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
8533 stories- Crypto· World
Verus-Ethereum Bridge Hack Results in $11.58 Million Theft
The Verus-Ethereum Bridge was exploited on May 17, 2026, leading to the theft of approximately $11.58 million in assets. This incident is occurring now due to ongoing vulnerabilities in cross-chain infrastructure, which have been increasingly targeted by hackers. In the long term, this may prompt heightened scrutiny and regulatory actions within the decentralized finance sector to enhance security measures.
5 sourcesMay 21Moderate
- Crypto· World
Vitalik Buterin proposes AI-assisted formal verification to enhance blockchain security
Vitalik Buterin has advocated for the use of AI-assisted formal verification to improve software security in the cryptocurrency sector. This proposal comes at a time when the integration of AI into software development is gaining momentum, highlighting the need for more secure blockchain technologies. If adopted, this approach could redefine software development standards and significantly bolster cybersecurity measures in the industry.
3 sourcesMay 21Moderate
- Crypto· World
Michael Saylor's Strategy acquires 24,869 Bitcoin for $2.01 billion
Michael Saylor's Strategy has made a significant acquisition of 24,869 Bitcoin, raising their total holdings to 843,738 BTC. This purchase was triggered by the company's strategy to leverage sales of STRC amidst a declining Bitcoin market, which has seen prices fall below $77,000. The long-term implication suggests that corporate investments in Bitcoin may continue to grow, potentially stabilizing the cryptocurrency market and influencing future price dynamics.
6 sourcesMay 21Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Depot files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid regulatory pressures
Bitcoin Depot has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Texas, marking a significant event in the cryptocurrency ATM sector. The immediate trigger for this decision stems from increasing regulatory challenges and compliance costs that have severely impacted the company's financial stability. This bankruptcy could lead to heightened scrutiny and regulation of the cryptocurrency ATM industry, prompting other operators to reevaluate their business models in response to these pressures.
9 sourcesMay 21Low
- Crypto· World
Goldman Sachs exits XRP and Solana ETFs while increasing Bitcoin holdings
Goldman Sachs has exited its positions in XRP and Solana ETFs and reduced its Ethereum exposure by 70%. This strategic pivot is driven by a growing institutional preference for Bitcoin as a more stable investment amidst a broader exit from altcoins. The move may influence other financial institutions to reassess their cryptocurrency strategies, potentially leading to a more Bitcoin-centric investment landscape.
7 sourcesMay 21Moderate
- Crypto· World
Standard Chartered to Acquire Zodia Custody's Core Business
Standard Chartered has announced its plan to acquire the core business of Zodia Custody, a digital asset custodian it co-founded. This strategic move is driven by the bank's aim to consolidate its digital asset operations and enhance its competitive position in the crypto custody market. In the long term, this acquisition is likely to strengthen Standard Chartered's capabilities in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape for digital assets.
7 sourcesMay 21Low
- Business· World
xAI Faces Backlash Over Unpaid Employee Tax Compensation
xAI has not compensated employees for their tax returns, which were promised as payment for training its Grok chatbot. This delay has raised concerns about the company's ethical data practices and its impact on employee trust. If unresolved, this situation may lead to legal challenges and a decline in investor confidence in xAI's management practices.
4 sourcesMay 21Low
- Crypto· World
Standard Chartered Bank projects $4 trillion in tokenized assets by 2028
Standard Chartered has announced a projection of $4 trillion in tokenized assets expected to be on-chain by 2028. This significant shift is driven by the anticipated growth of stablecoins and real-world assets, which are set to enhance capital efficiency within decentralized finance protocols. The long-term implication suggests a transformative impact on the financial landscape, pushing traditional banking institutions to adapt to the increasing reliance on blockchain technologies and DeFi solutions.
3 sourcesMay 21Moderate
- Crypto· World
Galaxy Digital Secures BitLicense from New York Regulators
Galaxy Digital has obtained a BitLicense from the New York State Department of Financial Services, allowing it to provide regulated cryptocurrency services to institutional clients. This approval comes as the second BitLicense granted in 2026, following Strike's earlier approval, reflecting a growing acceptance of regulated crypto services. The long-term implication is that Galaxy Digital is now positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for institutional crypto services in a highly regulated market.
5 sourcesMay 21Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin and Ethereum prices decline amid significant sell pressure
Bitcoin has fallen below $78,000 and Ethereum has dropped below $2,150 due to increased selling pressure in the cryptocurrency market. This selloff is triggered by a record inflow of 225,000 ETH to exchanges, indicating a shift in investor behavior and potential selling intentions. The long-term outlook suggests continued volatility as market participants adjust their positions in response to macroeconomic factors and large inflows.
3 sourcesMay 21Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitmine acquires 71,672 ETH increasing total holdings to 5.28 million ETH
Bitmine has acquired 71,672 ETH, raising its total holdings to 5.28 million ETH. This strategic purchase is timed to capitalize on a recent price pullback in Ethereum, influenced by rising oil prices. As Bitmine approaches 5% of the total Ethereum supply, its growing influence may significantly impact market dynamics and investor sentiment.
4 sourcesMay 21Low
- Crypto· World
Kraken lays off 150 employees to enhance AI efficiency and delays IPO until 2027
Kraken has laid off approximately 150 employees as part of a strategy to improve operational efficiency through artificial intelligence. This workforce reduction is triggered by a significant decline in earnings and reflects a broader trend of job cuts within the cryptocurrency sector. The long-term implication is that Kraken's future growth and public listing will depend on the successful implementation of AI strategies amidst ongoing market challenges.
4 sourcesMay 21Low
- Crypto· MENA
KB Financial completes stablecoin pilot for offline payments in South Korea
KB Financial has successfully completed a pilot for a won-denominated stablecoin aimed at facilitating offline payments and remittances. This initiative is occurring now as South Korean lawmakers push for a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets. The long-term implication is that this pilot may accelerate the adoption of stablecoins and digital currencies in South Korea's financial sector as regulations evolve.
3 sourcesMay 21Low
- Crypto· World
Swan Bitcoin sued for nearly $1 billion over pre-bankruptcy asset withdrawals
Swan Bitcoin has been sued for approximately $970 million by the Prime Trust Litigation Trust for asset withdrawals made prior to Prime Trust's bankruptcy. The lawsuit, filed on May 15, 2026, alleges that Swan Bitcoin withdrew significant amounts of Bitcoin and cash just days before Prime Trust filed for bankruptcy in 2023. The outcome of this lawsuit could set important precedents for asset recovery in the cryptocurrency industry amidst increasing scrutiny of financial practices.
3 sourcesMay 21Low
- Crypto· World
Capital B acquires 192 BTC increasing total holdings to over 3,100 BTC
Capital B, a French bitcoin treasury firm, has acquired 192 BTC following a capital raise of approximately $20 million. This strategic move reflects a growing trend of corporate investments in bitcoin as companies seek to bolster their treasury assets. The long-term implication suggests that more firms may adopt similar treasury-focused approaches, potentially reshaping the cryptocurrency market dynamics.
4 sourcesMay 21Low
- Crypto· World
XRP Ledger community debates implications of v3.1.3 upgrade ahead of deadline
The XRP Ledger is facing a potential network split due to the upcoming v3.1.3 upgrade deadline. Validators must update their nodes by May 27 to avoid disconnection from the network, prompting intense discussions about whether this upgrade constitutes a hard fork. The outcome of this upgrade could significantly impact the future functionality and governance of the XRP Ledger ecosystem.
3 sourcesMay 21Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin price stabilizes below $77,000 amid rising US bond yields and oil prices
Bitcoin's price is currently stabilizing below $77,000 amidst rising bond yields and oil prices. This is happening as US bond yields approach 20-year highs, creating a cautious market environment. The long-term implication is that traders will closely monitor Bitcoin's ability to maintain critical support levels in light of inflation concerns and potential Federal Reserve rate hikes.
4 sourcesMay 21Moderate
- Crypto· World
MoneyGram partners with Tempo to enhance blockchain payment capabilities
MoneyGram has formed a partnership with Tempo to improve its blockchain payment services and has integrated Morpho's decentralized lending marketplace. This collaboration is driven by the increasing demand for blockchain-based financial solutions and the need for stablecoin settlements. The long-term implication is a potential transformation of the remittance landscape as these companies capitalize on the growing decentralized finance market.
3 sourcesMay 21Low
- Business· World
AEON secures $8 million funding for AI-driven payment infrastructure
AEON has successfully raised $8 million in a pre-seed funding round to develop an AI-driven settlement layer for the agentic economy. This funding is triggered by the growing demand for autonomous transaction solutions across a vast network of merchants. The long-term implication is a potential transformation in digital commerce, paving the way for increased automation and efficiency in financial transactions.
3 sourcesMay 21Low
- Crypto· World
XRP ETFs Outperform Solana ETFs Amid Regulatory Clarity
XRP exchange-traded funds have seen significantly higher inflows than Solana ETFs in the past 48 hours. This shift is driven by the regulatory clarity surrounding XRP, particularly the potential impact of the CLARITY Act. As these regulatory developments unfold, XRP is likely to continue attracting institutional interest, potentially widening the gap in inflows compared to Solana.
3 sourcesMay 21Moderate