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
8664 stories- Business· MENA
Slash Secures $100 Million Series C Funding to Enhance Stablecoin Business Banking
Slash announced a $100 million Series C funding round at a $1.4 billion valuation, marking a significant milestone for the fintech platform. This funding comes as Slash achieves $250 million in annual recurring revenue and launches Twin, an AI private banker, amidst growing adoption of stablecoins in B2B payments. The long-term implication is a potential shift in business banking practices as stablecoin integration becomes more mainstream, particularly benefiting companies in the MENA region.
6 sourcesApr 18High
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Hits 10-Week High of $77,027 Driven by ETF Inflows and Eased Geopolitical Tensions
On April 17, 2026, Bitcoin reached a new 10-week price high of $77,027 on the Bitstamp exchange. This surge was triggered by declining geopolitical tensions, particularly a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, alongside reduced macroeconomic volatility and significant ETF inflows. Analysts predict that this momentum could push Bitcoin's price to between $85,000 and $88,000 in the coming weeks, indicating a sustained bullish sentiment in the cryptocurrency market.
4 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Crypto· World
French Finance Minister Supports Euro-Pegged Stablecoins to Challenge U.S. Market Dominance
On April 17, 2026, French Finance Minister Roland Lescure endorsed euro-pegged stablecoins during a crypto conference in Paris. This shift is driven by the low volume of euro stablecoins compared to dollar-pegged alternatives, prompting European banks to form the Qivalis consortium to launch a euro stablecoin under the EU's MiCA framework. The long-term implication is a potential reduction in Europe's reliance on U.S. stablecoins, fostering a more competitive digital payments landscape in the region.
3 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surges to $78,348 as Iran Reopens Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Foreign Minister announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic, leading to Bitcoin reaching an intraday high of $78,348. This development follows a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, easing geopolitical tensions and energy supply concerns. The long-term implication may involve a shift in global energy dynamics and increased volatility in cryptocurrency markets as geopolitical factors continue to influence investor sentiment.
8 sourcesApr 18High
- Crypto· World
Circle Internet Financial Sued for Negligence Over Stolen USDC Following Major DeFi Exploit
Circle Internet Financial is facing a class action lawsuit filed on April 14, 2026, for allegedly failing to freeze $230 million in stolen USDC after the Drift Protocol exploit on April 1, 2026. The lawsuit was triggered by claims that Circle allowed attackers, reportedly linked to North Korea, to launder funds despite having the technical capability to intervene. This incident raises significant concerns about the responsibilities of stablecoin issuers and may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny in the DeFi space.
5 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Breaks Above $77,000 as MicroStrategy Shares Surge 12%
On April 17, 2026, Bitcoin surpassed its 100-day moving average, reaching a high of $77,377 after a ten-week consolidation. This breakout was triggered by the absorption of $450 million in sell orders and a significant short covering, alongside a 12% rise in MicroStrategy shares due to its substantial BTC treasury gains. The long-term implication suggests a potential rally towards the next resistance level of $80,000 as market dynamics shift towards bullish sentiment.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- Crypto· World
Payward to Acquire Bitnomial for Up to $550 Million Enhancing US Crypto Derivatives Infrastructure
On April 17, 2026, Payward, Inc. announced a definitive agreement to acquire Bitnomial, the first US crypto-native firm with all three CFTC licenses. This acquisition is driven by the need to integrate Bitnomial's established infrastructure into Payward's platforms amid evolving US regulatory frameworks favoring CFTC oversight for digital assets. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for Payward in the US crypto derivatives market, potentially accelerating its IPO prospects and product offerings.
5 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Crypto· World
DoubleZero Foundation Launches Edge Beta Platform for Low-Latency Solana Data Delivery
DoubleZero Foundation launched the Edge public beta on April 16, 2026, providing a new infrastructure for delivering Solana blockchain data with significantly reduced latency. This initiative is driven by the need for reliable, low-latency data distribution to support high-frequency trading as Solana evolves towards faster transaction finality. The long-term implication is an enhanced competitive landscape for traders on the Solana network, potentially increasing market participation and profitability.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
U.S. Venture Capital Hits Record $267 Billion in Q1 2026 with Focus on AI
Venture capital dealmaking in the U.S. reached a record $267 billion in the first quarter of 2026, predominantly allocated to AI companies. This surge is driven by renewed investor enthusiasm for AI advancements following a recovery from the downturn experienced post-2022. The long-term implication suggests a continued concentration of capital in AI, potentially leading to further megadeals and a reshaping of the tech landscape.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- Crypto· World
X Money Payments Platform Launches Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
X Money, a new digital payments platform, has launched early public access as of April 2026, announced by Elon Musk. The launch is prompted by the platform's potential to disrupt fintech and digital payments, despite concerns raised by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren regarding consumer protection and financial stability. This development may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and competitive pressures on existing fintech players like PayPal as the market adapts to new digital payment solutions.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Kering Shares Drop 10% Amid Continued Decline in Gucci Sales
Kering's shares fell by up to 10% following an 8% decline in first-quarter sales for Gucci, marking the brand's 11th consecutive quarterly drop. This downturn is attributed to geopolitical tensions, particularly the Iran war, which has reduced spending in the Middle East and softened demand in China. The long-term implication may involve Kering's strategic reset under CEO Luca de Meo, aiming to revive Gucci's desirability by 2028 amidst ongoing market challenges.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Crypto· World
UK FCA Initiates Consultation on Cryptoasset Regulation Ahead of 2027 Framework
The UK Financial Conduct Authority has launched Consultation Paper CP26/13 to gather feedback on perimeter guidance for cryptoasset activities. This initiative is prompted by the upcoming regulatory regime set to take effect on October 25, 2027, following the enactment of the FSMA (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2026. The long-term implication is a structured regulatory environment for cryptoassets in the UK, enhancing consumer protection and market integrity while transitioning firms from existing compliance frameworks.
6 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· MENA
IMF Chief Warns of Economic Challenges Amid Ongoing Middle East Conflict and High Oil Prices
On April 15, 2026, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that the global economy faces tough times if the Middle East conflict continues and oil prices remain elevated. This warning follows recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which have caused significant supply chain breakdowns and inflationary pressures. In the long term, the IMF anticipates increased financing demands of $20-50 billion to support affected countries, particularly those reliant on energy imports and facing economic vulnerabilities.
6 sourcesApr 18Low
- Crypto· World
Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Launch Bitcoin ETFs Following SEC Approval of Generic Listing Standards
Morgan Stanley has launched the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust ETF on the NYSE, while Goldman Sachs has filed for its Bitcoin Premium Income ETF. This development is triggered by the SEC's recent adoption of generic listing standards that facilitate ETF approvals, allowing major financial institutions to offer Bitcoin products. The long-term implication is a likely increase in institutional adoption of Bitcoin, as evidenced by significant inflows and competitive pressures among financial firms.
8 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Business· World
PNC Financial Services Group Raises 2026 Net Interest Income Growth Forecast to 14.5 Percent
On April 15, 2026, PNC Financial Services Group elevated its full-year net interest income growth forecast to 14.5 percent following strong first-quarter loan growth. This adjustment is driven by an 11 percent year-over-year increase in average loans and the successful integration of FirstBank, which added significant assets. The long-term implication suggests PNC may continue to expand its market presence and profitability amid a challenging economic environment.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Stabilize as U.S.-Iran Negotiations Continue
Oil prices remained flat on April 15, 2026, with WTI crude settling at $91.29 per barrel amid ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. The current stabilization is driven by a balance of diplomatic optimism and geopolitical risks, including a U.S. naval blockade and previous disruptions to oil flows. Long-term implications suggest that any successful diplomatic resolution could lead to a significant drop in oil prices as markets adjust to improved supply conditions.
5 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Business· World
Alphabet's Stake in SpaceX Revealed at 5% in Alaska Filing
Alphabet Inc. disclosed a 5% stake in SpaceX, down from 6.11%, in a regulatory filing in Alaska. This reduction follows a series of funding rounds and a recent merger that diluted early investments, coinciding with heightened speculation about SpaceX's impending IPO. The long-term implication suggests Alphabet could realize a significant financial windfall if SpaceX achieves its projected $2 trillion valuation at IPO.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· MENA
X-Energy Launches IPO Aiming for $814 Million to Fund Nuclear Innovations
X-Energy, an Amazon-backed nuclear technology firm, has initiated its initial public offering (IPO) to raise up to $814 million at a valuation of $7.51 billion. This move comes as the company seeks to capitalize on the growing demand for clean energy solutions driven by AI data centers and electrification. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the energy landscape, with increased investment in nuclear technology to meet rising global energy needs and support decarbonization efforts, particularly in regions like the UAE.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Doug Field Leaves Ford Amid Major EV Strategy Overhaul
Ford Motor Company announced the departure of Doug Field, its chief electric vehicle, digital, and design officer, as part of a significant organizational restructuring. This change is prompted by ongoing operational losses in the EV sector and a need to realign strategies to better compete against Chinese rivals. The long-term implication suggests Ford will intensify its focus on a new Product Creation and Industrialization unit to revitalize its electric vehicle initiatives and regain market competitiveness.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
Eurozone Inflation Rate Climbs to 2.6% Amid Energy Price Surge
The Eurozone's annual HICP inflation rate has increased to 2.6% in March 2026, up from 1.9% in February. This rise is primarily driven by a significant surge in energy prices, which have jumped to 5.1% year-on-year due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The long-term implication suggests that the European Central Bank may need to adopt a more hawkish monetary policy to combat rising inflation rates.
6 sourcesApr 18Low