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
8384 stories- Crypto· World
Polish Olympic Committee President Charged in Cryptocurrency Scandal
On August 27, 2026, Radosław Piesiewicz, president of the Polish Olympic Committee, was charged with influence peddling and preferential treatment of creditors amid the Zondacrypto cryptocurrency exchange collapse. This development follows a broader investigation into the exchange's insolvency, which has already resulted in significant financial losses for clients. The long-term implications may include increased scrutiny and regulatory reforms in the cryptocurrency sector and sports sponsorships in Poland.
5 sourcesSep 4Low
- Economy· World
US-Canada Trade War Intensifies with New Tariffs Heightening Recession Fears
On August 28, 2026, escalating tariffs between the United States and Canada have raised recession concerns, particularly for the Canadian economy. This trade dispute was triggered by the US imposing 50 percent tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods after failed negotiations. If the situation deteriorates further, it could lead to significant job losses in Canada and threaten the stability of the USMCA agreement.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Crypto· World
Grayscale Launches Zcash ETF Amid Surge in Privacy Demand
Grayscale has launched the first U.S. spot Zcash ETF, ZCSH, as Zcash's shielded transaction usage reaches 90% and market capitalization doubles. This move is driven by increasing institutional interest in privacy-focused cryptocurrencies in response to rising AI-driven financial surveillance. The long-term implication is a potential shift in market dynamics, allowing Zcash to capture a share of Bitcoin's market dominance as privacy becomes a key investment criterion.
4 sourcesSep 4Low
- Crypto· World
Starkware Mines First Quantum-Safe Bitcoin Transaction on Mainnet
Starkware successfully executed the first quantum-safe Bitcoin transaction on the mainnet, utilizing the Quantum-Safe Bitcoin method. This milestone comes as discussions intensify around the vulnerabilities of Bitcoin's current cryptographic methods in the face of potential quantum computing threats. The long-term implication is a push towards adopting quantum-resistant solutions within the Bitcoin ecosystem, potentially leading to future protocol upgrades.
4 sourcesSep 4Low
- Crypto· World
Monad Introduces Draft MIP for Enhanced Account Authentication and Quantum Resistance
Monad has published a draft Monad Improvement Proposal (MIP) that allows for flexible and upgradeable account authentication on its Layer-1 blockchain. This initiative is driven by the need to address vulnerabilities posed by quantum computing and the risks associated with lost cryptographic keys. In the long term, this positions Monad as a leader in post-quantum blockchain security, potentially influencing other blockchain protocols to adopt similar measures.
3 sourcesAug 28Low
- Crypto· World
BNB Chain Pasteur Hard Fork Activates on BSC Mainnet Enhancing Security and Throughput
The BNB Chain Pasteur hard fork successfully activated on the BNB Smart Chain mainnet on August 25 2026. This upgrade was triggered by the need to strengthen cross-chain bridge security and improve block processing capacity following previous speed-focused enhancements. In the long term, this upgrade is expected to bolster the resilience of cross-chain infrastructure and potentially increase DeFi activity among users and institutions.
3 sourcesAug 28Low
- Crypto· World
Brent Kovar Convicted in $24 Million AI Supercomputer Crypto Ponzi Scheme
On August 24, 2026, Brent C. Kovar was convicted of operating a $24 million Ponzi scheme involving a fraudulent AI supercomputer for cryptocurrency mining. The conviction follows a lengthy investigation and trial, triggered by Kovar's false promises of high returns and substantial crypto reserves to over 400 investors. This case highlights the increasing scrutiny and enforcement actions against cryptocurrency fraud, likely leading to more stringent regulations in the sector.
3 sourcesAug 28Low
- Business· World
Stability AI Secures $76 Million Series B Funding from Major Entertainment Players
Stability AI closed a $76 million Series B funding round on August 25, 2026, with investments from major music labels and Electronic Arts. This funding is driven by the company's strategic pivot towards licensed data partnerships to enhance its generative AI tools in music and gaming. The long-term implication is that Stability AI is positioning itself as a key player in the creative industries, focusing on compliance and integration with established workflows rather than relying on unlicensed data.
4 sourcesAug 28Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Price Falls Below $80,000 Amid Overbought Market Conditions
Bitcoin's price dropped below $80,000 on August 25, 2026, after reaching a multi-month high of over $81,200. This decline was triggered by an overbought Relative Strength Index (RSI) reading of 82.44, leading traders to take profits. The long-term implication suggests potential further consolidation or retracement in Bitcoin's price if support levels fail to hold.
3 sourcesAug 28Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitwise Launches Automated Token Portfolios for Non-U.S. Investors
Bitwise has launched Automated Token Portfolios (ATPs) that allow eligible non-U.S. investors to hold and rebalance tokenized U.S. stocks in self-custodied wallets. This initiative is triggered by the recent debut of tokenized equities by Coinbase, reflecting a shift towards integrating traditional asset management strategies into the crypto space. The long-term implication is the potential for tokenized equities to disrupt traditional ETF markets by offering enhanced trading flexibility and self-custody options.
4 sourcesAug 28Moderate
- Crypto· World
Operation Lighthouse targets 29,120 crypto addresses linked to CSAM networks
Operation Lighthouse has identified 29,120 cryptocurrency addresses associated with child sexual abuse material networks through a multi-agency investigative sprint. This initiative, led by Chainalysis and involving law enforcement from 125 countries, was triggered by a rise in CSAM distribution reports, prompting urgent action. The long-term implication is expected to be a model for enhanced public-private collaboration in combating illicit cryptocurrency activities and further investigations leading to arrests and prosecutions through 2027.
4 sourcesAug 28Moderate
- Crypto· World
World Liberty Financial Launches USD1 Stablecoin on Canton Network
On August 25, 2026, World Liberty Financial enabled the native issuance of its USD1 stablecoin on the Canton Network. This integration is driven by the growing institutional demand for tokenized assets and the need for atomic settlement capabilities. The long-term implication is that USD1 may become a key player in the regulated financial sector, enhancing cash and asset settlement processes.
3 sourcesAug 28Moderate
- Crypto· World
Binance XRP Leverage Ratio Reaches Highest Level Since January 2026
On August 24, 2026, the Estimated Leverage Ratio for XRP perpetual futures on Binance climbed to approximately 0.213, marking a significant increase in derivatives trading activity. This surge follows Binance's decision on August 21 to double the maximum leverage from 5x to 10x, which has reignited risk appetite among traders. The long-term implication suggests a potential increase in market volatility and liquidation risks as traders leverage borrowed capital more aggressively in a recovering market.
4 sourcesAug 28Moderate
- Crypto· World
Crypto Fear and Greed Index Reaches Extreme Greed for First Time Since Late 2024
The Crypto Fear and Greed Index surged to 81 on August 25, 2026, indicating extreme greed in the cryptocurrency market. This shift was triggered by Bitcoin's 24% weekly gain, significant short liquidations, and substantial inflows into Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. The long-term implication suggests potential volatility ahead as historical patterns indicate that extreme greed often precedes market corrections.
4 sourcesAug 28Moderate
- Crypto· World
Roman Storm's retrial postponed to April 2027 amid pending acquittal motion
Roman Storm's retrial on money laundering and sanctions charges has been postponed to April 26, 2027, following a court order. The delay is due to a pending Rule 29 motion for acquittal on his existing conviction, combined with defense scheduling requests. This postponement may set a precedent for the regulatory landscape surrounding privacy-focused crypto protocols and their developers.
3 sourcesAug 28Low
- Crypto· World
IBIT Options Expiration Scheduled for September 18, 2026, with $5 Billion Notional Value
Approximately $5 billion in notional value of IBIT options is set to expire on September 18, 2026. This significant event is driven by the dominance of call-heavy open interest in BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, with the calculated max pain strike at $40. The expiration is likely to influence delta-hedging flows into Bitcoin, impacting market dynamics as participants adjust their positions ahead of the date.
3 sourcesAug 28Low
- Crypto· MENA
Thailand SEC Initiates Public Consultation for Bitcoin and Ether ETF Regulations
On August 24, 2026, Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission launched a public consultation on draft regulations for spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds. This initiative is prompted by previous stakeholder support during an April-May 2026 hearing, aiming to enhance domestic investment options while ensuring regulatory compliance. The long-term implication is the establishment of a regulated crypto ETF market in Thailand, potentially influencing investment strategies and custody practices in the region.
5 sourcesAug 28Moderate
- Crypto· World
Ethereum Developers Propose EIP-8394 for Quantum-Resistant Validator Deposits
Ethereum developers have circulated draft EIP-8394 to redesign the validator deposit contract for post-quantum cryptography support. This initiative is prompted by recent analyses indicating a reduced qubit requirement for breaking current cryptographic standards, elevating the urgency for quantum security. Long-term, this proposal aims to safeguard approximately $104 billion in staked ETH and prepare the Ethereum network for future quantum-safe cryptographic schemes.
3 sourcesAug 28Low
- Business· World
39 US State Banking Associations Launch BankChain Alliance for Blockchain Network by 2027
On August 25, 2026, thirty-nine US state banking associations announced the formation of the BankChain Alliance to develop a nationwide, industry-owned blockchain network. This initiative is driven by the need for community and regional banks to adopt blockchain capabilities amid increasing competition from larger financial entities. The long-term implication is that this coalition may reshape the banking landscape by enabling smaller banks to offer modern digital services while maintaining regulatory compliance and local focus.
4 sourcesAug 28Low
- Crypto· World
RockawayX Acquires Relayer Capital to Launch $150 Million Liquid Opportunities Fund
RockawayX has acquired Relayer Capital and rebranded it as the RockawayX Liquid Opportunities Fund. This acquisition is driven by the growing institutional demand for active crypto trading strategies amid maturing onchain markets. The long-term implication is that RockawayX is positioning itself competitively against established liquid strategy providers in the crypto space.
3 sourcesAug 28Low