion. This move is prompted by renewed investor interest in energy assets amid rising crude prices and a scarcity of U.S. oil and gas listings. The IPO signals a strategic shift towards diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional drilling into data centers and power infrastructure.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Kailera Therapeutics Raises $625 Million in Upsized IPO for Obesity Treatments
Kailera Therapeutics Inc. priced its upsized initial public offering at $16 per share, raising $625 million amid strong investor demand. The immediate trigger for this event was the company's successful marketing strategy and the growing interest in obesity treatments following recent successes in the sector. This IPO marks a significant moment for the biotechnology industry, potentially signaling a reopening of the IPO market for late-stage biotech firms focused on obesity therapies.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Netflix's bid for Warner Bros. Discovery fails as Paramount Skydance secures acquisition
On February 26, 2026, Netflix Inc. declined to raise its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, allowing Paramount Skydance to secure the $110 billion acquisition. The immediate causality was the escalation of bids during a six-month competitive process that led to Netflix's decision to terminate its agreement and accept a $2.8 billion breakup fee. This experience is expected to enhance Netflix's future mergers and acquisitions capabilities, as evidenced by its subsequent acquisition of InterPositive.
4 sourcesApr 17Moderate - Economy· World
Gold Prices Rise on Optimism Over U.S.-Iran Peace Negotiations
Gold prices increased on April 16, 2026, amid growing optimism for a potential peace deal between the U.S. and Iran. This surge was triggered by President Trump's announcement of expected progress in negotiations following a two-week ceasefire and recent talks mediated by Pakistan. If a deal is reached, it could lead to further stability in the Middle East and a continued rise in gold prices as geopolitical tensions ease.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Drop as U.S. Signals Potential Deal with Iran
Oil prices declined on April 17, 2026, following indications from U.S. President Donald Trump of an imminent agreement with Iran that may stabilize oil supplies. This shift is occurring as ongoing negotiations and a ceasefire hold amidst U.S. naval operations in the Persian Gulf. If successful, this deal could lead to a significant reduction in market volatility and a more stable oil supply in the long term.
7 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Virgin Australia Projects Significant Fuel Cost Increase Amid Middle East Conflict
On April 15, 2026, Virgin Australia announced an expected A$30–40 million rise in fuel costs for the second half of fiscal 2026 due to jet fuel prices more than doubling since late February amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. This increase is triggered by the escalation of the 2026 Iran war, which has disrupted oil supply routes and significantly raised fuel prices. In the long term, airlines are likely to continue adjusting fares and capacity in response to sustained high fuel costs, impacting consumer travel and industry profitability.
3 sourcesApr 17Low