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
4445 stories- Business· World
European Airlines Call for EU Action to Address Jet Fuel Shortage Amid Iran Conflict
European airlines have urgently requested intervention from the EU to prevent a looming jet fuel crisis caused by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This situation has led to significant disruptions in fuel supplies and a dramatic increase in prices, with warnings of shortages within weeks if not addressed. The long-term implications may include increased operational costs for airlines and potential flight cancellations, impacting the broader aviation industry in Europe.
4 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Business· World
BP Reports Strong Q1 2026 Oil Trading Results Amid Iran War Disruptions
BP has announced exceptional oil trading performance for Q1 2026, driven by volatility in crude oil and gas markets due to the ongoing Iran war. This surge in trading results is occurring now as the conflict has severely disrupted production and shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. Looking ahead, BP's increased working capital and net debt may signal a strategic pivot towards capitalizing on volatile energy markets amidst geopolitical tensions.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· MENA
Instacart Acquires Instaleap to Expand Global Grocery Technology Platform
On April 14, 2026, Instacart announced its acquisition of Colombia-based grocery technology firm Instaleap to extend its enterprise platform internationally. This strategic move is driven by Instacart's need to enhance its global presence and leverage Instaleap's established fulfillment solutions across multiple regions. The acquisition is expected to empower Instacart to scale its enterprise offerings and improve online grocery fulfillment efficiency for retailers like Lulu Hypermarket in the UAE.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- 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 is part of a planned succession process amid ongoing restructuring efforts and weak industrial demand. The appointment of Dow's first female CEO signals a strategic focus on continuity and operational expertise as the company navigates market challenges.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
BMW Group Reports 3.5% Decline in First-Quarter 2026 Vehicle Deliveries Due to Weak Demand in Key Markets
BMW Group announced a 3.5% decline in global vehicle deliveries for the first quarter of 2026, totaling 565,748 units. This decrease is primarily attributed to a 10% drop in sales in China and a 4.3% decline in the U.S., driven by economic challenges and competitive pressures. Looking ahead, BMW aims to leverage its upcoming Neue Klasse models to regain market momentum amidst ongoing industry challenges.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
BlackRock Reports 46% Increase in Q1 2026 Net Income Driven by Record ETF Inflows
On April 14, 2026, BlackRock Inc. announced a 46% year-over-year increase in first-quarter net income to $2.212 billion, fueled by record ETF inflows and rising investment fees. This surge is attributed to robust market performance and strategic acquisitions, particularly in private markets. The long-term implication suggests continued growth for BlackRock as demand for ETFs and private credit remains strong in a high-interest-rate environment.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surges to $76,120 Amid Renewed US-Iran Negotiation Hopes
Bitcoin reached a peak of $76,120 on April 14, 2026, driven by reports of potential US-Iran negotiations. The optimism surrounding a possible second in-person meeting before the ceasefire expiration triggered a broad cryptocurrency market rally. This development suggests a growing correlation between geopolitical events and cryptocurrency market dynamics, potentially influencing future trading strategies.
16 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Lucid Group Appoints Silvio Napoli as CEO and Secures $750 Million Funding
Lucid Group has appointed Silvio Napoli as its new Chief Executive Officer and secured $750 million in funding commitments from Ayar Third Investment Company and Uber Technologies. This strategic move comes as the company aims to enhance production capabilities and expand its vehicle production agreement amid ongoing challenges in the electric vehicle market. The long-term implication is a potential acceleration in Lucid's growth and competitiveness in the luxury electric vehicle sector, particularly with plans for autonomous-capable vehicles.
6 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
UBS Upgrades Tesla Stock Rating to Neutral with Price Target of $352
UBS has upgraded Tesla Inc.'s stock rating from Sell to Neutral and raised the price target to $352 following a 21% decline in shares this year. This adjustment is prompted by a reassessment of Tesla's risk-reward profile amid weakening electric vehicle demand and execution delays on key projects. The long-term implication suggests potential growth opportunities in 'physical AI' despite ongoing near-term challenges in capital spending and supply chain issues.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
JPMorgan Chase Reports Record Q1 2026 Trading Revenue Amid Market Volatility
JPMorgan Chase announced its Q1 2026 earnings, achieving a profit of $5.94 per share and record trading revenue of $11.6 billion. This performance was driven by heightened market volatility due to geopolitical tensions and concerns over artificial intelligence. The long-term implication suggests that ongoing geopolitical risks may continue to influence trading strategies and revenue for major financial institutions.
3 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Economy· MENA
IMF Revises MENA GDP Growth Forecast to 1.1% Due to Iran War Disruptions
The International Monetary Fund has downgraded its GDP growth forecast for the Middle East and North Africa to 1.1% for 2026, reflecting significant economic impacts from the ongoing Iran war. This revision is triggered by extensive damage to energy infrastructure and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have severely affected Gulf oil exporters. If production and trade routes normalize by mid-2026, the IMF anticipates a rebound to 4.8% growth in 2027.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Jefferies Upgrades Bloom Energy to Hold as Stock Rises 21% Following Oracle Partnership Expansion
Bloom Energy's stock surged 21% after Jefferies upgraded its rating from Sell to Hold on April 14, 2026, following the announcement of an expanded partnership with Oracle for up to 2.8 GW of fuel cell systems. The immediate trigger for this surge was the enhanced revenue visibility through 2027, driven by increasing demand for onsite power solutions amid grid delays. Long-term, this positions Bloom Energy as a key player in the AI infrastructure market, likely leading to further partnerships and growth in the energy sector.
11 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Business· World
Ford CEO Warns of Threat from Chinese Electric Vehicles to US Auto Industry
On April 13, 2026, Ford CEO Jim Farley warned that Chinese electric vehicles pose a significant threat to the US auto manufacturing sector. This warning comes amid rising fuel prices and increased demand for electric vehicles due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis, alongside competitive pressures from subsidized Chinese imports. The long-term implication could be a push for stricter trade policies and tariffs to protect domestic jobs and manufacturing capabilities in the US auto industry.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Credo Technology Group to Acquire DustPhotonics for $875 Million
Credo Technology Group has announced a definitive agreement to acquire DustPhotonics for $875 million, enhancing its silicon photonics portfolio. This acquisition is driven by the growing demand for optical interconnects in AI data centers, as companies shift from copper to optical solutions. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for Credo in the high-speed connectivity market, potentially generating $500 million in revenue from the combined optical portfolio in fiscal 2027.
3 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Economy· MENA
World Bank Proposes $80–100 Billion Financing Package for War-Affected Middle Eastern Countries
On April 14, 2026, the World Bank announced a potential financing package of $80–100 billion to support countries severely impacted by the ongoing Middle East war. This initiative is triggered by the economic fallout from the conflict, including energy price surges and inflation, as highlighted during the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings. Long-term, this funding aims to stabilize affected economies and mitigate the humanitarian crisis resulting from prolonged conflict in the region.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Crypto· MENA
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. This investment follows a partnership initiated in December 2025 aimed at integrating traditional finance with regulated crypto trading. The long-term implication is the potential for enhanced institutional access to crypto markets, particularly benefiting regions like the UAE as regulatory frameworks evolve.
9 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Business· MENA
LVMH Reports 2% Organic Revenue Decline in Fashion Division Amid Middle East Conflict
LVMH's Fashion and Leather Goods division experienced a 2% organic revenue decline in Q1 2026, attributed to reduced sales and footfall in Gulf states due to ongoing regional conflict. This decline follows a strong start to the year, with the conflict impacting consumer behavior and tourism in key markets like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The long-term implication suggests that continued geopolitical instability may further strain luxury retail growth in the Middle East, prompting LVMH to focus on geographic diversification and brand investments to mitigate risks.
5 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Kering Shares Drop 10% Following Gucci's Continued Sales Decline
On April 15, 2026, Kering shares fell by up to 10% after Gucci reported an 8% decline in first-quarter sales, marking the 11th consecutive quarterly drop. This decline is attributed to ongoing brand revival challenges and a significant downturn in Middle Eastern retail sales due to the Iran conflict. The long-term implication suggests that Kering may need to reassess its strategic direction and recovery efforts in the luxury market amid geopolitical pressures.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
ASML Increases 2026 Sales Forecast to €36–40 Billion Driven by AI Chip Demand
ASML Holding NV has raised its full-year 2026 net sales forecast to between €36 billion and €40 billion due to surging demand for AI-related semiconductor infrastructure. This upward revision follows robust Q1 2026 financial results and is triggered by accelerated customer capacity expansions amid ongoing global chip shortages. The long-term implication suggests that ASML's growth will continue as AI investments by major chipmakers and hyperscalers drive further demand for advanced semiconductor manufacturing technologies.
10 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Crypto· World
UK FCA Begins Consultation on Cryptoasset Regulatory Framework Ahead of 2027 Implementation
On 14 April 2026, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched a public consultation on draft guidance for the upcoming cryptoasset regulatory regime. This initiative is driven by the need for industry feedback on stablecoin issuance and trading platform operations as the UK prepares for a comprehensive regulatory framework set to take effect on 25 October 2027. The long-term implication is a more structured and competitive crypto sector in the UK, aimed at enhancing consumer protection and fostering industry growth.
4 sourcesApr 16Low