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
4272 stories- Business· MENA
Saudi Energy Company reports 89.3% increase in net profits for Q1 2026
The Saudi Energy Company announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, revealing a significant increase in revenues and net profits. This surge in profitability, attributed to strong operational performance, reflects a broader trend of growth within the Saudi energy sector. The company is likely to leverage this momentum for future investments and to influence market dynamics in the region.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Economy· World
Gold prices surge amid weakening dollar and geopolitical tensions
Gold prices have risen for the third consecutive session, reaching over $4700 per ounce. This increase is driven by a declining dollar and investor optimism regarding a potential ceasefire in the Middle East. As geopolitical tensions persist, gold prices are expected to remain volatile, influenced by ongoing economic indicators and market sentiment.
3 sourcesMay 8Moderate
- Business· MENA
Saudi Aramco partners with Solutions by stc to develop advanced supercomputer for hydrocarbon exploration
Saudi Aramco has announced a collaboration with Solutions by stc to create a high-performance supercomputer aimed at enhancing its hydrocarbon exploration and production capabilities. This initiative is driven by Aramco's commitment to digital transformation and a significant investment of 1.4 billion SAR. The long-term implication is that this supercomputer will position Aramco as a leader in technological advancements within the global energy sector, improving operational efficiency and competitiveness.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Business· UAE
UAE Launches First Passenger Station of Etihad Rail Project
Etihad Rail's first passenger station has been completed, connecting major cities including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This milestone is occurring now as part of a broader initiative to enhance travel infrastructure and connectivity within the UAE. The long-term implication is expected to be a significant boost in regional tourism and economic growth as the rail network becomes operational by 2026.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Business· UAE
UAE Launches Make it in the Emirates 2026 Platform to Enhance Industrial Sector
The UAE has introduced the 'Make it in the Emirates 2026' platform to enhance industrial growth. This initiative is being implemented now as part of the country's strategic priority to bolster its industrial sector, highlighted during a summit attended by top leadership. The long-term implication is that this focus on industrial growth is expected to drive economic diversification and sustainability in the UAE.
5 sourcesMay 8Low
- Economy· World
Brent crude oil prices drop to $96 amid easing U.S.-Iran tensions
Brent crude oil prices have fallen to $96.03 per barrel following a decrease in geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran. This shift is occurring as negotiations between the two nations suggest a potential reopening of the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping route. If successful, these negotiations could lead to stabilization in oil prices, impacting global supply dynamics in the long term.
4 sourcesMay 8Low
- Economy· World
Global debt reaches record high of $353 trillion driven by U.S. and China borrowing
Global debt has surged to a record high of approximately $353 trillion as of March 2026. This increase is primarily attributed to heightened borrowing in the United States and China, reflecting ongoing financial pressures in these major economies. The long-term implication suggests that policymakers will need to address the challenges posed by rising debt levels on economic stability and growth, especially amid increasing interest rates and inflationary pressures.
3 sourcesMay 8Moderate
- Business· World
ElevenLabs secures over $550 million in Series D funding led by high-profile investors
ElevenLabs has raised over $550 million in its Series D funding round, attracting notable investors including Jamie Foxx and BlackRock. This surge in investment is driven by the increasing demand for voice AI technologies and the company's impressive annual recurring revenue exceeding $500 million. The long-term implication is that ElevenLabs is well-positioned for continued growth and innovation in the AI sector, potentially influencing the broader market landscape.
4 sourcesMay 8Low
- Crypto· World
Haun Ventures raises $1 billion for cryptocurrency and AI integration
Haun Ventures has launched a $1 billion fund aimed at developing a new financial system that merges cryptocurrency with artificial intelligence. This initiative is driven by the increasing recognition of AI's role in shaping future economic activities and the demand for advanced financial infrastructure. The long-term implication is that this fund could significantly influence the evolution of financial services and the broader economic landscape as AI technologies advance.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Crypto· World
Standard Chartered invests $150 million in crypto firm GSR, boosting its valuation to over $1 billion
SC Ventures, the venture capital arm of Standard Chartered, has invested $150 million in the crypto trading firm GSR, which is now valued at over $1 billion. This investment is driven by a growing institutional confidence in the cryptocurrency market and aims to enhance GSR's capabilities in tokenization and liquidity for digital assets. The long-term implication is that such institutional investments could accelerate the adoption of digital assets among traditional financial institutions, shaping the future of digital asset markets.
4 sourcesMay 8Low
- Crypto· World
Ripple to Share Threat Intelligence on North Korean Cyber Activities with Crypto Industry
Ripple has announced its initiative to share intelligence regarding North Korean-linked cyber threats with the Crypto ISAC. This move comes in response to a predicted increase in hacking activities, particularly following significant breaches in decentralized finance. Long-term, this collaboration could enhance cybersecurity measures across the cryptocurrency sector and set a precedent for collective defense against state-sponsored cyber threats.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Crypto· World
A16z Crypto launches $2.2 billion fund to invest in cryptocurrency startups
A16z Crypto has announced the launch of a $2.2 billion fund aimed at supporting innovations in the cryptocurrency sector. This initiative comes at a time when other venture capital firms are diversifying their investments into AI, indicating a strategic pivot in the investment landscape. The long-term implication is that A16z's commitment may influence other firms to follow suit, potentially revitalizing interest in cryptocurrency innovations despite current market challenges.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Business· World
K Wave Media shifts $485 million from Bitcoin to AI infrastructure
K Wave Media has abandoned its Bitcoin treasury strategy to invest $485 million in AI data centers and GPU infrastructure. This decision comes as the company pivots towards the rapidly growing AI sector, reflecting a broader trend of corporate investment shifting away from cryptocurrency. The long-term implication is that K Wave Media could position itself favorably in the competitive AI market as demand for such technologies continues to rise.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Crypto· World
Polygon launches private payment solution for stablecoins enhancing transaction confidentiality
Polygon has introduced a privacy layer for stablecoin payments that conceals transaction details from public view. This initiative is driven by the need to attract traditional financial institutions seeking confidential transaction options. In the long term, this development could reshape how institutions handle large-volume transactions by prioritizing privacy and compliance in the cryptocurrency industry.
3 sourcesMay 8Moderate
- Crypto· World
Kraken partners with MoneyGram to enable global crypto cash-outs
Kraken has formed a partnership with MoneyGram to allow cryptocurrency users to convert their digital assets into cash at over 500,000 locations worldwide. This initiative is driven by Kraken's preparations for a potential IPO, aiming to enhance accessibility to digital assets. The long-term implication is an expected increase in user adoption of cryptocurrencies, positioning Kraken favorably in the evolving market landscape.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Crypto· World
Iggy Azalea sued over MOTHER memecoin collapse as investors claim deception
Iggy Azalea is facing a federal class-action lawsuit after her MOTHER memecoin's value plummeted by approximately 99%. The lawsuit arises from allegations that investors were misled about the token's utility and business connections, coinciding with the drastic price drop. This legal action could lead to increased scrutiny and potential regulatory changes regarding celebrity endorsements in the cryptocurrency market.
3 sourcesMay 8Moderate
- Crypto· World
Ripple CEO Highlights XRP Community Resilience Amid Clarity Act Progress
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse addressed the Consensus 2026 conference, emphasizing the strength of the XRP community and the legislative advancements of the Clarity Act. This momentum is driven by recent compromises on stablecoin regulations in the U.S., which are gaining traction at this pivotal moment. As the Clarity Act progresses, it may lead to a more defined regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies, fostering increased adoption and innovation in the sector.
3 sourcesMay 8Moderate
- Crypto· World
Moscow Exchange to Launch New Cryptocurrency Indexes for SOL, XRP, TRX, and BNB in 2026
The Moscow Exchange has announced the launch of new cryptocurrency indexes for Solana, XRP, Tron, and Binance Coin, set to debut on May 13, 2026. This expansion is driven by the exchange's aim to diversify its offerings beyond Bitcoin and Ether, responding to growing interest in digital assets. The long-term implication is a potential increase in institutional investment in cryptocurrencies within Russia, which may lead to further regulatory developments in the sector.
3 sourcesMay 8Moderate
- Crypto· World
Western Union launches USDPT stablecoin on Solana blockchain
Western Union has introduced USDPT, a US dollar-backed stablecoin on the Solana blockchain, enabling 24/7 settlements. This launch is driven by the recent passage of the US's GENIUS Act, which promotes stablecoin adoption among remittance companies. The long-term implication is a potential transformation in the remittance industry, increasing competition and innovation in digital payment systems globally.
4 sourcesMay 8Low
- Crypto· World
Aave seeks court approval to unfreeze $71 million in Ethereum linked to user claims
Aave has filed an emergency motion in a New York court to unfreeze $71 million in Ethereum that was blocked due to a restraining notice. The immediate trigger for this motion is Aave's assertion that the funds are owed to users affected by a recent exploit, rather than being tied to North Korean claims. The long-term implication could set a precedent for asset recovery in the decentralized finance sector, influencing user trust and regulatory scrutiny.
5 sourcesMay 8