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· World
Netflix Shares Drop 10% Following Weak Q2 Guidance and Board Departure
Netflix's stock fell approximately 10% on April 17, 2026, after the company issued disappointing revenue guidance for Q2 and announced co-founder Reed Hastings' departure from the board. This decline was triggered by investor concerns over Netflix's strategic direction, particularly following its withdrawal from a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery amid increasing competition in the streaming market. In the long term, this may lead to intensified scrutiny of Netflix's growth strategies and potential shifts in its leadership structure as it navigates a challenging industry landscape.
3 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Business· World
Kailera Therapeutics Shares Surge 63% on Nasdaq Debut After Record $625 Million IPO
Kailera Therapeutics Inc. experienced a 63% surge in share price on its Nasdaq debut following a record $625 million initial public offering. This significant event was triggered by strong investor demand in the competitive obesity treatment market, particularly for GLP-1 receptor therapies. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in the biotech landscape, as Kailera's success may encourage further investments and IPOs in the obesity treatment sector.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Crypto· World
Drift Protocol Secures $150 Million Recovery Funding After $285 Million Exploit
Drift Protocol announced a recovery plan of nearly $150 million led by Tether following a $285 million exploit that occurred on April 1, 2026. The exploit was triggered by a six-month social engineering operation that compromised privileged access, allowing attackers to drain user funds. In the long term, this recovery effort may reshape user trust in DeFi protocols and influence the adoption of USDT over USDC in the ecosystem.
15 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Business· World
Mark Mobius, influential figure in emerging markets investing, passes away at 89
Mark Mobius died on April 15, 2026, in Singapore at the age of 89. His death comes as the financial community reflects on his pioneering contributions to emerging markets investing and his extensive fieldwork across various regions. The long-term implication of his passing may lead to a reevaluation of investment strategies in emerging markets and a potential shift in leadership within the sector.
4 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Gold Prices Rise Following Iran's Reopening of Strait of Hormuz Amid Ceasefire
Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels on April 17, 2026, coinciding with a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. This shift was triggered by diplomatic progress toward a broader U.S.-Iran nuclear and sanctions agreement, alleviating immediate oil supply fears. The long-term implication suggests heightened market volatility as analysts anticipate further U.S.-Iran negotiations on asset releases and nuclear curbs.
6 sourcesApr 18Very High
- Business· World
Sazerac Makes $15 Billion Acquisition Bid for Brown-Forman Amid Merger Talks
Sazerac Company has prepared a $15 billion all-cash offer to acquire Brown-Forman Corporation, the maker of Jack Daniel’s whiskey. This move comes as Brown-Forman is engaged in ongoing merger discussions with Pernod Ricard, prompting Sazerac to disrupt these talks with a competitive bid. The long-term implication may lead to increased consolidation in the spirits industry as companies seek scale amid declining consumption and supply chain challenges.
3 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Business· World
Blue Owl Capital Co-CEOs Eliminate Share Collateral for Personal Loans Amid Stock Decline
On April 17, 2026, Blue Owl Capital co-CEOs Doug Ostrover and Marc Lipschultz revised their personal loan agreements to remove company shares as collateral. This decision was prompted by a significant drop in the firm's stock price, which had fallen approximately 20%, raising concerns about potential margin calls and forced share sales. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny on corporate governance practices within the private credit sector as firms navigate liquidity challenges and investor confidence issues.
4 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia Provides US$8 Billion Financial Support to Pakistan
On 16 April 2026, Saudi Arabia extended its US$5 billion deposit with the State Bank of Pakistan and announced an additional US$3 billion support. This initiative is aimed at bolstering Pakistan's economic stability amid ongoing balance-of-payments pressures and dwindling foreign reserves. The long-term implication is a strengthened bilateral relationship that may enhance regional economic cooperation and stability in South Asia.
12 sourcesApr 18High
- Business· World
Roblox Corporation Settles $12.5 Million with Nevada AG to Enhance Child Safety Measures
Roblox Corporation has reached a $12.5 million settlement with the Nevada Attorney General to improve child safety protocols on its gaming platform. This settlement comes in response to increasing scrutiny and legal actions against gaming companies for inadequate protections against online predators. The agreement sets a precedent for enhanced safety measures that may influence similar regulations across the gaming industry nationwide.
5 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Economy· World
Global Stock Markets Surge Following US-Iran Peace Deal Optimism
Global stock markets rallied on April 17, 2026, as investors reacted positively to US President Donald Trump's announcement that a peace deal with Iran was imminent. This surge in market confidence was triggered by expectations of de-escalation in the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict and the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term implications suggest that sustained peace negotiations could stabilize oil prices and enhance investor sentiment across global markets.
9 sourcesApr 18High
- Business· World
TotalEnergies Projects Earnings Surge Amid Iran Conflict and High Oil Prices
TotalEnergies SE announced a significant increase in first-quarter 2026 earnings driven by strong trading and elevated oil prices. This surge is attributed to the volatility caused by the Iran conflict, which has disrupted production and pushed Brent crude prices near $120 per barrel. The long-term implication suggests that integrated oil majors may continue to benefit from ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global energy supplies.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
UK GDP Grows 0.5% in February 2026 Amid Geopolitical Tensions
UK gross domestic product increased by 0.5% month-on-month in February 2026, marking the strongest growth since January 2024. This growth is occurring just before the onset of the US-Israel war with Iran, which is expected to disrupt global energy supplies. The long-term implication is a likely economic downturn for the UK as the International Monetary Fund has downgraded its growth forecast due to rising inflation and energy import dependence.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
Fire at Geelong oil refinery disrupts Australia's fuel supply
A major fire broke out at the Viva Energy oil refinery in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, on 15 April 2026, disrupting high-octane petrol production. The incident was triggered by a gas leak from equipment failure, occurring amid ongoing global oil supply concerns due to the Iran war. Long-term implications include potential fuel price increases and reliance on emergency imports as Australia grapples with reduced strategic reserves.
7 sourcesApr 18High
- Business· World
easyJet Projects £540–560 Million Pre-Tax Loss Due to Middle East Conflict Fuel Surge
easyJet has forecasted a deeper first-half pre-tax loss of £540–560 million, significantly widening from £394 million the previous year. This shift is primarily driven by a £25 million increase in jet fuel costs attributed to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, alongside heightened competition and additional legal provisions. The long-term implication suggests ongoing volatility in fuel prices and customer demand, potentially leading to further financial strain on European carriers amid geopolitical tensions.
5 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Tesco PLC Issues Profit Warning Amid Ongoing Iran War
Tesco PLC has widened its profit guidance for fiscal 2027 to £3.0–£3.3 billion due to uncertainties stemming from the ongoing Iran war. The immediate cause for this adjustment is the economic impact of the conflict, particularly disruptions in oil supply and consumer spending in the UK. Long-term, this situation may lead to increased inflation and volatility in the retail sector as geopolitical tensions persist.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Repsol Regains Control of Venezuelan Petroquiriquire Oil Field to Boost Production
Repsol has signed an agreement to regain operational control of the Petroquiriquire oil field in Venezuela, aiming to increase production from 45,000 to 135,000 barrels per day over three years. This shift follows recent U.S. sanctions relief and reforms in Venezuelan hydrocarbons law after political changes in January 2026. The long-term implication is a potential revitalization of Venezuela's oil sector, attracting further foreign investment and increasing global oil supply.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
US Industrial Production Falls Unexpectedly Amid Rising Oil Prices
United States industrial production decreased by 0.5 percent in March 2026, contrary to expectations of a slight gain. This decline is attributed to heightened economic uncertainty stemming from the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has driven oil prices up by over 35 percent. The long-term implication may involve a cautious approach from businesses, potentially leading to reduced manufacturing demand and employment pressures in related sectors.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
UK Government Prepares for Food Shortages Amid Iran War-Induced CO2 Supply Disruptions
UK officials conducted Exercise Turnstone to simulate potential food shortages by summer 2026 due to CO2 supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran war. The immediate trigger for this planning is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has halted CO2 imports critical for food processing. Long-term implications include heightened food inflation and increased reliance on domestic production as the UK grapples with vulnerabilities in its food supply chain.
3 sourcesApr 18High
- Economy· World
IMF and World Bank Reestablish Relations with Venezuela After Seven-Year Suspension
On April 16, 2026, the International Monetary Fund and World Bank announced the resumption of formal relations with Venezuela's interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez. This decision follows political transitions and U.S. sanction adjustments that have led to renewed member consensus on recognizing the government. The long-term implication is the potential for financial support and debt restructuring for Venezuela's struggling economy, which faces an estimated $150 billion in external debt.
5 sourcesApr 18High
- Business· World
OnlyFans Negotiates Minority Stake Sale Valuing Company Over $3 Billion
On April 17, 2026, OnlyFans entered advanced negotiations to sell a minority stake to Architect Capital, valuing the company at over $3 billion. This move follows the death of founder Leonid Radvinsky in March 2026, prompting the platform to seek stability and expansion into creator banking services. The long-term implication may involve OnlyFans diversifying its offerings and solidifying its market position amid ongoing profitability concerns.
3 sourcesApr 18Low