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
8638 stories- Crypto· World
Ethereum buyers regain control in derivatives market as price stabilizes above $2300
Ethereum has experienced a significant shift in market dynamics, with buyers regaining control over derivatives for the first time since 2022. This change is triggered by ETH's price stabilizing above $2,300 and increased institutional inflows through US Spot Ethereum ETFs. The long-term implication suggests that if buying pressure continues, Ethereum may be on the verge of a more substantial recovery.
3 sourcesApr 22Low
- Crypto· World
Coinbase expands crypto-backed USDC loans to UK residents
Coinbase has launched its crypto-backed USDC loan offerings for UK users, allowing them to borrow against Bitcoin and Ethereum. This expansion is driven by strong demand in the US and the UK's evolving regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies. The long-term implication may see Coinbase further enhancing its international credit services as it navigates regulatory developments in various markets.
4 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitmine acquires 101,627 Ether to bolster Ethereum holdings amid geopolitical tensions
Bitmine has made a significant acquisition of 101,627 Ether, increasing its total holdings to nearly 5 million ETH. This strategic move is driven by the company's goal to secure 5% of the total Ethereum supply in response to rising geopolitical tensions. The long-term implication may lead to increased institutional interest in Ethereum and potential market volatility as Bitmine sets a precedent for other investors.
5 sourcesApr 22High
- Business· World
Reabold Resources Initiates Bitcoin Mining Test at Yorkshire Gas Site
Reabold Resources has announced plans to explore small-scale Bitcoin mining at its Yorkshire gas site while reaffirming its commitment to domestic energy supply. This initiative is being tested as a potential early-stage funding tool, utilizing gas from the site to power the mining operation. The long-term implication could see energy companies diversifying revenue streams amidst ongoing discussions about the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining.
3 sourcesApr 22Low
- Crypto· World
XRP price surges to $1.44 amid strong trading volume and investor optimism
XRP's price has risen to $1.44, reflecting a 2.3% increase driven by robust trading activity. This surge is occurring as many investors return to profit, bolstered by positive market sentiment and Ripple's long-term quantum roadmap. If XRP maintains its momentum, it could attract further investment and push prices toward a breakout target of $2.24.
3 sourcesApr 22Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surpasses $76,000 Amid Increased Spot Trading Activity
Bitcoin has reclaimed the $76,000 mark due to a significant rise in spot trading volume, particularly from Coinbase. This surge is occurring now as investor demand and trading activity in the broader cryptocurrency market are on the rise. The long-term implication suggests that if Bitcoin maintains this level, it could lead to increased investor confidence and further price appreciation in the crypto market.
3 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- Crypto· World
Ripple unveils four-phase plan to secure XRP Ledger against quantum computing threats by 2028
Ripple has announced a comprehensive roadmap to enhance the security of the XRP Ledger against potential quantum computing threats by 2028. This initiative is driven by increasing concerns regarding the vulnerability of current blockchain cryptography to advancements in quantum technology. The long-term implication is that Ripple's proactive approach may set a benchmark for other blockchain platforms in preparing for a quantum future.
5 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- Business· World
DoorDash to Implement Stablecoin Payments for Delivery Drivers
DoorDash has announced plans to pay its delivery workers in stablecoins through a partnership with the blockchain firm Tempo. This initiative is driven by the need to streamline payment processes and modernize compensation methods for gig economy workers. The long-term implication could see broader cryptocurrency adoption across various sectors, influencing other companies in the gig economy to follow suit.
5 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- Crypto· World
U.S. Senate's Digital Asset Market Clarity Act Faces Delays Ahead of Midterm Elections
The U.S. Senate's Digital Asset Market Clarity Act is navigating delays but retains a narrow path for approval. These delays are primarily due to ongoing debates over stablecoin rewards and a compressed legislative calendar ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. If passed, the Act could provide much-needed regulatory clarity for the cryptocurrency industry, potentially stabilizing global markets and influencing international regulatory frameworks.
6 sourcesApr 22Low
- Crypto· World
North Korea's Lazarus Group Launders $290 Million in Cryptocurrency Heist
The Lazarus Group has executed a significant cryptocurrency theft, draining approximately $292 million from KelpDAO. This incident is occurring now due to the group's ongoing exploitation of vulnerabilities in decentralized finance systems. In the long term, this may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and security measures within the cryptocurrency industry.
3 sourcesApr 22High
- Crypto· World
Aave V3 Faces $196 Million Bad Debt Following KelpDAO Exploit
On April 18, 2026, Aave V3 incurred approximately $196 million in bad debt due to an exploit of KelpDAO's rsETH bridge. The immediate trigger was attackers depositing unbacked rsETH tokens as collateral to borrow wrapped ETH, leading to a significant market freeze and $8.45 billion in deposit outflows. This incident highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in DeFi protocols, prompting discussions on enhanced risk management and governance within the community.
14 sourcesApr 22High
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Price Drops Below $75,500 Amid US-Iran Geopolitical Tensions
Bitcoin's price fell below $75,500 on April 21, 2026, as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran created a risk-off sentiment in global cryptocurrency markets. The immediate trigger was the failure of peace negotiations and U.S. naval actions in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting traders to reduce their exposure to cryptocurrencies. Long-term implications may include increased volatility in crypto markets as geopolitical conflicts continue to influence investor sentiment and market dynamics.
7 sourcesApr 22Low
- Crypto· World
Arbitrum Security Council Freezes 30,766 ETH Following KelpDAO Exploit
The Arbitrum Security Council has frozen 30,766 ETH in response to a significant exploit affecting KelpDAO, which occurred on April 18, 2026. This emergency action was triggered by a vulnerability in LayerZero's cross-chain messaging system that allowed attackers to drain $292 million in assets. The long-term implication of this incident highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures in decentralized finance protocols to prevent similar exploits in the future.
7 sourcesApr 22Very High
- Crypto· World
Kalshi to Launch Crypto Perpetual Futures in U.S. Market
Kalshi has announced plans to launch crypto perpetual futures for the U.S. market. This initiative is driven by the need to capture a share of the expanding derivatives market amid increasing competition from platforms like Polymarket. The long-term implication is a potential reshaping of regulated digital asset trading in the U.S., as more platforms enter this space.
5 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- 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 initiative is driven by the anticipation of regulatory clarity in the U.S. regarding derivative contracts. In the long term, this move may enhance user engagement and lead to increased market participation in decentralized finance platforms as regulations evolve.
3 sourcesApr 22Low
- Crypto· World
Kelp DAO suffers $292 million exploit linked to North Korea's Lazarus Group
On April 18, 2026, Kelp DAO experienced a significant exploit resulting in the theft of $292 million worth of rsETH tokens through its LayerZero-based cross-chain bridge. The breach was triggered by compromised LayerZero RPC nodes and a DDoS attack, which forced the system to rely on tainted verifiers. This incident is likely to lead to increased scrutiny and potential regulatory changes in the DeFi sector as security vulnerabilities are reassessed and addressed.
10 sourcesApr 22High
- Crypto· World
Nium partners with Coinbase to integrate USDC for global payments
Nium has officially launched its partnership with Coinbase to enable USDC-based payments and fiat payouts across over 190 countries. This integration is driven by the increasing demand for cryptocurrency solutions in cross-border transactions. In the long term, this collaboration positions Nium to enhance its market share and influence in the fintech sector, particularly in international payments.
3 sourcesApr 22Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surges Past $77,000 Amid US-Iran Ceasefire Expiration
Bitcoin's price surged beyond $77,000 on April 21, 2026, leading to nearly $40 million in short liquidations on cryptocurrency exchanges. This spike was triggered by the impending expiration of a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran, which heightened Bitcoin's appeal as a safe-haven asset. The long-term implication is a potential increase in Bitcoin's role as a geopolitical hedge amid ongoing tensions in the region.
9 sourcesApr 22Moderate - Crypto· MENA
Bybit invests $8 million in Malaysian crypto exchange Hata
Bybit has led an $8 million funding round for the Malaysian crypto exchange Hata. This investment coincides with Malaysia's efforts to enhance its regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and digital assets. The backing from Bybit is likely to accelerate innovation and competitiveness in Malaysia's growing digital asset ecosystem.
3 sourcesApr 22Low
- Crypto· World
Bank of Korea Governor Prioritizes CBDCs Over Stablecoins in Inaugural Address
The newly appointed Governor of the Bank of Korea, Hyun-Song Shin, has emphasized the importance of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and bank-issued deposit tokens while omitting stablecoins from his first policy address. This shift is occurring as South Korea intensifies its scrutiny of the crypto market and seeks to modernize its currency framework. The long-term implication may lead to a more regulated digital currency environment in South Korea, impacting both local and international crypto markets.
4 sourcesApr 22Low