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- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Faces Significant Selling Pressure at $76,000 Resistance Level
Bitcoin's price rally encountered a critical resistance at $76,000 on April 15–16, 2026, marked by increased selling activity from holders. This selling pressure was triggered by rising exchange inflows and realized profits nearing $500 million, reminiscent of previous patterns that led to price declines. The long-term implication suggests that if selling continues, Bitcoin may struggle to maintain upward momentum, potentially leading to further price corrections.
12 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Crypto· World
U.S. XRP Spot ETFs Achieve Record Inflows of $17.11 Million Amid Improved Market Sentiment
On April 15, 2026, U.S.-listed XRP spot exchange-traded funds recorded $17.11 million in net inflows, marking the largest single-day amount since February 2026. This surge was triggered by enhanced cryptocurrency market sentiment following U.S.-Iran ceasefire developments and regulatory clarifications from the SEC. The long-term implication suggests a potential increase in institutional investment in XRP and related assets as market conditions stabilize.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
Adam Back Challenges BIP-361 Proposal at Paris Blockchain Week
During Paris Blockchain Week, Adam Back opposed the BIP-361 proposal aimed at freezing quantum-vulnerable Bitcoin addresses. This debate arises as the threat of quantum computing to Bitcoin's security becomes increasingly pressing, with approximately 1.7 million BTC at risk. The outcome may redefine Bitcoin's consensus mechanisms and influence future protocol upgrades in response to emerging technological threats.
7 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
Ripple and Kyobo Life Insurance Launch Tokenized Government Bond Settlement Pilot in South Korea
Ripple and Kyobo Life Insurance initiated South Korea's first tokenized government bond settlement pilot on April 15, 2026. This pilot is driven by the need to enhance efficiency in bond settlements and assess regulatory feasibility within the country's evolving digital finance landscape. The long-term implication could see Ripple solidifying its presence in Asia's digital finance market, potentially influencing global tokenized asset frameworks.
5 sourcesApr 17High
- Business· World
Anthropic Long-Term Benefit Trust Appoints Novartis CEO to Board
Anthropic's Long-Term Benefit Trust appointed Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis, to its Board of Directors, achieving a majority for Trust-selected directors. This strategic move is driven by the need to enhance oversight of Anthropic's AI-driven healthcare initiatives amid increasing regulatory scrutiny. The long-term implication is a strengthened governance structure that may accelerate the integration of AI in the pharmaceutical sector, potentially influencing global healthcare advancements.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin funding rates reach record negative levels signaling potential market bottom
On April 16, 2026, Bitcoin funding rates fell to their most negative levels since 2023, with a 7-day moving average of -0.005%. This shift is driven by a significant number of short positions in the market, indicating bearish sentiment among traders. The long-term implication suggests a potential local bottom for Bitcoin prices, possibly leading to a short squeeze as the market stabilizes around $75,000.
3 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Monetary Authority of Singapore Tightens Monetary Policy Amid Middle East Energy Disruptions
On April 14, 2026, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) tightened its monetary policy by increasing the S$NEER appreciation rate to combat rising inflation. This decision was triggered by sharp increases in global energy prices due to shipping constraints in the Strait of Hormuz, which have persisted since late February 2026. The long-term implication is a potential shift in regional trade dynamics as Singapore's policy may influence inflationary pressures and economic stability in neighboring markets, including the UAE.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
OpenAI Faces Investor Scrutiny Over $852 Billion Valuation Amid Strategic Shift to Enterprise Market
OpenAI's valuation of $852 billion is under scrutiny from investors following a strategic pivot towards enterprise solutions. This scrutiny arises as the company has made multiple revisions to its product roadmap in response to competition from Google and Anthropic, raising concerns about its market position ahead of a planned IPO. The long-term implication may involve a reevaluation of investor confidence and potential shifts in funding strategies within the AI sector.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Chinese Exports Slow to 2.5% Amid Middle East Conflict and Oil Supply Disruptions
Chinese exports grew by only 2.5% year-on-year in March 2026, a significant drop attributed to the ongoing Middle East war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This slowdown follows a sharp increase in January-February and is driven by elevated shipping costs and reduced demand in key markets due to the conflict. Long-term, this situation may lead to increased geopolitical tensions and further disruptions in global supply chains, particularly in energy and agriculture sectors.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
BP Reports Strong Q1 2026 Oil Trading Results Amid Iran Conflict-Induced Market Turbulence
BP has announced exceptional oil trading performance for Q1 2026, driven by significant market volatility due to the ongoing war in Iran. The immediate cause of this surge is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a U.S. naval blockade, which have disrupted oil supplies and pushed prices above $100 per barrel. In the long term, this situation is likely to lead to increased scrutiny and strategic shifts within the energy sector as companies adapt to heightened geopolitical risks and fluctuating market conditions.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
European Airlines Call for EU Action to Address Jet Fuel Shortage Amid Iran Conflict
European airlines have urged the EU to implement emergency measures to prevent a jet fuel shortage caused by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This crisis has disrupted approximately 75% of Europe's jet fuel imports, prompting warnings of systemic shortages within weeks. If the situation does not improve, airlines may face significant operational challenges and increased flight cancellations during the peak summer travel season.
4 sourcesApr 17High
- Business· MENA
Instacart Acquires Colombia-Based Instaleap to Expand Global Grocery Technology Reach
Instacart has acquired Colombia-based Instaleap, enhancing its enterprise grocery technology platform to serve nearly 100 retailers across multiple continents. This acquisition is driven by Instacart's strategic shift towards enterprise solutions amid slowing consumer delivery growth post-IPO. The long-term implication is a strengthened international presence for Instacart, particularly in Latin America and the Middle East, as it integrates its technologies with local retailers like Lulu Hypermarket in Dubai.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
BMW Group reports 3.5 percent decline in Q1 2026 vehicle deliveries due to weak demand in China and the U.S.
On April 14, 2026, BMW Group announced a 3.5 percent year-over-year decline in global vehicle deliveries, totaling 565,748 units. This decline is primarily driven by a 10 percent drop in deliveries in China and a 4.3 percent decrease in the U.S., exacerbated by the end of electric vehicle incentives. Looking ahead, the company anticipates a recovery in sales as it focuses on new model launches and the positive outlook for its Neue Klasse platform.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· MENA
Bitcoin Surges Past $76,000 Amid US-Iran Negotiation Hopes
Bitcoin briefly surpassed $76,000 on April 14, 2026, driven by reports of potential renewed US-Iran negotiations before a ceasefire expiration. The immediate catalyst for this surge was the Iranian proposal to suspend uranium enrichment and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which eased geopolitical tensions. In the long term, this development may enhance the utility of cryptocurrencies in regional trade, particularly if Iran accepts Bitcoin for toll payments in the Strait.
22 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
BlackRock Reports 46% Increase in Q1 2026 Profit Driven by Record ETF Inflows
BlackRock Inc. announced a 46% increase in net income for Q1 2026, reaching $2.2 billion, primarily due to a surge in investment fees and record ETF inflows. This growth is attributed to heightened demand for low-cost investment options amid market volatility and geopolitical tensions. Looking ahead, BlackRock's strong performance may lead to increased competition in the asset management sector as firms seek to capitalize on similar trends in investment strategies.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Stegra Secures €1.4 Billion Financing for Green Steel Plant in Sweden
On April 14, 2026, Stegra announced an agreement in principle for €1.4 billion in financing to complete its hydrogen-based steel plant in Boden, Sweden. This funding, led by Wallenberg Investments, comes in response to rising construction costs and previous funding delays. The successful completion of this plant is expected to position Stegra as a leader in the green steel sector, significantly contributing to decarbonization efforts in Europe.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
UBS Upgrades Tesla Rating to Neutral with Price Target of $352
On April 14, 2026, UBS upgraded its rating on Tesla Inc. stock from Sell to Neutral and raised its price target to $352. This decision follows a significant year-to-date decline in Tesla shares, driven by various operational challenges and a reassessment of long-term growth potential in AI applications. The upgrade suggests a potential stabilization in Tesla's stock performance as analysts anticipate future advancements in autonomous technologies and robotics.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· MENA
Lucid Group secures $750 million in funding and appoints new CEO
Lucid Group has secured $750 million in funding commitments from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund affiliate and Uber, while appointing Silvio Napoli as CEO. This funding comes at a critical time as the company seeks to enhance profitability and expand its electric vehicle offerings amid previous financial challenges. The long-term implication is a strengthened position in the competitive EV market, particularly with plans for robotaxi services and potential growth in the MENA region.
6 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Dow Inc. Announces Leadership Transition with Karen S. Carter as New CEO
On April 14, 2026, Dow Inc. announced that Karen S. Carter will succeed Jim Fitterling as CEO effective July 1, 2026. This leadership change follows a multi-year succession planning process amid ongoing restructuring and weak industrial demand. The appointment is expected to bring operational continuity as the company navigates significant challenges and aims for profitability improvements through restructuring efforts.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· MENA
IMF Lowers MENAP Growth Forecast to 1.4% for 2026 Due to Iran War Disruptions
The International Monetary Fund has downgraded the MENAP region's growth forecast for 2026 by 2.3 percentage points to 1.4%, marking a significant economic shift. This revision is triggered by the ongoing disruptions from the Iran war, which have led to soaring oil prices and damaged infrastructure. In the long term, the region may face increased economic instability and require agile fiscal policies to mitigate the adverse effects on both oil exporters and importers.
4 sourcesApr 17Low