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- Crypto· World
Zcash Price Drops Significantly After Critical Vulnerability Disclosed in Orchard Shielded Pool
Zcash's price fell sharply by up to 60% following the revelation of a critical vulnerability in its Orchard shielded pool, which could have allowed for unlimited minting of ZEC. The disclosure by Shielded Labs, which identified the flaw using AI technology, triggered immediate selling pressure from major investors, including Arthur Hayes. This incident raises concerns about the security of privacy-focused cryptocurrencies and may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny in the market.
12 sourcesJun 6High
- Economy· UAE
UAE's non-oil sector shows modest growth amid shipping disruptions and Iran conflict
The UAE's non-oil business activity recorded modest growth in May 2026 despite ongoing shipping disruptions and geopolitical tensions related to the conflict in Iran. This growth is occurring at this moment due to the resilience of businesses navigating through significant external pressures. Long-term, the sustainability of this growth will depend on the resolution of geopolitical tensions and improvements in supply chain logistics.
3 sourcesJun 6Low
- Economy· MENA
Egypt's non-oil private sector contracts sharply amid inflation surge
The non-oil sector in Egypt contracted sharply in May 2026. This downturn is triggered by inflationary pressures reaching a three-year high, compounded by shipping disruptions increasing operational costs. If these economic challenges are not addressed, the outlook for the private sector may worsen, leading to further declines in activity and confidence.
3 sourcesJun 6Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's non-oil private sector sees fastest growth in three months
Saudi Arabia's non-oil private sector activity grew significantly in May 2026, with a Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising to 52.8 points. This rebound is attributed to improved domestic demand and the stabilization of supply chains following regional disruptions. If domestic demand continues to strengthen and geopolitical tensions ease, the non-oil sector may see further growth in the coming months.
5 sourcesJun 6Low
- Economy· World
OECD Downgrades Global Growth Forecasts Amid Ongoing Middle East Conflict
The OECD has revised its global growth forecasts downward, projecting a growth rate of 2.1% for 2026 due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran. This adjustment is triggered by the potential for prolonged conflict leading to energy shortages and recessions across multiple economies. If the geopolitical situation does not stabilize, the global economy may face unprecedented challenges, necessitating close monitoring of international relations and economic policies.
5 sourcesJun 6Low
- Business· World
Nippon Paint and Sherwin-Williams abandon $14.5 billion bid for AkzoNobel
Nippon Paint and Sherwin-Williams have officially ended their pursuit of acquiring AkzoNobel, resulting in a 19% drop in the company's shares. This decision allows AkzoNobel to refocus on its planned merger with Axalta Coating Systems at this critical juncture. In the long term, AkzoNobel may seek to stabilize its stock and reassure investors as it moves forward with the merger, potentially reshaping its market position.
3 sourcesJun 6Moderate
- Business· World
Masayoshi Son and Zhang Yiming Surpass Mukesh Ambani in Asia's Wealth Rankings
Masayoshi Son has become the richest person in Asia, while Zhang Yiming has overtaken Mukesh Ambani to claim the second spot. This shift is driven by the significant rise in SoftBank's stock and ByteDance's valuation amid an ongoing AI boom. The long-term implication suggests that the tech sector will continue to reshape wealth dynamics in Asia as advancements in AI progress.
3 sourcesJun 6Low
- Business· World
AlphaSense raises $350 million achieving $7.5 billion valuation
Market-research firm AlphaSense has raised $350 million in funding, reaching a valuation of $7.5 billion. This funding round was triggered by strong investor confidence, with notable backers including Accenture and JPMorgan's asset-management unit. The long-term implication is that AlphaSense is now well-positioned for future growth and a potential initial public offering (IPO).
3 sourcesJun 6Low
- Business· MENA
Inditex Reports 11.5% Sales Growth Amid Middle East Tensions
Inditex has announced an 11.5% year-over-year increase in sales, demonstrating resilience despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This growth is attributed to strong consumer demand and effective brand positioning, even as European stocks face declines. Looking ahead, Inditex's performance may bolster its market position and provide a buffer against potential economic downturns in the retail sector.
4 sourcesJun 6Low
- Business· MENA
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek secures $7.4 billion funding round
DeepSeek is set to finalize a $7.4 billion funding round, marking its first external investment. This funding, led by Tencent and other investors, is occurring now as the company aims to enhance its capabilities to compete with established US AI firms. The successful completion of this funding round could significantly bolster DeepSeek's position in the competitive AI landscape and stimulate further investment in China's AI sector.
5 sourcesJun 6Moderate
- Economy· World
Vanguard's VOO ETF Becomes First Fund to Surpass $1 Trillion in Assets
Vanguard's S&P 500 ETF, known as VOO, has surpassed $1 trillion in assets, marking a historic milestone in the ETF industry. This achievement is driven by a significant trend towards passive investing, reflecting strong investor confidence in U.S. equities. The long-term implication may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory discussions regarding the impact of large passive funds on market stability and investment strategies.
4 sourcesJun 6Moderate
- Economy· World
Experts Warn of Potential AI Market Bubble Impacting Credit Markets
Robert Cohen and Ray Dalio have raised alarms about a potential bubble in the artificial intelligence market, particularly affecting corporate debt. This warning comes as both experts observe unsustainable valuations amidst ongoing capital raising efforts. In the long term, stakeholders may need to reassess their investment strategies to mitigate risks associated with potential market corrections.
3 sourcesJun 6Moderate
- Economy· World
Gold prices decline sharply amid Middle East conflicts and inflation fears
Gold prices have fallen significantly due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East, which have heightened concerns about sustained inflation and rising interest rates. This decline is occurring as investors reassess their expectations for borrowing costs in light of geopolitical tensions. In the long term, continued instability in the region may lead to further volatility in the gold market and broader economic implications for inflation and interest rates.
3 sourcesJun 6Low
- Economy· World
Oil prices rise over 1% amid military escalation in the Middle East
Oil prices have surged by over 1% following Iran's missile strikes on Kuwait and Bahrain. This increase is occurring as diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Iran remain stalled, heightening market volatility. Continued military actions in the region may lead to further fluctuations in oil prices and impact global economic stability.
3 sourcesJun 6High
- Business· World
Applied Aerospace & Defense Inc. IPO Raises $650 Million Amid Initial Share Price Drop
Applied Aerospace & Defense Inc. successfully launched its IPO, raising $650 million but experienced a 5% decline in share price on its first trading day. The immediate market reaction reflects investor caution despite strong demand, as the offering was oversubscribed by ten times. Long-term, investor focus will likely shift to the company's operational performance and strategic initiatives in the aerospace and defense sectors.
3 sourcesJun 6Low
- Economy· World
Dallas Fed President signals potential interest rate hikes to combat inflation
Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan has indicated that the Federal Reserve may need to raise interest rates later this year to combat inflation. This hawkish stance is prompted by ongoing inflation concerns in the U.S. economy. The long-term implication could lead to significant shifts in investor behavior, particularly in the cryptocurrency market, as they adjust strategies in response to tighter monetary policy.
3 sourcesJun 6Low
- Business· World
Benchmark Venture Capital Firm Raises $2 Billion with Shift to Late-Stage Investments
Benchmark has raised $2 billion, including a $1.25 billion growth fund aimed at late-stage investments, marking a significant change in its investment strategy. This shift is triggered by the firm's successful past investments and a desire to attract a broader range of investors. Long-term, this could reshape the venture capital landscape and prompt other firms to reconsider their investment focus.
4 sourcesJun 6Low
- Business· World
Andrew Left Convicted of Securities Fraud Impacting Short Selling Practices
Andrew Left has been convicted of securities fraud, significantly affecting the landscape of activist short selling. This conviction arises from increasing concerns that aggressive short-selling tactics may be equated with market manipulation. In the long term, this may lead to more cautious strategies among short sellers and heightened regulatory scrutiny of their practices.
3 sourcesJun 6Moderate
- Business· World
Pershing Square to divest from Universal Music Group after failed takeover bid
Pershing Square has announced its intention to sell its stake in Universal Music Group following the company's rejection of a takeover offer. This decision comes as UMG plans to repurchase shares from Pershing Square, valued at approximately $290.5 million. The exit may lead to increased scrutiny of UMG's governance and shareholder influence in the long term.
4 sourcesJun 6Low
- Business· World
American Airlines Suspends Six Domestic Routes Amid Rising Jet Fuel Costs
American Airlines has suspended six domestic routes in response to soaring jet fuel prices. This decision is triggered by the ongoing volatility in fuel costs, which is affecting airlines globally. In the long term, the aviation industry may continue to adjust flight schedules as it grapples with rising operational expenses.
3 sourcesJun 6Low