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· MENA
Saudi Arabia ranks first in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2025–2026 report
Saudi Arabia has secured top rankings in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2025–2026 report, showcasing its significant entrepreneurial growth. This achievement is driven by a robust financial environment and a cultural shift towards innovation, as evidenced by the rise in Total Early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity from 12.1% in 2018 to 28.9% in 2025. The long-term implication is that Saudi Arabia is poised to attract more investments and foster a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem aligned with its Vision 2030 goals.
3 sourcesApr 24Low
- Business· MENA
Qatar Airways resumes daily flights to Dubai and Sharjah
Qatar Airways has restarted its daily flights to Dubai and Sharjah. This resumption is part of the airline's strategy to strengthen its regional presence and restore travel links following previous disruptions. As travel restrictions ease, further expansions of Qatar Airways' services are likely, increasing competition in the regional aviation market.
3 sourcesApr 24Low
- Business· World
Saudi Crown Prince and Swiss President Discuss Investment Cooperation in Jeddah
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Swiss President Guy Parmelin to explore investment opportunities. This meeting is driven by both nations' desire to strengthen economic ties and enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors. The long-term implication may lead to increased investment flows and partnerships between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland.
3 sourcesApr 24Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia to Include Government Bonds in Major Global Indices by 2027
The Saudi government has announced that its bonds will be included in the J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Government Bond Index and the Bloomberg Emerging Market Local Currency Government Index starting January 29, 2027. This decision is driven by ongoing financial reforms under Vision 2030 aimed at attracting foreign investment. The long-term implication is a potential influx of international capital that could reshape the investment landscape in Saudi Arabia and enhance market liquidity.
5 sourcesApr 24Low
- Business· UAE
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Achieves Record Q1 2026 Profit of AED 3.781 Billion
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank reported a record profit before tax of AED 3.781 billion for Q1 2026, marking a 30 percent increase year-on-year. This surge is attributed to an 18 percent expansion in net loans and a significant rise in non-interest income, reflecting the bank's successful revenue diversification strategy. The sustained profitability and growth trajectory suggest a robust outlook for the UAE banking sector amidst favorable economic conditions.
6 sourcesApr 24Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Taxi Company expands fleet with acquisition of 600 new taxi license plates
Dubai Taxi Company has acquired 600 new taxi plates, increasing its fleet to 6,817 vehicles. This strategic move is driven by the rising demand for mobility services in Dubai and aims to enhance operational efficiency. The long-term implication is that this expansion will support Dubai's vision for a smart and integrated mobility ecosystem, positioning the company to better serve residents and visitors.
4 sourcesApr 24Low
- Business· World
SoftBank seeks $10 billion loan backed by OpenAI shares to enhance AI investments
SoftBank Group Corp. is pursuing a $10 billion margin loan secured by its shares in OpenAI. This financial maneuver follows SoftBank's substantial commitment of approximately $64.6 billion for a 13% stake in OpenAI, reflecting its aggressive strategy in the AI sector. As competition in the AI landscape intensifies, SoftBank's borrowing strategies will be crucial in determining its future influence and success in the technology market.
3 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Crypto· MENA
Cryptocurrency Scam Targets Stranded Ships in Strait of Hormuz
Fraudsters have begun impersonating Iranian officials to extort cryptocurrency payments from stranded merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This surge in scams is fueled by the ongoing US-Iran conflict, which has left hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers stranded since late February 2026. The long-term implication may include increased scrutiny and regulation of cryptocurrency transactions amid rising maritime security concerns in the region.
9 sourcesApr 24High
- Crypto· World
Ripple unveils four-phase plan to secure XRP Ledger against quantum computing threats by 2028
Ripple has announced a comprehensive four-phase plan to enhance the security of the XRP Ledger against potential quantum computing threats by 2028. This initiative is a proactive response to the growing concerns regarding the vulnerability of current blockchain cryptography to advancements in quantum technology. The success of Ripple's initiative could set a precedent for other blockchain platforms, emphasizing the need for robust security measures in the face of emerging technologies.
4 sourcesApr 24Low
- Crypto· World
DoorDash integrates stablecoin payments for delivery drivers via Tempo blockchain
DoorDash has announced its plans to implement stablecoin payments for its delivery workers through the Tempo blockchain. This initiative is driven by the need to streamline payment processes and enhance the financial experience for couriers at this moment of increasing interest in cryptocurrency within the gig economy. The long-term implication may lead to a broader acceptance of cryptocurrency in payroll practices across various industries as more companies explore similar solutions.
5 sourcesApr 24Low
- Crypto· World
Polymarket and Kalshi to Launch Crypto Perpetual Futures in U.S. Market
Polymarket and Kalshi are both set to launch crypto perpetual futures in the U.S. market. This move is driven by the growing trend in the prediction market space as both platforms aim to capture a share of the evolving derivatives market. The introduction of these products is likely to intensify competition and attract new traders seeking leveraged trading opportunities in a regulated environment.
3 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Crypto· World
Blockchain.com launches perpetual futures trading in DeFi wallet
Blockchain.com has introduced perpetual futures trading in its DeFi wallet, enabling self-custodied Bitcoin trading across over 190 markets. This development is driven by the growing momentum in the cryptocurrency industry and the anticipation of regulatory clarity, particularly with potential CFTC approval for derivative contracts. In the long term, this move may lead to broader access to innovative trading features for a wider range of investors as regulations evolve.
3 sourcesApr 24Low
- Crypto· World
Volo Protocol suffers $3.5 million security breach impacting DeFi sector
Volo Protocol confirmed a significant security breach resulting in a loss of $3.5 million from its vaults. This incident follows a recent exploit at another DeFi platform, KelpDAO, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in the decentralized finance space. The long-term implication may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and demands for enhanced security measures across DeFi protocols.
3 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Crypto· World
Nium partners with Coinbase to integrate USDC for global payments
Nium has announced a partnership with Coinbase to enable USDC-based payments and fiat payouts across more than 190 countries. This integration is driven by the increasing demand for cryptocurrency payment solutions in global commerce. In the long term, this collaboration positions Nium to lead in the evolving landscape of cross-border payments, potentially attracting more businesses seeking innovative solutions.
3 sourcesApr 24Low
- Crypto· World
European Investors Show Increased Willingness to Switch Banks for Cryptocurrency Access
A recent survey indicates that 35% of European investors are willing to change banks for better access to cryptocurrency services. This shift is driven by a growing demand for digital asset offerings despite existing regulatory uncertainties. In the long term, banks may need to innovate and enhance their crypto services to retain customers and remain competitive in the evolving financial landscape.
4 sourcesApr 24Low
- Crypto· World
SEC Introduces Innovation Exemption for Tokenized Securities Trading
The SEC has announced the introduction of an 'innovation exemption' to facilitate compliant on-chain trading of tokenized securities. This regulatory shift is driven by the need for clearer cryptocurrency regulations and a focus on investor protection. In the long term, this initiative is expected to reshape U.S. capital markets by encouraging innovation and attracting more participants to the crypto space.
3 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Crypto· World
Kelp DAO Exploited for $292 Million in Major DeFi Attack Linked to Lazarus Group
On April 18, 2026, Kelp DAO's LayerZero-powered rsETH bridge was exploited, resulting in the theft of 116,500 rsETH tokens valued at approximately $292 million. The attack was triggered by a combination of RPC node poisoning and a DDoS assault that forced reliance on a compromised verifier configuration. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in cross-chain bridges and may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory measures within the DeFi sector.
7 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Crypto· World
Coinbase Advisory Board Urges Cryptocurrency Sector to Prepare for Quantum Computing Threats
Coinbase's Independent Advisory Board has released a report calling for the cryptocurrency industry to develop strategies to address potential threats from quantum computing. This urgency arises as advancements in quantum technology make it increasingly plausible that current encryption methods could be compromised. The long-term implication is that the cryptocurrency sector must prioritize post-quantum solutions to maintain security and trust in blockchain technologies.
3 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Economy· World
Pyth Network Partners with Kalshi to Enhance Commodities Trading
Pyth Network has expanded its partnership with Kalshi to provide real-time pricing data for commodities markets. This collaboration is driven by Kalshi's need to enhance trading efficiency and accuracy in settling trades for key commodities like gold and oil. The long-term implication is a likely increase in the integration of blockchain technology within traditional financial markets, paving the way for further innovations.
3 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Crypto· World
UK FCA conducts major crackdown on illegal P2P crypto trading
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has raided eight locations in London suspected of facilitating illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading. This operation is part of a broader initiative to enforce compliance in the cryptocurrency sector amid rising concerns over financial crime. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, cryptocurrency platforms in the UK may face increased challenges in compliance, potentially reshaping the market landscape.
5 sourcesApr 24Moderate