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
4461 stories- Crypto· World
SEC Issues Guidance Allowing Certain Crypto User Interfaces to Bypass Broker-Dealer Registration
On April 13, 2026, the SEC's Division of Trading and Markets issued guidance permitting specific user interfaces for crypto asset transactions to operate without broker-dealer registration. This decision is driven by the need to clarify regulatory frameworks for decentralized finance amid evolving digital asset markets. Long-term, this could foster innovation in the crypto sector by providing regulatory certainty for developers and users of compliant interfaces.
2 sourcesApr 13High
- Economy· World
US Existing-Home Sales Drop 3.6% in March 2026
Existing-home sales in the United States fell by 3.6% in March 2026, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million units, the lowest since June 2025. This decline is attributed to tight inventory and rising mortgage rates, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and a sluggish job market. The long-term implication suggests that continued low inventory and high rates may further depress sales and hinder market recovery.
2 sourcesApr 13Low
- Business· World
Slate Auto raises $650 million in Series C funding for electric pickup truck production
Slate Auto has secured $650 million in a Series C funding round to advance the production of its affordable electric pickup truck. This funding, led by TWG Global, comes as the company prepares to meet production milestones at its Indiana factory, with preorders set to begin in June 2026. The long-term implication is that Slate Auto aims to carve out a significant market share in the competitive EV sector by offering a low-cost alternative to traditional electric vehicles.
3 sourcesApr 13Low
- Business· World
I Squared Capital and Blackstone Explore Joint Acquisition of Ströer SE's Advertising Business
I Squared Capital has partnered with Blackstone Inc. to pursue a bid for Ströer SE's core out-of-home advertising and digital content operations. This renewed interest follows I Squared's previous withdrawal from a solo bid due to financing challenges and comes as Ströer's market value has declined to approximately €2 billion. If successful, this acquisition could reshape the media landscape in Europe, reflecting a broader trend of private equity investment in media and infrastructure assets.
2 sourcesApr 13Low
- Economy· MENA
OPEC Oil Production Experiences Historic Drop Amid Iran Conflict
OPEC's oil production has decreased by 7.88 million barrels per day in March 2026, marking the largest supply shock in decades. This drastic reduction is primarily due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure, exacerbated by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. The long-term implications include potential global oil price surges and economic instability in oil-dependent regions as recovery efforts begin under a ceasefire agreement.
2 sourcesApr 13Low
- Business· World
Goldman Sachs Reports Record Q1 2026 Earnings Amid Fixed Income Trading Decline
On April 13, 2026, Goldman Sachs announced its strongest quarterly financial results in five years, with net revenues of $17.23 billion despite a 10 percent decline in Fixed Income, Currency, and Commodities (FICC) revenues. This underperformance in FICC is attributed to significantly lower intermediation revenues in interest rates, mortgages, and credit products, occurring amidst elevated market volatility and shifting central bank expectations. The long-term implication suggests potential vulnerabilities in Goldman Sachs' fixed-income franchise, prompting a strategic focus on diversifying revenue streams to mitigate risks in trading operations.
3 sourcesApr 13Moderate
- Crypto· World
Foundry Digital Launches Zcash Mining Pool Capturing 30% Network Hashrate
Foundry Digital has launched a new Zcash mining pool that now controls approximately 30% of the network hashrate. This development is driven by the growing institutional demand for compliant U.S.-based mining infrastructure as Zcash matures as a privacy asset. The long-term implication is a potential shift in mining centralization away from smaller global pools, enhancing the regulatory framework for Zcash mining operations.
3 sourcesApr 13Moderate
- Economy· World
OPEC Lowers Global Oil Demand Forecast for Q2 2026 Amid Middle East Conflict
OPEC has revised its global oil demand forecast for the second quarter of 2026 down to 105.07 million barrels per day, a decrease of 500,000 bpd from previous estimates. This adjustment is attributed to disruptions caused by the ongoing war in Iran and escalating tensions in the Middle East affecting regional economies and oil supply chains. The long-term implication suggests that OPEC+ may need to consider further production adjustments to stabilize the market amidst these geopolitical challenges.
2 sourcesApr 13Moderate
- Economy· UAE
Dubai Healthcare City Authority Announces Financial Relief for Healthcare Businesses
On April 13, 2026, the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA) implemented payment relief measures for healthcare businesses in Dubai Healthcare City. This initiative is a response to the ongoing economic challenges, aiming to support business continuity and resilience amid a dynamic economic landscape. Long-term, these measures are expected to enhance the stability and growth of the healthcare sector in Dubai, reinforcing its position as a hub for specialized medical services.
2 sourcesApr 13Low
- Crypto· World
Bitmine Immersion Technologies Acquires 71,524 Ethereum Reaching 81% of Supply Target
Bitmine Immersion Technologies has acquired 71,524 ETH, bringing its total holdings to 4,874,858 ETH and achieving 81% of its goal to secure 5% of Ethereum's total supply. This acquisition is driven by Ethereum's strong performance amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the seventh week of the Iran war. The long-term implication suggests that Bitmine's strategy may lead to significant market shifts in Ethereum supply dynamics and staking rewards as it continues to accumulate assets.
3 sourcesApr 13High
- Crypto· World
Strategy Acquires 13,927 Bitcoin for $1 Billion, Increasing Holdings to 780,897 BTC
Strategy has purchased 13,927 Bitcoin for approximately $1 billion, raising its total holdings to 780,897 BTC. This acquisition was funded through the sale of its Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Stretch Preferred Stock amid ongoing volatility in cryptocurrency markets influenced by geopolitical tensions. The long-term implication is that Strategy aims to continue its aggressive accumulation strategy, potentially reaching 1 million BTC by year-end despite facing significant unrealized losses.
4 sourcesApr 13Very High
- Crypto· World
Strategy Acquires 13,927 Bitcoin for $1 Billion Raising Total Holdings to 780,897 BTC
On April 13, 2026, Strategy announced the acquisition of 13,927 Bitcoin valued at approximately $1 billion. This purchase, executed between April 6 and 12, 2026, was funded through proceeds from selling preferred stock, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset. The long-term implication is that this move reinforces institutional interest in Bitcoin, potentially influencing market dynamics and corporate treasury strategies in the digital asset space.
2 sourcesApr 13Very High
- Economy· World
U.S. Natural Gas Futures Increase 2.2% Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Demand Recovery
On April 6, 2026, U.S. natural gas futures rose by 2.2% to $2.706 per million British thermal units, marking a significant shift in the commodity market. This increase was triggered by rising oil prices following the collapse of U.S.-Iran negotiations and the announcement of a U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, alongside improved domestic demand forecasts. Long-term, this could lead to heightened volatility in energy markets as geopolitical tensions continue to impact supply chains and pricing dynamics.
2 sourcesApr 13Low
- Business· World
Goldman Sachs Reports Record Earnings Despite Decline in Fixed-Income Trading
Goldman Sachs announced its Q1 2026 earnings, achieving net revenues of $17.23 billion, the highest in five years, while fixed-income trading revenues fell 10% year-over-year. This underperformance in fixed-income trading is attributed to weakness in interest rate products and regional geopolitical tensions affecting market stability. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in investment strategies as firms adapt to volatile market conditions and seek growth in more resilient sectors like equities and investment banking.
2 sourcesApr 13Moderate
- Crypto· UAE
UAE Capital Market Authority Launches Comprehensive Virtual Assets Framework
On April 13, 2026, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) introduced the Virtual Assets Framework, expanding regulated activities from three to eight. This initiative is driven by the UAE's ambition to enhance its digital asset landscape and align with international regulatory standards. The long-term implication is the establishment of the UAE as a leading hub for digital finance, fostering innovation while ensuring investor protection.
4 sourcesApr 13Low
- Crypto· World
Exploit of Hyperbridge Gateway Leads to Unauthorized Minting of 1 Billion DOT Tokens
An attacker exploited a vulnerability in the Hyperbridge gateway contract on April 13, 2026, minting 1 billion unauthorized bridged Polkadot (DOT) tokens on Ethereum and liquidating them for approximately $237,000. The breach was triggered by inadequate binding between proofs and messages in the contract, occurring amid heightened scrutiny of bridge security in the crypto industry. This incident raises concerns about the security of cross-chain protocols and may prompt further regulatory scrutiny and security enhancements across blockchain platforms.
4 sourcesApr 13High
- Business· MENA
Dolce & Gabbana Appoints Former Gucci CEO Stefano Cantino as Co-CEO
Dolce & Gabbana has appointed Stefano Cantino, the former CEO of Gucci, as Co-CEO effective immediately. This leadership change is part of the company's strategy to navigate financial challenges and transition into a lifestyle brand amid ongoing debt negotiations. The long-term implication may involve a stronger focus on high-growth markets in the Middle East, particularly as the brand expands its beauty and lifestyle offerings in the region.
3 sourcesApr 13Low
- Economy· World
UNDP Warns Military Escalation in Middle East Could Increase Global Poverty by 32 Million
On April 13, 2026, the UNDP issued a warning that ongoing military escalation in the Middle East could push an additional 32 million people into poverty across 162 countries. This alarming projection follows six weeks of intensified conflict, primarily involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which has disrupted global trade and energy supplies. The long-term implication is a potential reversal of development gains and increased calls for targeted policy interventions to mitigate economic fallout in vulnerable regions.
3 sourcesApr 13Low
- Business· World
QatarEnergy Discovers Hydrocarbons Offshore Republic of Congo
On April 13, 2026, QatarEnergy announced a hydrocarbon discovery offshore the Republic of Congo in the Moho G structure. This discovery is triggered by the successful drilling of the MHNM-6 NFW well by TotalEnergies, in which QatarEnergy holds a 15% stake. The long-term implication is that this find, combined with previous discoveries, positions QatarEnergy to significantly expand its oil production capabilities and enhance its international portfolio.
2 sourcesApr 13Low
- Crypto· World
Whale Activity and ETF Filings Boost HYPE Token Sentiment
Bullish sentiment around Hyperliquid's HYPE token surged following significant whale purchases and new ETF applications from major firms. This renewed interest coincides with increased platform adoption driven by the ongoing U.S.-Iran war, which has heightened trading activity and fees. As a result, HYPE's price has risen sharply, indicating a potential shift towards greater institutional involvement in decentralized finance.
2 sourcesApr 13Moderate