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
WPP, Dentsu, and Publicis Settle FTC Antitrust Claims Over Conservative Media Ad Restrictions
On April 15, 2026, major advertising agencies WPP, Dentsu, and Publicis reached settlements with the FTC regarding allegations of collusion that limited advertisements on conservative media platforms. This settlement follows a series of complaints and investigations initiated by the FTC in response to coordinated actions by these agencies dating back to 2018. The long-term implication is a potential shift in advertising practices that may enhance competition and reduce political bias in ad placements across media platforms.
6 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Business· MENA
X-Energy, Inc. Launches IPO Roadshow Targeting $814 Million Raise
X-Energy, Inc. has initiated its IPO roadshow, aiming to raise up to $814 million at a valuation of $7.51 billion. This move is triggered by the increasing demand for advanced nuclear technology, particularly from AI data centers, and significant backing from Amazon. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the energy landscape towards nuclear solutions, aligning with global decarbonization efforts and the UAE's energy goals.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Decline Amid Limited Progress in US-Iran Truce Negotiations
On April 15, 2026, gold prices experienced a decline as traders evaluated the slow progress in US-Iran war truce negotiations. This shift is occurring due to ongoing diplomatic efforts following a two-week ceasefire that began on April 7, which has yet to yield significant results. The long-term implication may involve continued volatility in gold prices as market participants react to the evolving geopolitical landscape and potential future agreements.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Doug Field Leaves Ford Amid Major EV Restructuring
Ford Motor Company announced the departure of Doug Field, its Chief EV, Digital and Design Officer, as part of a significant organizational restructuring. This change is driven by the need to accelerate product development and improve efficiency following substantial losses in the EV sector. The long-term implication is a strategic shift towards a unified Product Creation and Industrialization group, which may enhance Ford's competitiveness against rivals in the electric vehicle market.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Nikkei 225 Index Reaches Record High of 59,518.34 Amid U.S.-Iran Peace Optimism
Japan's Nikkei 225 index closed at a record high of 59,518.34 on April 16, 2026, fully recovering from losses incurred during the 2026 Iran war. This surge was triggered by renewed optimism surrounding potential peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, which positively impacted export-oriented sectors. The long-term implication suggests a stabilization of Japan's economy and stock market as geopolitical tensions ease and trade relations improve.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
United States Nears Net Crude Oil Exporter Status Amid Iran War Supply Disruptions
In the week ending April 10, 2026, U.S. net crude oil imports fell to a record-low 66,000 barrels per day, marking a significant shift towards net exporter status. This change is driven by surging U.S. crude exports of 5.2 million barrels per day, as global demand rises to replace Middle Eastern oil supplies disrupted by the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict. Long-term, this could reshape global energy markets and elevate U.S. influence in oil pricing and supply chains.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Mark Mobius, influential figure in emerging markets investing, passes away at 89
Mark Mobius, a key pioneer in emerging markets investing, died on April 15, 2026, in Singapore. His death comes at a time when his recent activities in managing investment funds had garnered attention, highlighting his ongoing influence in the finance sector. The long-term implication of his passing may lead to a reevaluation of investment strategies in emerging markets as leadership transitions occur at Mobius Investments.
3 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Economy· World
Euro Area Inflation Rate Rises to 2.6% Amid Energy Price Surge
The Euro area annual Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices inflation increased to 2.6% in March 2026, up from 1.9% in February. This rise is primarily attributed to a significant jump in energy prices, driven by the ongoing Middle East conflict, including the Iran war. The long-term implication suggests that the European Central Bank may need to adjust its monetary policy in response to persistent inflationary pressures.
6 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
PepsiCo Reports 8.5 Percent Revenue Growth in Q1 2026 Driven by Price Reductions
PepsiCo announced an 8.5 percent revenue increase for Q1 2026, reaching $19.44 billion, attributed to strategic price cuts on its snack brands. The immediate trigger for this growth was the implementation of price reductions of up to 15 percent on popular products like Lay’s and Doritos in February 2026, aimed at regaining market share. Long-term, this strategy may signal a shift in consumer behavior towards affordability, potentially reshaping pricing strategies across the snack food industry.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
TSMC Achieves Record Q1 2026 Revenue and Profit Surge Fueled by AI Chip Demand
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reported record Q1 2026 earnings with a 58% year-over-year profit increase driven by high demand for AI chips. This surge is attributed to the ongoing expansion of AI infrastructure and persistent supply constraints in semiconductor manufacturing. Looking ahead, TSMC's elevated revenue guidance suggests a continued focus on capacity expansion to meet the growing needs of the AI sector.
9 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Crypto· World
Circle CEO Highlights Potential for Yuan-Backed Stablecoin in Global Currency Landscape
Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire announced a significant opportunity for a yuan-backed stablecoin during an interview in Hong Kong, predicting its launch within three to five years. This statement comes as China seeks to enhance the yuan's international presence amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and efforts to de-dollarize. The introduction of such a stablecoin could reshape global trade dynamics and further integrate digital currencies into international finance.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Canva Maintains Workforce Stability Amid Tech Sector Layoffs
Canva has avoided large-scale layoffs despite the ongoing downturn in the tech sector, as reported on April 16, 2026. The company's longstanding profitability and a significant user base growth have enabled it to maintain workforce stability while preparing for a U.S. IPO. This strategic positioning may serve as a model for other tech firms navigating economic challenges and workforce management.
5 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
Charles Schwab Launches Schwab Crypto for Direct Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading
On April 16, 2026, Charles Schwab announced the launch of Schwab Crypto™, a platform for direct spot trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum for U.S. retail clients. This initiative follows recent SEC and CFTC regulatory clarifications that classify these cryptocurrencies as digital commodities, enabling brokerages to offer direct trading. The long-term implication is a significant shift in the brokerage landscape, potentially increasing competition and inflows into the cryptocurrency market as traditional finance integrates digital assets more fully.
5 sourcesApr 17High
- Crypto· World
Drift Protocol Secures $150 Million Recovery Funding After $285 Million Exploit
Drift Protocol announced a recovery funding collaboration of up to $150 million led by Tether following a $285 million exploit that occurred on April 1, 2026. The immediate trigger for this funding is the significant user losses and the need to restore confidence in the platform after the attack. In the long term, this recovery plan aims to reposition Drift as a leading decentralized exchange on Solana, enhancing its liquidity and operational stability through a shift to USDT as the primary settlement asset.
11 sourcesApr 17High
- Business· World
Ford CEO Warns of Threat to US Jobs from Chinese Car Imports
On April 15, 2026, Ford CEO Jim Farley warned that nearly one million US manufacturing jobs are at risk due to the influx of Chinese car imports. This warning comes amid ongoing US-China trade tensions and the imposition of 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to protect domestic manufacturers. The long-term implication may involve intensified protective measures and a focus on domestic production in the automotive sector.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Banks Express Divergent Views on Private Credit Risks Amid Market Pressures
Major U.S. banks, including JPMorgan Chase and BlackRock, revealed mixed assessments of private credit risks during recent earnings calls, disclosing over $100 billion in exposures. This division comes as liquidity concerns and AI-related disruptions intensify, prompting banks to reassess their positions in the asset class. The ongoing scrutiny from regulators and market volatility may lead to tighter lending practices and increased caution in the financial sector moving forward.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Madison Air Solutions Completes $2.23 Billion IPO on NYSE
Madison Air Solutions Corp. successfully raised $2.23 billion in its initial public offering, marking the largest U.S. industrial IPO since 1999. The surge in demand for data center cooling solutions, driven by the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, prompted this significant market entry. This IPO positions Madison Air as a key player in the industrial sector, likely leading to increased investments in AI-related infrastructure and further growth opportunities.
3 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Futures Surge as Markets Anticipate Reopening of Strait of Hormuz Amid US-Iran Tensions
Oil futures rose significantly on April 16, 2026, as markets awaited the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blockaded since late February due to escalating US-Iran conflict. The immediate trigger for this market movement was the US's announcement of tightened naval blockade measures on Iranian ports, coupled with President Trump's indication of nearing negotiations. Long-term implications suggest that continued supply disruptions could lead to sustained volatility in global oil prices and further geopolitical tensions in the region.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Increase as U.S. Dollar Weakens and U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Progress
On April 16, 2026, gold prices rose 0.5% to $4,816.49 per ounce amid a declining U.S. dollar and renewed focus on U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations. The immediate trigger for this shift was the ongoing diplomatic discussions in Pakistan, which aim to extend a fragile ceasefire set to expire on April 21. Long-term, the outcome of these talks could stabilize gold prices further and influence inflation expectations in global markets.
8 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Surge in Jet Fuel Prices Threatens Spirit Airlines' Bankruptcy Restructuring Efforts
Spirit Airlines faces heightened liquidation risks as jet fuel prices surge to $4.24 per gallon, jeopardizing its 'Project Soar' restructuring plan. This price spike is driven by geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have led to unbudgeted cost increases for the airline. If these fuel costs persist, Spirit may need to explore further drastic measures, including potential asset sales or additional restructuring efforts to stabilize its finances.
4 sourcesApr 17Moderate