
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
8518 stories- Business· World
Blackstone Caps Withdrawals from Private Credit Fund Amid Surge in Redemption Requests
Blackstone has limited redemptions from its private credit fund to 5% following a significant increase in withdrawal requests totaling $4.4 billion in the second quarter. This decision is driven by a notable shift in investor sentiment as wealthy individuals seek to exit private credit investments. The long-term implication may involve Blackstone and similar funds needing to adapt their strategies to restore investor confidence and manage liquidity effectively.
4 sourcesJun 7Moderate
- Economy· UAE
Abu Dhabi Implements Rent Freeze to Address Housing Affordability
The Abu Dhabi government has announced a rent freeze for residential properties effective June 1, 2023. This decision is a response to rising living costs and increasing concerns over housing affordability in the emirate. Long-term, this policy may set a precedent for similar interventions in other emirates, potentially reshaping the rental market across the UAE.
7 sourcesJun 6Low
- Economy· MENA
IMF Praises Resilience of Saudi Economy Amid Regional Challenges
The International Monetary Fund has recognized the strength of the Saudi economy, noting its capacity to adapt to regional disruptions. This assessment comes as Saudi Arabia's GDP is projected to grow by 4.5% in 2025, driven by non-oil activities and strong domestic demand. Long-term, the ongoing reforms under Vision 2030 are expected to further diversify the economy and reduce its reliance on oil, positioning it for sustained growth.
6 sourcesJun 6Low
- Economy· World
Gold prices decline amid rising inflation and interest rate concerns
Gold prices fell by 0.3% to $4462.22 per ounce, indicating a potential weekly loss. This decline is driven by increasing inflationary pressures and fears of interest rate hikes impacting investor sentiment. The long-term outlook suggests continued volatility in precious metal prices as economic indicators evolve.
4 sourcesJun 6Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin price falls below $60,000 for the first time since October 2024
Bitcoin's value dropped below $60,000 on June 5, 2026, marking a significant decline in the cryptocurrency market. This downturn is attributed to reduced demand for digital currencies and a general decrease in market risks. The long-term implication suggests that Bitcoin's future stability will depend on renewed investor interest and market conditions.
3 sourcesJun 6High
- Crypto· World
Mastercard Integrates Stablecoins into Global Payment Settlement System
Mastercard has announced the expansion of its settlement infrastructure to include regulated stablecoins for on-chain card settlements. This move is driven by the increasing demand for efficient liquidity management and faster transaction settlements in the payments industry. The long-term implication is a potential shift towards mainstream adoption of digital assets in traditional finance, enhancing Mastercard's competitive edge in the global payments landscape.
7 sourcesJun 6Moderate
- Crypto· World
Payward launches tokenized IPO program for retail investors globally
Payward has opened access to U.S.-listed IPOs for retail investors through its xStocks tokenized equities framework. This initiative is happening now to democratize capital market access for everyday investors, allowing participation at the offering price. The long-term implication is a potential reshaping of retail investor engagement with public markets, increasing overall participation in IPOs.
5 sourcesJun 6Low
- Business· World
Revolut announces plans to launch U.S. bank in 2026
Revolut has revealed its intention to establish a U.S. bank that will offer FDIC-insured accounts and stablecoin services. This strategic move is prompted by the increasing receptiveness of the U.S. banking landscape to fintech and cryptocurrency innovations. The long-term implication is that Revolut's entry could significantly alter the competitive dynamics within the American financial services sector.
3 sourcesJun 6Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin price drops 4.5% amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions
Bitcoin's price has fallen 4.5% in the last 48 hours, testing critical support levels around $60,000. This decline is triggered by heightened geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, causing significant market withdrawals totaling $519 million. The long-term implication suggests that continued instability could lead to further declines in Bitcoin's value as investors remain cautious.
3 sourcesJun 6Low
- Crypto· World
SEC Releases Draft Strategic Plan for Cryptocurrency Regulation 2026-2030
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has unveiled its draft strategic plan for 2026-2030, focusing on the regulation of cryptocurrency and digital assets. This initiative is driven by the need for clearer regulations and modernization of the agency's systems to balance innovation with investor protection. The long-term implication is a shift towards a more structured regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies, potentially leading to increased compliance requirements and opportunities for innovation in the industry.
3 sourcesJun 6Low
- Crypto· World
Coinbase's x402 protocol surpasses 100 million transactions on Base platform
Coinbase's x402 protocol has achieved a significant milestone by processing over 100 million transactions on its Base platform. This rapid adoption is driven by a growing trend in autonomous machine-to-machine payments. The long-term implication is a potential reshaping of digital economies and payment systems, leading to increased efficiency and new business models in the financial landscape.
3 sourcesJun 6Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin experiences significant price drop amid inflation and geopolitical tensions
Bitcoin's price has seen a notable decline, closing May around $70,600 after dropping approximately 8% to 10%. This downturn is triggered by rising inflation, higher Treasury yields, and geopolitical uncertainties affecting investor sentiment. In the long term, Bitcoin's future movements will likely be influenced by macroeconomic indicators and the performance of traditional markets.
3 sourcesJun 6Low
- Crypto· World
Polymarket Rules Strategy Did Not Sell Bitcoin by Deadline
Polymarket has determined that Strategy did not sell Bitcoin by the May 31 deadline, despite the company's claims. This ruling was triggered by a significant majority of 98.6% of voters supporting the 'No' outcome in the market resolution. The long-term implication may lead to increased scrutiny of prediction markets and potential changes in trading strategies among users.
3 sourcesJun 6Low
- Business· World
Liftoff Mobile raises $437 million in successful IPO backed by Blackstone
Liftoff Mobile successfully raised $437 million in its second attempt at an initial public offering, with shares debuting at a 21% increase. The immediate trigger for this success was strong investor interest despite broader market challenges, aided by backing from Blackstone. This positive reception may encourage other tech companies to pursue public offerings, signaling a potential revival in the tech IPO market.
3 sourcesJun 6Low
- Crypto· MENA
Israel's voluntary crypto disclosure program sees minimal participation
Israel's tax authority has reported only 58 disclosures under its voluntary crypto tax program, significantly below expectations. The disappointing turnout, with just $50.7 million disclosed against anticipated billions, highlights ongoing challenges in cryptocurrency regulation. This low participation may lead the Israeli government to reassess its strategies for enhancing tax compliance in the crypto sector.
4 sourcesJun 6Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin price drops below critical support levels amid extreme market fear
Bitcoin's price has fallen below critical support levels, with the Fear and Greed Index dropping to 11, indicating extreme fear among traders. This decline is occurring as market sentiment mirrors previous downturns, raising concerns about future price movements. Long-term implications suggest that traders will be closely monitoring for signs of recovery, particularly around key support levels like $50,000.
4 sourcesJun 6Moderate
- Crypto· World
Ripple Expands RLUSD Stablecoin Accessibility Through Wormhole Integration
Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin is now accessible across 40 blockchain networks through Wormhole integration. This strategic move is driven by Ripple's aim to enhance institutional liquidity options and align with Mastercard's stablecoin settlement framework. The long-term implication is a significant boost in the adoption of RLUSD within traditional finance and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem.
3 sourcesJun 6Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin price drops to four-month low amid market fears and geopolitical tensions
Bitcoin's price has fallen to $66,000, marking a significant decline in the cryptocurrency market. This drop is triggered by heightened investor caution due to geopolitical tensions and regulatory pressures. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in investment focus towards AI and other sectors as uncertainty in crypto markets persists.
4 sourcesJun 6High
- Crypto· World
TapTools to Shut Down, Signaling Challenges for Cardano Ecosystem
TapTools has announced its impending shutdown due to low user activity and the departure of five senior executives. This decision comes amid ongoing governance disputes and economic pressures within the Cardano network. The long-term implication may be a further decline in the Cardano ecosystem's viability, prompting urgent calls for stabilization and new project attraction.
4 sourcesJun 6Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Price Drops Below $59,000 Amid Shift to AI Investments
Bitcoin's price has fallen below $59,000, marking a significant decline of over 20% in a week. This drop is attributed to a broader capital rotation towards AI investments, as claimed by Michael Saylor in response to accusations of his influence on the cryptocurrency's performance. The ongoing shift in investment strategies may continue to affect Bitcoin's price trajectory in the future.
3 sourcesJun 6Moderate