
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- Business· World
Uber Announces 10% Workforce Reduction Amid Major Restructuring
Uber Technologies Inc. has announced a layoff of approximately 3,300 employees, representing 10% of its global workforce, as part of a significant organizational restructuring. This decision is driven by the need to simplify management layers and enhance operational efficiency in response to increasing competition and complexity within the company. The long-term implication is a strategic shift towards reinvesting savings into core operations, including ride-sharing and autonomous vehicle initiatives, potentially reshaping the company's market position.
6 sourcesSep 5Low
- Crypto· World
Hargreaves Lansdown Launches Nine Crypto ETNs Following FCA Ban Lift
Hargreaves Lansdown has begun offering nine bitcoin and ether exchange-traded notes (ETNs) to clients, reversing its previous caution towards cryptocurrency investments. This shift follows the Financial Conduct Authority's decision to lift a four-year retail ban on crypto ETNs, which has prompted increased trading activity in the UK market. The long-term implication is a potential expansion of retail access to cryptocurrency investments, signaling a broader acceptance of digital assets in traditional finance.
3 sourcesSep 5Moderate
- Business· World
Moderna and Merck's mRNA Cancer Vaccine Success Spurs Tumor Sequencing Investment
Moderna and Merck have reported positive Phase 3 results for their personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, leading to a significant increase in market capitalization. This surge in value is driving immediate investments in tumor sequencing infrastructure, as companies like Tempus AI and Personalis position themselves as key partners in the vaccine development process. The long-term implication is a shift towards precision oncology, potentially transforming cancer treatment paradigms and creating new market opportunities in the biotech sector.
3 sourcesSep 5Low
- Business· UAE
UAE Flight Operations Disrupted Due to US-Iran Conflict Escalation
On September 4, 2026, UAE flight operations experienced significant disruptions, including cancellations and delays on regional Gulf routes. This situation arose from renewed escalations in the US-Iran conflict, prompting airlines to adjust their services in response to heightened security concerns. Long-term implications include ongoing travel advisories and potential extended suspensions of international flights to and from the UAE as airlines navigate the volatile airspace conditions.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Economy· World
Japan's Finance Minister Emphasizes Fiscal Sustainability Amid Record Budget Requests
Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama reaffirmed the government's commitment to fiscal sustainability while addressing record budget requests of 143 trillion yen for fiscal 2027. This focus comes as the government seeks to balance economic growth with high public debt and pressures from an aging population. Long-term, Japan's strategy may involve a shift towards multi-year fiscal assessments to maintain market trust and effective spending.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Business· World
Shein's IPO in Hong Kong Reflects Challenges in Fast-Fashion Market
Shein's shares debuted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on September 1, 2026, closing near their offering price after an initial decline. The immediate cause of this event stems from a combination of regulatory scrutiny, shifting trade policies, and a broader market pivot away from traditional e-commerce models. Long-term, this IPO may signal a strategic shift in the fast-fashion industry as companies reassess their business models in response to evolving consumer and regulatory landscapes.
3 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Decline as US-Iran Conflict Escalates
Oil prices fell on September 3, 2026, marking the first decline in four sessions amid ongoing US military strikes on Iran. The immediate cause of this drop is the renewed hostilities and the resulting uncertainties regarding Middle East energy supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term implications suggest continued volatility in oil markets as geopolitical tensions persist and supply routes remain threatened.
4 sourcesSep 4Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Treasury Secretary Links Global Energy Price Surge to Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Oil Infrastructure
On September 2, 2026, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attributed part of the global energy price increase to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil facilities. This statement follows heightened Brent crude prices nearing $97 per barrel and is influenced by concurrent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the U.S.-Iran conflict. The long-term implication suggests ongoing volatility in global energy markets, potentially affecting U.S. domestic energy policies ahead of midterm elections.
3 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Economy· World
UK Faces Severe Fiscal Constraints Ahead of 2026 Budget
The UK is confronting a 'deeply uncomfortable' fiscal position with headroom against fiscal rules potentially dropping to £7 billion. This situation arises from rising borrowing costs, geopolitical tensions, and new spending commitments, pressuring Chancellor John Healey to consider tax increases or spending cuts. Long-term, this could lead to significant shifts in fiscal policy and public services as the government navigates sustainability risks amid high public sector debt.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Crypto· UAE
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan acquires 49% stake in World Liberty Financial Bank Holding Company
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan and co-investors have secured a 49% stake in WLTC Holdings, the parent company of World Liberty Financial, following preliminary approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for a national trust bank. This acquisition is driven by the UAE's strategic interest in expanding its financial influence in the U.S. and enhancing ties with the Trump family-backed crypto venture. The long-term implication is the establishment of a significant player in the stablecoin market, potentially reshaping the landscape of cryptocurrency regulation and banking in the U.S.
4 sourcesSep 4Low
- Business· World
Stripe and Advent International End $53 Billion Bid for PayPal
Stripe and Advent International have abandoned their joint bid to acquire PayPal Holdings Inc., following the board's rejection of a $60.50-per-share offer. The decision comes amid valuation disagreements and regulatory hurdles that have plagued the negotiations since early 2026. This development leaves PayPal to focus on its independent turnaround strategy under new CEO Enrique Lores, potentially reshaping its competitive landscape in the fintech sector.
9 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Economy· World
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Indicates Possible Rate Hikes Amid Stubborn Inflation
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh signaled a potential interest rate hike during his speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, citing a persistent PCE inflation rate of 3.7%. This shift comes as financial conditions remain accommodative, prompting markets to adjust expectations for a September rate increase. Long-term, this could lead to tighter monetary policy, impacting economic growth and market stability.
24 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Crypto· World
Divergence in Bitcoin Price Predictions Between Wall Street and Prediction Markets
On August 26, 2026, Bitcoin's price predictions from Wall Street analysts and prediction markets showed significant divergence, with Bitcoin trading above $75,000. This discrepancy arises as Wall Street remains optimistic about institutional adoption and ETF inflows, while prediction markets reflect caution amid regulatory uncertainties. The long-term implication suggests that ongoing volatility and differing sentiment could lead to increased market speculation and hedging strategies in the cryptocurrency sector.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Economy· MENA
Bahrain's Non-Oil GDP Grows 2.2% Amid Oil Sector Contraction
Bahrain's non-oil GDP grew by 2.2% year-on-year in Q1 2026 despite an overall contraction of 3.8% in real GDP due to a significant decline in oil activities. This growth is attributed to strong performance in non-oil sectors prior to disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions and maintenance in the oil sector. The long-term implication suggests a continued focus on economic diversification as Bahrain seeks to reduce its dependence on oil revenues.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Business· World
Nvidia Reports Record Quarterly Profit of $59.69 Billion Fueled by AI Chip Demand
Nvidia announced a more than doubling of its quarterly profit to $59.69 billion, driven by surging demand for AI chips. This remarkable growth is attributed to major technology companies investing heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure at this critical juncture. Looking ahead, Nvidia's strong forward guidance suggests continued dominance in the AI sector despite ongoing supply chain challenges.
11 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Crypto· World
U.S. Spot Ethereum ETFs See Record $1.42 Billion Net Inflows in August 2026
U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs experienced their highest monthly net inflows since August 2025, totaling $1.42 billion during a nine-to-ten trading day period from August 17 to 27, 2026. This surge was triggered by renewed institutional demand amid favorable macroeconomic conditions, with BlackRock's ETHA fund capturing a significant portion of the inflows. The long-term implication suggests a strengthening position for Ethereum in the financial market, potentially narrowing the gap with Bitcoin ETFs and indicating a shift in institutional investment strategies towards Ethereum assets.
8 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Business· World
Lambda Raises $1 Billion in Private Debt for Nvidia GPU Deployment with Microsoft
Lambda has secured approximately $1 billion in private debt to finance the purchase of Nvidia GPUs for lease to Microsoft. This financing, arranged by JPMorgan, comes amid a significant global increase in AI-related debt financing, which has surpassed $400 billion in 2026. The long-term implication is that Lambda's continued expansion in AI infrastructure may position it for a potential IPO in 2027 as demand for GPU capacity remains high.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Economy· World
Dallas Fed Research Warns Tokenized Deposits May Slash U.S. Bank Lending Capacity by $580 Billion
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has published a research paper indicating that the adoption of tokenized deposits could reduce U.S. banks' maturity transformation capacity by approximately $580 billion. This shift is driven by the potential for instant settlement and increased interest rate sensitivity associated with blockchain technology. In the long term, banks may need to adjust their asset management strategies, potentially leading to higher credit costs and changes in funding practices.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Economy· UAE
Dubai Leads Global Rankings in Cultural and Creative Industries FDI for Fourth Year
Dubai has retained its position as the top global destination for greenfield foreign direct investment projects in cultural and creative industries, attracting 754 projects in 2025. This achievement is driven by the emirate's strategic initiatives and supportive policies that enhance its appeal as a hub for digital content and creative technology. The long-term implication is a continued diversification of Dubai's economy into high-value sectors, bolstering job creation and capital inflows.
4 sourcesSep 4Low
- Crypto· World
Ethena Foundation Proposes ENA Token Buybacks Linked to USDe Supply Growth
The Ethena Foundation has proposed a governance measure for automated ENA token buybacks, contingent on the USDe synthetic dollar supply reaching $7.5 billion. This proposal comes as part of a broader restructuring effort to alleviate token unlock overhangs and enhance protocol economics. If successful, this initiative could significantly stabilize ENA token value by tying it directly to the growth of the protocol's core product offerings.
5 sourcesSep 4Moderate