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
4456 stories- Economy· MENA
U.S. Naval Blockade of Strait of Hormuz Causes Oil Prices to Exceed $100 per Barrel
On April 13, 2026, the United States enforced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in oil prices surging above $100 per barrel. This action was triggered by the collapse of peace talks with Iran, which heightened tensions in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. The long-term implication may include increased volatility in global oil markets and potential inflationary pressures as regional tensions persist.
3 sourcesApr 15High
- Economy· MENA
OPEC Oil Production Plummets Due to Iran Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
OPEC's oil production has decreased by 7.88 million barrels per day in March 2026, marking a significant supply shock. This decline is triggered by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf region. The long-term implication is a potential escalation in global oil prices and a reevaluation of OPEC+ production strategies in response to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
3 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Crypto· World
Strategy Acquires 13,927 Bitcoin for $1 Billion Raising Total Holdings to 780,897 BTC
Strategy Inc. announced the acquisition of 13,927 Bitcoin for approximately $1 billion, increasing its total holdings to 780,897 BTC. This purchase was funded through the sale of variable-rate STRC preferred stock amid a favorable market for Bitcoin, which is currently trading around $70,600. The long-term implication of this acquisition reinforces Strategy's position as a major institutional holder of Bitcoin, potentially influencing market dynamics and institutional adoption of digital assets.
8 sourcesApr 15Very High
- Business· World
Slate Auto raises $650 million to boost production of affordable electric pickup truck
Slate Auto has secured $650 million in Series C funding to enhance production of its affordable electric pickup truck, the Slate Truck. This funding round, led by TWG Global, comes as the company prepares to launch preorders in June 2026 amid a challenging U.S. EV market. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the EV landscape towards more affordable options, targeting a broader consumer base as major automakers scale back on production.
4 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· World
Goldman Sachs Reports Strong Q1 2026 Earnings Amid Market Volatility
Goldman Sachs announced net revenues of $17.23 billion for Q1 2026, a 14% increase year-over-year, despite a 3-4% decline in shares post-announcement. The immediate cause of the stock decline was weaker fixed-income results and increased credit provisions amid ongoing market volatility. In the long term, the firm may need to adapt its risk management strategies to navigate geopolitical uncertainties affecting global markets.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· MENA
Pakistan Seeks Financing Options to Repay $3.5 Billion UAE Loan Due April 2026
Pakistan's Finance Minister announced the exploration of various financing options to repay a $3.5 billion loan to the UAE, due this month. This announcement comes amid ongoing IMF/World Bank meetings and significant strains on Pakistan's foreign reserves, which stand at approximately $16.4 billion. The long-term implication may involve increased reliance on allied financial support and potential shifts in Pakistan's economic strategy to stabilize its reserves and comply with IMF conditions.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· World
GFL Environmental to Acquire SECURE Waste Infrastructure for C$6.4 Billion
On April 13, 2026, GFL Environmental Inc. announced a definitive agreement to acquire SECURE Waste Infrastructure Corp. for approximately C$6.4 billion. The acquisition is driven by GFL's strategy to diversify into energy waste management and capitalize on rising demand for specialized waste solutions in the energy sector. This move is expected to enhance GFL's operational scale and improve margins in a fragmented market, with closing anticipated in the second half of 2026 pending regulatory approvals.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· World
Final Oil Tankers Depart Strait of Hormuz Before Iran War Commences
The last oil tankers have reached Asian refineries as the Strait of Hormuz faces closure due to the ongoing Iran war. This disruption is triggered by U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, leading to a naval blockade and significant supply shortages. Long-term, this situation is likely to escalate global oil prices and create severe shortages in Western markets within weeks.
3 sourcesApr 15Very High
- Crypto· World
Kraken Reports Insider Data Breach Affecting 2,000 Client Accounts Amid Extortion Threats
Kraken has disclosed two insider-related security incidents that resulted in unauthorized access to client support data, impacting approximately 2,000 accounts. The immediate trigger for this disclosure was extortion demands from a criminal group threatening to release incriminating videos following the breaches. In the long term, Kraken's response may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory measures within the cryptocurrency exchange industry regarding insider threats and data security protocols.
9 sourcesApr 15High
- Economy· World
China's Export Growth Declines to 2.5% Amid Iran War and Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
China's export growth has sharply slowed to 2.5% year-on-year in March 2026, reflecting significant disruptions caused by the ongoing war with Iran and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. This decline is triggered by a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports and rising fuel costs, which have strained global trade routes and reduced demand from key partners. In the long term, these geopolitical tensions are likely to compel China to diversify its energy sources and trade partnerships to mitigate vulnerabilities in its export-driven economy.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· World
Monetary Authority of Singapore Tightens Monetary Policy to Combat Rising Inflation
The Monetary Authority of Singapore has increased the appreciation slope of the S$NEER policy band to address rising imported inflation due to energy cost surges. This decision comes in response to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting shipping routes and driving up global energy prices. Long-term, this move may signal further monetary tightening if inflationary pressures persist, impacting economic growth forecasts in Singapore and potentially influencing regional trade dynamics.
5 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· World
Venezuela and Chevron Sign Agreements to Expand Oil Production in Orinoco Oil Belt
On April 13, 2026, Venezuela's government and Chevron Corporation signed two agreements to expand oil production in the Orinoco Oil Belt. This development follows U.S. sanctions relief and petroleum law reforms after the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in January 2026. The long-term implication is a potential revitalization of Venezuela's oil sector, attracting further foreign investment and increasing output capacity.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· World
European Airlines Call for EU Action to Address Jet Fuel Supply Crisis Linked to Iran Conflict
On April 14, 2026, Airlines for Europe (A4E) urged the European Union to implement emergency measures to prevent a jet fuel shortage due to disruptions caused by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. The immediate trigger for this appeal is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has halted 50% of Europe's jet fuel imports and led to soaring prices. Long-term implications include potential travel disruptions and economic impacts on the aviation sector if supply issues are not resolved before the summer travel season.
4 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· World
FTSE 100 Rises 0.25% Amid Optimism for U.S.-Iran Peace Talks
On April 14, 2026, the FTSE 100 index in London closed higher by 0.25% at 10,609.06 points. This increase was driven by reports that U.S. and Iranian officials are preparing for renewed negotiations before the expiration of a two-week truce. The long-term implication suggests that successful talks could stabilize energy markets and alleviate geopolitical tensions in the region.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· World
Stegra secures €1.4 billion financing to complete green steel plant in Sweden
On April 14, 2026, Stegra announced €1.4 billion in financing from a consortium led by Wallenberg Investments to complete its hydrogen-based steel plant in Boden, Sweden. This funding addresses previous capital shortfalls and cost overruns, ensuring a fully funded path to production ramp-up in 2027. The long-term implication is a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions from steel production, potentially influencing global steelmaking practices and decarbonization efforts.
3 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· MENA
BP projects exceptional Q1 2026 oil trading results amid Middle East conflict
On April 14, 2026, BP plc announced its first-quarter trading statement forecasting exceptional performance in oil trading due to market volatility. This volatility is primarily driven by the ongoing Middle East conflict, including U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term, this situation may lead to increased scrutiny and strategic adjustments in the energy sector as companies navigate fluctuating prices and geopolitical tensions.
3 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
Instacart Acquires Instaleap to Expand Global Grocery Technology Reach
On April 14, 2026, Instacart announced its acquisition of Colombia-based Instaleap, enhancing its enterprise grocery technology platform. This strategic move is driven by Instacart's need to accelerate its international expansion amid rising competition in the grocery delivery sector. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Instacart's presence in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East, positioning it for long-term growth in the global grocery technology market.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· World
Global Stock Markets Recover as US-Iran War Tensions Ease
On April 14, 2026, major global stock indices rebounded, fully recovering losses incurred since the onset of the US-Iran war on February 28, 2026. This recovery is driven by investor optimism surrounding potential peace talks, despite ongoing US naval blockades on Iranian ports and an expiring ceasefire. The long-term implication suggests a cautious market stabilization, contingent on the successful negotiation of maritime traffic normalization in the Strait of Hormuz.
4 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
BMW Group Reports 3.5% Decline in Q1 2026 Global Vehicle Deliveries
BMW Group has reported a 3.5% decline in global vehicle deliveries for Q1 2026, totaling 565,748 units. This decline is primarily driven by weakened demand in key markets such as China and the United States, where sales fell by 10% and 4.3% respectively. The long-term implication suggests that BMW may need to enhance its regional diversification and focus on electric vehicle transitions to counteract ongoing market pressures.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· World
Replimune Group's Shares Drop 64% Following FDA's Second Rejection of RP1 Application
Replimune Group's shares fell 64% to an all-time low after the FDA issued a Complete Response Letter citing manufacturing deficiencies for its RP1 biologics license application. This rejection marks the second time the FDA has declined the application, following concerns over trial design and efficacy data. The long-term implication for Replimune may involve significant workforce reductions and a reevaluation of its product development strategy amid a challenging funding environment.
3 sourcesApr 15Low