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
8370 stories- Economy· World
Oil Prices Exceed $100 Per Barrel Causing Surge in Global Bond Yields
On September 11, 2026, oil prices surpassed $100 per barrel, leading to a significant increase in global government bond yields. This surge was triggered by ongoing supply disruptions in the Middle East and a recent rate hike by the European Central Bank. The long-term implication suggests that persistent inflation and stagflation risks may lead to tighter monetary policies worldwide.
3 sourcesSep 13Low
- Crypto· World
Payward secures $100 million investment from Nasdaq Ventures amid rising crypto VC activity
On September 12, 2026, Payward, the parent company of Kraken, announced a $100 million investment agreement with Nasdaq Ventures, leading a week of crypto venture capital activity totaling $151 million. This surge in funding is driven by increasing institutional interest in crypto market infrastructure and regulatory advancements in the U.S. The long-term implication suggests a strengthening of partnerships between traditional finance and crypto entities, potentially paving the way for more significant market developments and IPOs in the sector by 2027.
4 sourcesSep 13Low
- Economy· World
Global Bond Markets Experience Sell-Off as Oil Prices Surge to $109 Amid Middle East Tensions
On September 10, 2026, a global sell-off of government bonds occurred as oil prices surged to $109 per barrel due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East. This sell-off was triggered by fears of disrupted oil supplies and a disappointing US Treasury buyback operation, leading to the highest Treasury yields since 2007. Long-term implications include increased pressure on central banks to raise interest rates in response to rising inflation concerns linked to oil prices.
3 sourcesSep 13Low
- Business· World
Oracle Reports Strong Q1 2027 Earnings Driven by AI Cloud Demand
Oracle Corporation announced its fiscal first-quarter 2027 earnings, achieving revenue of $19.35 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $1.92, both exceeding analyst expectations. This surge in performance is attributed to a significant increase in AI-driven demand for its cloud infrastructure, with over $30 billion in new contracts secured. The company raised its full-year profit guidance, indicating a robust outlook for continued growth in the AI cloud sector.
6 sourcesSep 13Low
- Crypto· World
Malone Lam Admits Guilt in Major Cryptocurrency Theft Case
Malone Lam pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy related to a $245 million cryptocurrency theft enterprise. This plea follows extensive investigations into a cybercrime ring that exploited online gaming connections to execute sophisticated thefts and laundering operations. The case underscores a growing focus on cryptocurrency fraud by law enforcement, likely leading to increased regulatory scrutiny in the sector.
3 sourcesSep 13Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Holding Signs Dh5 Billion Construction Contract for New Headquarters and Luxury Residences
Dubai Holding has awarded its largest construction contract to date, valued at Dh5 billion, to China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East for the development of a new headquarters and luxury residential towers. This significant investment is driven by Dubai's ongoing urban development and economic growth strategy, with the projects set to enhance the city's skyline and housing market. In the long term, this move is expected to solidify Dubai's position as a global business and tourism hub, attracting further investments and development projects.
3 sourcesSep 12Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Gross Fixed Capital Formation Grows 5.2% Year-on-Year in H1 2026
Saudi Arabia reported a 5.2% year-on-year increase in gross fixed capital formation for the first half of 2026. This growth is attributed to ongoing local investments and private-sector confidence, despite regional geopolitical tensions. The sustained investment momentum aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, indicating a positive trajectory for economic diversification efforts.
3 sourcesSep 12Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia Establishes National War Risk Insurance Pool for Maritime Trade
On September 9, 2026, the Saudi Council of Ministers approved the establishment of the Saudi Pool for Insuring War Risks for Goods and Ships. This initiative is a response to heightened maritime security risks due to regional geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Iran, which have increased insurance premiums and shipping costs. The long-term implication is the strengthening of Saudi Arabia's logistics capabilities and insurance market resilience, enhancing its position as a global trade hub.
3 sourcesSep 12Low
- Business· MENA
Riyadh to Host Fourth Global Medical Biotechnology Summit in 2026
The Riyadh Global Medical Biotechnology Summit is scheduled to take place from September 14-16, 2026, gathering international experts and stakeholders in the field. This event is driven by Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing its National Biotechnology Strategy and Vision 2030, aiming to enhance collaboration and investment in the bioeconomy. Long-term, the summit is expected to solidify Riyadh's position as a global hub for biomedical research and innovation, potentially leading to significant international agreements and partnerships in the sector.
3 sourcesSep 12Low
- Business· World
Listen Labs Withdraws from $1.5 Billion Funding Round Amid Salesforce Acquisition Talks
Listen Labs has abandoned a signed term sheet for a $125 million Series C funding round at a $1.5 billion valuation due to ongoing acquisition discussions with Salesforce. The immediate trigger for this decision is the potential acquisition by Salesforce, which is valued at approximately $2 billion and remains non-binding. If the acquisition talks do not materialize, Listen Labs is expected to seek a valuation of $2 billion or higher in future funding efforts.
3 sourcesSep 12Low
- Business· World
Automattic Board Places CEO Matt Mullenweg on Paid Leave Before Reinstatement
On September 9, 2026, the Automattic board voted to place founder and CEO Matt Mullenweg on a paid leave of absence. This decision was triggered by internal tensions and a lack of notice for legal review, leading to a swift board meeting where Mullenweg was outvoted. The long-term implication is a potential shift in leadership dynamics within Automattic, as Mullenweg's authority was reaffirmed just two days later when he resumed control as CEO.
4 sourcesSep 12Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Stays Below $80,000 as Yen Strengthens Amid US-Iran Tensions
Bitcoin has failed to reclaim the $80,000 mark, trading at approximately $77,183 as geopolitical tensions rise following US military actions against Iranian oil tankers. The immediate trigger for this decline is the strengthening of the Japanese yen, which has reached its highest level against the dollar since February, driven by coordinated interventions from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Long-term implications suggest that continued yen strength and risk-off sentiment may lead to further unwinding of carry trades, impacting cryptocurrencies and other risk assets ahead of the Bank of Japan's upcoming policy meeting.
3 sourcesSep 12Low
- Business· World
DoubleZero Integrates Kalshi Election Market Data into Edge Platform Ahead of 2026 US Midterms
On September 9, 2026, DoubleZero announced the integration of Kalshi's election market data into its Edge platform. This move is driven by a surge in trading volumes, with $133 million wagered on the 2026 midterms, surpassing the total for the entire 2024 congressional cycle. The long-term implication is the increasing institutional adoption of prediction market data for automated trading and risk management in political forecasting.
3 sourcesSep 12Low
- Crypto· MENA
Iran's Central Bank Directs Businesses to Use Bitcoin and Tether for Sanctions Evasion
On September 9, 2026, Iran's central bank instructed businesses to repatriate funds using Bitcoin and Tether in response to intensified U.S. sanctions. This directive is a strategic adaptation to bypass exclusion from global banking networks amid ongoing military pressures. The long-term implication is a potential increase in Iran's reliance on cryptocurrency, which may lead to further sanctions and enforcement actions from the U.S. Treasury targeting associated exchanges and wallets.
5 sourcesSep 12Moderate
- Crypto· World
Consensys Software Inc. separates MetaMask into standalone consumer company
On September 9, 2026, Consensys Software Inc. announced its separation into two independent companies, rebranding the existing entity as MetaMask to focus on consumer self-custodial finance. This restructuring is driven by the need to address distinct market demands between retail self-custody and institutional blockchain services. The long-term implication is a strategic focus that may enhance growth opportunities for both entities in their respective markets.
6 sourcesSep 12Moderate
- Crypto· World
MoneyGram Launches Stablecoin-Backed Visa Card in Colombia
MoneyGram has launched a stablecoin-backed Visa debit card in Colombia, enabling users to spend dollar-denominated stablecoin balances. This rollout follows a similar initiative by Western Union and is part of MoneyGram's strategy to integrate blockchain technology into remittances. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the remittance landscape as traditional providers adopt digital solutions to compete with emerging fintech rivals.
3 sourcesSep 12Low
- Crypto· World
U.S. Bank Successfully Pilots USBDC Stablecoin for Cross-Border Transactions
On September 9, 2026, U.S. Bank executed a live pilot transaction using its proprietary USBDC stablecoin on the Stellar blockchain. This initiative is driven by the bank's aim to validate its Digital Asset Platform and enhance global cash management capabilities. The long-term implication suggests a growing trend of banks exploring stablecoins for improved cross-border payment efficiency and integration with existing financial systems.
4 sourcesSep 12Low
- Business· World
Analog Devices Acquires Alif Semiconductor for $1.35 Billion to Enhance Edge AI Capabilities
Analog Devices Inc. has announced its acquisition of Alif Semiconductor for $1.35 billion, aiming to strengthen its position in the edge AI market. This strategic move comes amid a wave of consolidation in the semiconductor industry, as companies seek specialized AI processing capabilities to meet growing demands for low-power, real-time inference. The acquisition is expected to expand ADI's reach into various sectors, including industrial automation and digital health, once regulatory approvals are secured.
3 sourcesSep 12Low
- Crypto· World
Hunter Biden's LAPTOP memecoin crashes over 95% shortly after launch
On September 9, 2026, Hunter Biden's LAPTOP memecoin launched on the Base blockchain and crashed more than 95% in its first hour of trading. The immediate cause of the crash was attributed to insufficient initial liquidity and the presence of trading bots, despite Biden's denial of any personal profit from the token. This incident highlights the volatility and risks associated with meme-based cryptocurrencies, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and regulatory discussions in the crypto space.
5 sourcesSep 12Moderate
- Business· World
Fox Corp. COO Confirms $22 Billion Roku Acquisition Progress Amid DOJ Review
Fox Corp. COO John Nallen announced that the company's $22 billion acquisition of Roku is on schedule to close in the first half of 2027 despite a second request for information from the U.S. Department of Justice. This request is seen as a routine part of the antitrust review process, and both companies are committed to cooperating with regulators. The long-term implication of this deal could reshape the streaming landscape by combining Fox's content assets with Roku's platform, potentially influencing competition in the media sector.
3 sourcesSep 12Low