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
8632 stories- Business· UAE
UAE launches National Programme to enhance supply chain resilience
The UAE has introduced a new program to strengthen supply chain resilience. This initiative is a response to ongoing global supply chain challenges, aiming to diversify import sources and support local manufacturing. The long-term implication is an increased self-sufficiency in critical goods for the UAE, bolstering its ability to manage future disruptions.
4 sourcesApr 30Low
- Business· World
Uber expands app to include hotel bookings through Expedia partnership
Uber has added hotel booking capabilities to its app, marking its first entry into the travel sector. This strategic move is part of Uber's broader goal to evolve into a 'super app' offering multiple services, enhancing user convenience. The long-term implication could lead to increased competition in the travel industry as other tech companies may pursue similar integrations and partnerships.
4 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Crypto· MENA
K Bank and Ripple Launch Blockchain Remittance Partnership in South Korea
K Bank has announced a strategic partnership with Ripple to test blockchain technology for overseas remittances. This collaboration is triggered by South Korea's regulatory advancements in digital assets and aims to enhance the efficiency of cross-border transactions. The long-term implication is the potential establishment of faster and lower-cost remittance corridors between South Korea and the UAE, benefiting the Korean expatriate community and businesses in Dubai.
6 sourcesApr 30Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin volatility spikes amid US-Iran deal discussions
Bitcoin reached a 12-week high of $79,488 before a sharp decline due to market volatility linked to ongoing US-Iran negotiations. The immediate trigger for this fluctuation was investor reactions to the potential geopolitical deal, resulting in approximately $275 million in liquidations. Long-term, the evolving geopolitical landscape may continue to significantly impact Bitcoin's price stability and investor confidence in the cryptocurrency market.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Crypto· World
SEC Chair Paul Atkins Announces Regulatory Reset for U.S. Cryptocurrency at Bitcoin 2026 Conference
SEC Chair Paul Atkins delivered a historic address at the Bitcoin 2026 Conference, outlining a new regulatory framework for cryptocurrency in the U.S. This shift is driven by the need for clearer regulations and support for onshore development in the crypto sector. The long-term implication is a potential increase in investment and innovation within the U.S. cryptocurrency market as regulatory clarity improves.
3 sourcesApr 30High
- Crypto· World
Solana Validators Implement Falcon Post-Quantum Signatures to Enhance Network Security
On April 27, 2026, Solana validator clients Anza and Firedancer announced the deployment of the Falcon post-quantum digital signature scheme to bolster the network against quantum computing threats. This initiative is driven by the urgent need to address vulnerabilities in existing cryptographic methods as quantum technology advances. The long-term implication is a strategic shift in blockchain security protocols, positioning Solana as a leader in post-quantum readiness within the crypto industry.
6 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Crypto· World
MARA Foundation launched to bolster Bitcoin network resilience
MARA has established the MARA Foundation to enhance the health and adoption of the Bitcoin network. This initiative comes in response to emerging threats to Bitcoin, such as quantum computing, as emphasized by CEO Fred Thiel at a recent conference. The long-term implication is that community engagement through grant voting may lead to stronger support for Bitcoin initiatives and improved infrastructure sustainability.
3 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Crypto· World
DeFi United Proposes Recovery Plan for Aave Following Kelp DAO Exploit
On April 28, 2026, DeFi United released a technical proposal aimed at restoring the backing of rsETH and addressing bad debt from the Kelp DAO exploit. This initiative comes in response to a significant exploit on April 18 that minted unbacked tokens, leading to a $9 billion drop in Aave's total value locked. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of the DeFi lending markets on Ethereum and Arbitrum, contingent on successful governance votes and recovery efforts.
8 sourcesApr 30High
- Crypto· MENA
Israel approves first shekel-backed stablecoin BILS after pilot program
Israel's regulators have approved the BILS stablecoin, marking the country's entry into the regulated cryptocurrency market. This approval comes after a two-year pilot program conducted on the Solana blockchain, demonstrating the stablecoin's functionality and compliance. The introduction of BILS is expected to encourage other nations to explore their own digital currencies and diversify the global stablecoin market.
4 sourcesApr 30Low
- Crypto· World
Ondo Finance partners with Broadridge to enable proxy voting for tokenized stocks and ETFs
Ondo Finance has announced a partnership with Broadridge to allow proxy voting for holders of tokenized stocks and ETFs. This initiative is driven by the growing need to integrate digital assets with traditional financial systems at this moment. The long-term implication is that such governance features may become standard, potentially increasing the adoption of digital securities in mainstream finance.
3 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitmine Immersion Technologies reaches 5.078 million ETH holdings representing 4.21% of total supply
Bitmine Immersion Technologies has acquired an additional 101,901 ETH, bringing its total holdings to 5.078 million ETH within the last 48 hours. This strategic move is driven by the company's shift from Bitcoin mining to Ethereum treasury accumulation, aiming to capitalize on Ethereum's low exchange supply and rising staking trends. The long-term implication is that Bitmine's aggressive accumulation strategy may influence Ethereum's market dynamics and institutional adoption, positioning it as a significant player in the crypto space.
12 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Crypto· World
OKX integrates BlackRock's BUIDL fund for tokenized Treasury collateral
OKX has launched a tokenized Treasury collateral system in partnership with BlackRock and Standard Chartered. This integration allows institutions to trade using tokenized U.S. Treasury assets as margin, reflecting a significant institutional interest in the crypto market. The long-term implication is a growing convergence between traditional finance and digital asset markets, potentially leading to increased adoption and regulatory clarity in the industry.
5 sourcesApr 30High
- Crypto· World
Institutional Investment in Bitcoin Surges with $1.2 Billion in Weekly Inflows
Bitcoin has led a significant influx of $1.2 billion into cryptocurrency investment products over the past week. This surge is driven by rising institutional confidence in cryptocurrencies amid favorable market conditions. The long-term implication suggests continued growth and innovation in the cryptocurrency market, particularly for Bitcoin and Ethereum investment products.
4 sourcesApr 30Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin ETFs face $263 million outflows ending inflow streak amid price struggles
Bitcoin ETFs experienced $263 million in outflows, concluding a nine-day inflow streak. This shift is driven by investor caution as Bitcoin's price falls below $77,000, coinciding with the upcoming FOMC meeting. The long-term implication may see continued volatility in cryptocurrency investments as macroeconomic factors influence market sentiment.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Crypto· World
Galaxy Digital reports $216 million net loss in Q1 2026 amid crypto market decline
Galaxy Digital announced a net loss of $216 million for the first quarter of 2026 as the overall crypto market experienced a 20% downturn. This significant financial setback is attributed to the broader market volatility affecting cryptocurrency valuations. Looking ahead, the company's strategic initiatives, including new revenue streams, may position it for recovery as market conditions stabilize.
4 sourcesApr 30Low
- Crypto· World
Block introduces proof-of-reserves system and increases Bitcoin treasury holdings
Block has announced the launch of a proof-of-reserves system and added 114 BTC to its treasury, bringing the total to 8,997 BTC. This initiative is driven by the company's commitment to enhancing transparency and trust in its financial practices at this moment. In the long term, this move may influence other companies in the payments industry to adopt similar transparency measures regarding cryptocurrency integration.
3 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Crypto· World
Disparity in Prediction Markets Revealed by Recent Research
Research shows that only 3.14% of Polymarket users are responsible for driving profits, while the majority incur losses. This phenomenon is occurring now due to the concentration of market influence among a small group of informed traders. In the long term, this trend may lead to calls for improved user education and structural changes in prediction markets to enhance fairness and accessibility.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Falls Below $77,000 as Oil Prices Surge Following US-Iran Negotiation Breakdown and UAE's OPEC Exit
Bitcoin's price dropped below $77,000 to $76,180 amid rising oil prices triggered by the collapse of US-Iran negotiations. The immediate cause was President Trump's rejection of Iran's proposal to ease tensions, coinciding with the UAE's announcement to exit OPEC, prompting a shift in investor sentiment towards safer assets. This geopolitical instability suggests a potential for continued volatility in cryptocurrency markets and heightened caution among investors in the face of rising oil prices.
6 sourcesApr 30Low
- Economy· World
Czech National Bank Considers Bitcoin Allocation for Reserves
The Czech National Bank is exploring a potential 1% allocation of Bitcoin in its reserves following successful tests indicating improved returns. This consideration is prompted by the bank's findings that Bitcoin could enhance portfolio performance without significantly increasing risk. If adopted, this strategy may influence other EU central banks to reevaluate their asset management approaches regarding cryptocurrencies.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Crypto· World
U.S. Spot Bitcoin ETFs See $89.7 Million Net Outflow Led by BlackRock's IBIT
On April 28, 2026, U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds experienced a net outflow of $89.7 million, primarily driven by BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust which accounted for $112.2 million of the outflow. This shift follows a nine-day inflow streak exceeding $2 billion, as institutional investors exhibit caution amid macroeconomic uncertainties and anticipation of Federal Reserve policy changes. The long-term implication suggests a potential reevaluation of institutional interest in Bitcoin ETFs, impacting market dynamics and investor strategies moving forward.
6 sourcesApr 30Low