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· MENA
Launch of Quantum-Resistant Crypto Transfer Pilot on NEAR Testnet Involving Banks and Regulators
On August 24, 2026, the Responsible Fintech Institute launched a quantum-resistant crypto transfer pilot on the NEAR testnet. This initiative is driven by the need to address vulnerabilities posed by quantum computing to current cryptographic standards, with banks and regulators collaborating to ensure regulatory alignment. The long-term implication is the potential establishment of new security standards for digital asset transfers, influencing the broader financial ecosystem's readiness for quantum threats.
3 sourcesAug 27Low
- Business· World
SoftBank Group to Issue Record ¥1 Trillion Retail Bonds for OpenAI Investments
SoftBank Group announced a planned ¥1 trillion retail bond issuance in Japan to finance its expanding commitments to OpenAI. This move is triggered by the need to refinance maturing debt and capitalize on rising government bond yields that attract retail investors. Long-term, this strategy may shift the company's reliance towards retail investors amid limited institutional appetite for certain credit risks.
5 sourcesAug 27Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surges 22% in Weekly Gains but Faces Resistance at $80,000
Bitcoin experienced its strongest weekly performance in over three years, rising approximately 22% since August 20, 2026. This surge was triggered by U.S. Treasury liquidity enhancements that improved market sentiment, although profit-taking led to a retreat below the $80,000 threshold. The long-term implication suggests potential for further gains if resistance levels are overcome, with analysts eyeing targets between $95,000 and $100,000.
3 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Approaches $77,000 Amid Anticipation of U.S. Economic Data and Fed Chair Remarks
Bitcoin's price surged to approximately $77,364, marking a 22.1% increase over the past week. This rally is driven by traders' expectations surrounding upcoming U.S. inflation data and Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's address at Jackson Hole. A favorable inflation report or dovish Fed comments could propel Bitcoin towards the $80,000 mark, while adverse data may lead to increased market volatility.
3 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Crypto· World
Germany Expands MiCA Crypto Service Providers to 79 with Six New Banks
Germany has added six cooperative banks to its MiCA-authorized crypto asset service providers, bringing its total to 79. This expansion is driven by Germany's robust financial infrastructure and regulatory framework, which facilitates compliance with the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. The long-term implication is that Germany solidifies its position as the leading hub for crypto services in the EU, potentially influencing broader institutional adoption across the region.
3 sourcesAug 27Low
- Crypto· MENA
Pakistan Implements Virtual Asset Licensing Regime with Deadline for Crypto Firms
Pakistan's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has activated its licensing regime for virtual asset service providers, imposing a deadline of September 5, 2026, for compliance. This regulatory shift is driven by the need to integrate the growing crypto market into the formal financial system while ensuring consumer protections and compliance with KYC/AML standards. The long-term implication is the potential for a more structured and secure crypto environment in Pakistan, which could attract further investment and innovation in the sector.
3 sourcesAug 27Low
- Crypto· World
Bitmine Increases Ethereum Holdings to 5.85 Million Amid Ether Price Surge
On August 24, 2026, Bitmine Immersion Technologies announced the acquisition of 32,447 ETH, raising its total holdings to 5,847,611 tokens. This surge in accumulation coincides with a 30% weekly increase in ether prices, driven by improving financial conditions and heightened institutional interest in tokenization. The long-term implication suggests that Bitmine's strategy may position it as a significant player in the Ethereum ecosystem, potentially influencing future market dynamics and staking yields.
3 sourcesAug 27Low
- Business· World
Strategy Increases USD Reserves to $6.7 Billion Through Equity Offerings
On August 24, 2026, Strategy reported an increase of $1.885 billion in its USD reserves, bringing the total to $6.685 billion. This increase was achieved through at-the-market equity offerings of MSTR shares, allowing the company to maintain its Bitcoin holdings while enhancing liquidity. The long-term implication is a strengthened capital structure that may support future Bitcoin purchases and investor confidence in the company's dual-reserve strategy.
3 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Crypto· MENA
Fasset Secures $1 Billion Valuation Following $68 Million Series C Funding Led by SBI Group
Fasset achieved a $1 billion valuation through a $68 million Series C funding round led by SBI Group. This funding round is a response to the growing demand for stablecoin infrastructure and the company's previous success in raising capital. The long-term implication is the expansion of Fasset's Own Network, enhancing cross-border payment capabilities and AI-driven settlement solutions across multiple regions.
5 sourcesAug 27Low
- Crypto· World
Standard Chartered Authorized to Distribute Regulated HKDAP Stablecoin in Hong Kong
Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) has become the first conventional bank authorized to distribute the regulated Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin HKDAP. This development follows the implementation of Hong Kong's Stablecoins Ordinance and the growing interest in tokenized money for efficient payments and settlements. The long-term implication is the potential for traditional banking to integrate digital assets, enhancing capital mobility and cross-border transactions in the region.
4 sourcesAug 27Low
- Crypto· World
Strategy Raises $2 Billion via MSTR Equity Sales While Maintaining 840,447 BTC Holdings
On August 24, 2026, Strategy announced it raised over $2 billion through the sale of approximately 18.26 million MSTR shares. This capital raise was triggered by the company's need to enhance dollar liquidity while maintaining its Bitcoin holdings unchanged at 840,447 BTC. The long-term implication is that this move may position Strategy for future Bitcoin acquisitions or debt management under its new Digital Credit Capital Framework.
3 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Crypto· World
Strive Inc. Increases Bitcoin Treasury to 21,356 BTC Through Preferred Stock Capital Raises
Strive Inc. has expanded its Bitcoin treasury to 21,356 BTC following recent capital raises through its SATA preferred stock. This surge in holdings is driven by a strategic shift towards equity-based funding for Bitcoin acquisitions, allowing the company to avoid debt. The long-term implication suggests a growing trend among public companies to adopt similar debt-free accumulation strategies in the cryptocurrency space.
4 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Crypto· World
Term Finance Closes Meta Vaults After $8.5 Million Governance Exploit
Term Finance permanently closed its Meta Vaults on August 23, 2026, following a governance exploit that drained approximately $8.5 million. The immediate trigger was an attacker acquiring voting power through low-cost token purchases, allowing them to direct fund withdrawals from the vaults. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities in decentralized finance governance mechanisms, likely prompting a reevaluation of security measures across the industry.
3 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Payment Volume Declines in El Zonte as Card Transactions Rise
Bitcoin usage in El Zonte, El Salvador, has sharply declined, with local merchants reporting Bitcoin payments as rare or nonexistent. This shift is attributed to voluntary merchant acceptance policies introduced under 2025 IMF agreements, alongside a trend of users holding rather than spending Bitcoin. The long-term implication suggests a potential reevaluation of Bitcoin's role as a medium of exchange in favor of traditional payment methods.
3 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Crypto· World
Circle Mints $5 Billion in USDC, Boosting Market Cap to $73.88 Billion
Circle has minted $5 billion in gross USDC issuance in the week ending August 26, 2026, marking the largest weekly total since early 2026. This surge is driven by heightened institutional demand for dollar-denominated on-chain liquidity and Circle's recent appointment as a technical provider for a major reserve arrangement. The long-term implication suggests a continued expansion of the stablecoin market, with USDC solidifying its position as a key player in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
3 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Crypto· World
Base Launches Carry Trade Vaults for Coinbase Tokenized Stocks
On August 26, 2026, carry trade vaults were deployed on Base for Coinbase's newly launched tokenized U.S. stocks. This development follows the launch of Coinbase Tokenized Stocks on August 24, 2026, which has attracted immediate interest from independent builders seeking to leverage the new infrastructure. The long-term implication is a significant expansion of DeFi capabilities, allowing users to engage in 24/7 trading and yield generation against traditional equity positions.
4 sourcesAug 27Low
- Business· World
Alibaba Raises $10.2 Billion in Hong Kong Share Placement Amid AI Investment Strategy
Alibaba Group completed a $10.2 billion primary share sale in Hong Kong, leading to an 8% decline in its stock price. This move is driven by the company's need to fund its aggressive artificial intelligence infrastructure amidst recent profit pressures. The long-term implication is a heightened focus on execution risks related to AI spending and potential dilution effects on shareholder value.
4 sourcesAug 27Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Equity Markets Remain Stable Amid Inflation Data and Anticipation of Nvidia Earnings
U.S. stock markets showed minimal movement on August 26, 2026, following the release of July's PCE inflation data indicating persistent price pressures. This stability is attributed to investors weighing the implications of inflation against upcoming earnings reports from Nvidia and a speech by Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh at the Jackson Hole symposium. In the long term, continued inflation concerns may lead to adjustments in monetary policy, impacting market dynamics and investor strategies.
3 sourcesAug 27Low
- Crypto· World
Gemini and Apex Fintech Solutions Partner to Expand Regulated Crypto Prediction Markets
On August 24, 2026, Gemini Space Station, Inc. and Apex Fintech Solutions Inc. signed a letter of intent to distribute CFTC-regulated crypto prediction markets through Apex's brokerage network. This partnership is driven by the growing demand for regulated event contracts and aims to simplify access for traditional financial firms. The long-term implication is an expected increase in the adoption of regulated crypto products within the financial services industry.
5 sourcesAug 27Low
- Business· World
Oura Health plans $3 billion IPO in the U.S. at over $16 billion valuation
Oura Health is seeking to raise up to $3 billion in a U.S. initial public offering, with a valuation exceeding $16 billion, as reported on August 24, 2026. This move follows a confidential SEC filing in May 2026 and is driven by significant revenue growth from hardware sales and subscriptions. The IPO could signal a strong 2026 for the U.S. IPO market, particularly in the wearables and health technology sectors.
4 sourcesAug 27Low