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
8690 stories- Crypto· MENA
Rakuten Wallet Launches XRP Integration for 44 Million Users in Japan
Rakuten Wallet has activated support for XRP cryptocurrency, enabling 44 million Rakuten Pay users in Japan to buy and spend XRP using loyalty points. This integration is driven by Japan's favorable regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies and aims to enhance the utility of digital assets in everyday transactions. The long-term implication could lead to increased institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies in Japan, potentially paving the way for further integration with traditional banking services.
4 sourcesApr 16High
- Crypto· World
eToro to Acquire Zengo for $70 Million to Enhance Crypto Custodial Services
On April 15, 2026, eToro announced an agreement to acquire self-custodial crypto wallet provider Zengo for approximately $70 million. This acquisition is driven by eToro's strategy to integrate advanced wallet technology amid rising demand for decentralized finance solutions. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for eToro in the digital asset market, enhancing user access to secure self-custody options.
4 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Developers Propose BIP-361 to Address Quantum Computing Threats
Bitcoin developers have introduced BIP-361, a proposal aimed at phasing out legacy signatures vulnerable to quantum attacks. This initiative is triggered by a recent Google report projecting a 2029 deadline for potential quantum threats, prompting urgent action within the community. If implemented, this proposal could significantly alter Bitcoin's operational framework and ownership principles, leading to a contentious debate over the future of digital asset security.
5 sourcesApr 16High
- Crypto· MENA
State Bank of Pakistan Authorizes Bank Accounts for Licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers
On April 14, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan issued a circular allowing regulated banks to open accounts for licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers, effectively reversing a 2018 ban. This regulatory change is driven by a significant increase in underground crypto activity and the need for formal oversight following the enactment of the Virtual Assets Act, 2026. The long-term implication is the potential formalization of billions in informal crypto flows, enhancing compliance and integration with the global financial system.
6 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitmine Immersion Technologies Reports $3.8 Billion Net Loss Driven by Ethereum Price Declines
Bitmine Immersion Technologies disclosed a $3.8 billion net loss for the quarter ended February 28, 2026, primarily due to $3.78 billion in unrealized losses on its Ethereum holdings. This significant financial setback is occurring as Ethereum prices have sharply declined, impacting the firm's digital asset portfolio. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny on corporate treasury strategies in the volatile crypto market, potentially affecting investor confidence and regulatory approaches.
5 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Crypto· World
ETH/BTC Ratio Hits 0.0313, Highest Since January 2026 Amid Ethereum Growth
The ETH/BTC ratio reached 0.0313 on April 15, 2026, marking its highest level since January. This surge is driven by record Ethereum network activity, including the addition of 284,000 new users in Q1 2026 and a stablecoin supply increase to $180 billion. Long-term, this momentum may lead to increased Ethereum dominance in the cryptocurrency market, contingent on sustaining a weekly close above 0.035.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Crypto· UAE
Tether Transfers 951 BTC to Reserve Wallet Increasing Holdings to 97,141 BTC
On April 15, 2026, Tether transferred 951 Bitcoin worth approximately $70 million from Bitfinex to its reserve wallet. This transaction is part of Tether's ongoing strategy to diversify its reserves by allocating a portion of its profits to Bitcoin purchases. The long-term implication is that Tether's increased Bitcoin holdings may enhance confidence in USDT, particularly within the Dubai virtual asset ecosystem where stablecoins are widely used.
5 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
High Roller Technologies Stock Doubles After Agreement with Crypto.com for U.S. Prediction Markets
High Roller Technologies Inc. saw its stock price surge over 100% following a definitive agreement with Crypto.com to launch regulated prediction markets in the United States. This partnership is triggered by recent regulatory advancements under the CFTC, allowing High Roller to tap into a market projected to exceed $1 trillion in annual trading volume. The long-term implication suggests a significant shift in the gaming and financial sectors as companies explore new revenue streams through event-based contracts.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Crypto· World
U.S. Spot Bitcoin ETFs See $186 Million Net Inflows Led by BlackRock's IBIT
On April 15, 2026, U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded $186 million in net inflows, primarily driven by BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust which attracted $292 million. This surge in investment is occurring amid heightened market confidence and geopolitical tensions, particularly between the U.S. and Iran, which have reinforced Bitcoin's appeal as a safe-haven asset. The long-term implication suggests a continued institutional interest in cryptocurrency, potentially leading to further regulatory developments and market maturation in the sector.
3 sourcesApr 16Low - Crypto· World
Bitcoin Faces Selling Pressure After Reaching $76,000 Peak
Bitcoin experienced a peak of $76,000 on April 14, 2026, but has since encountered significant selling pressure. This shift is driven by increased exchange inflows indicating profit-taking among traders, with Polymarket assigning a 0% probability for Bitcoin to reach $82,000 by April 15. The long-term implication suggests a consolidation phase above the $60,000 support level, as traders monitor macroeconomic factors for future direction.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surpasses $72,000 Amid US-Israeli Airstrikes and Iran Tensions
Bitcoin surpassed $72,000 on April 15, 2026, driven by institutional inflows as geopolitical tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz. The immediate trigger was the failure of US-Iran peace talks and the announcement of a US naval blockade, which heightened market uncertainty and risk aversion. This surge positions Bitcoin as a potential safe-haven asset, suggesting a shift in investor behavior towards cryptocurrencies amid ongoing geopolitical instability.
6 sourcesApr 16Low
- Crypto· World
World Liberty Financial Proposes 10% Token Burn in Governance Restructuring
World Liberty Financial has proposed a 10% burn of its insider WLFI tokens as part of a governance overhaul aimed at addressing low participation rates. This proposal comes in response to ongoing governance challenges stemming from a significant supply overhang of locked tokens. If approved, this move could realign incentives for token holders and potentially stabilize the token's market performance in the long term.
7 sourcesApr 16Very High
- Crypto· World
Foundry Digital captures 29.2% of Zcash network hashrate with new mining pool
Foundry Digital launched the Foundry Zcash Pool, achieving 29.2% of the Zcash network's hashrate within its first month of operation. This shift is driven by institutional demand for compliant mining solutions, reducing ViaBTC's dominance significantly. The long-term implication is a more decentralized Zcash network, potentially attracting further institutional interest and enhancing the cryptocurrency's security and market position.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Meta Platforms Set to Overtake Google in Global Digital Advertising Revenue by 2026
eMarketer has projected that Meta Platforms will surpass Alphabet's Google in global digital advertising revenue by the end of 2026, achieving $243.46 billion compared to Google's $239.54 billion. This shift is driven by Meta's rapid growth rate of 24.1%, fueled by advancements in AI tools and the expansion of short-form video content. The long-term implication suggests a significant transformation in the digital advertising landscape, with Meta's strategies potentially reshaping market dynamics and challenging Google's longstanding dominance.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Volkswagen Group Reports 4% Decline in Q1 2026 Vehicle Deliveries Due to Market Weakness
Volkswagen Group announced a 4% year-over-year decline in global vehicle deliveries, totaling 2.05 million units in Q1 2026. This drop is primarily attributed to significant contractions in key markets, particularly a 14.8% decrease in China and a 20.5% decline in the United States, driven by intensified competition and the expiration of electric vehicle subsidies. Looking ahead, Volkswagen anticipates recovery through new model launches and a 3% increase in order intake despite ongoing market pressures.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· MENA
OPEC crude oil production experiences historic drop amid Iran conflict
OPEC's crude oil output fell by 7.88 million barrels per day in March 2026, marking the most severe supply disruption in decades. This decline was triggered by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and aerial attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure amidst the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war. The long-term implication is a potential spike in global oil prices and a reevaluation of energy security strategies among Gulf producers and international markets.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Crypto· World
Strategy Acquires 13,927 Bitcoin for $1 Billion Increasing Holdings to 780,897 BTC
Strategy announced the acquisition of 13,927 Bitcoin for approximately $1 billion, raising its total holdings to 780,897 BTC. This purchase was funded through sales of preferred stock and follows a previous acquisition earlier in April, indicating a resumption of its aggressive Bitcoin treasury strategy. The long-term implication is a continued focus on Bitcoin as a primary reserve asset, potentially influencing market dynamics and institutional interest in cryptocurrency.
7 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Slate Auto secures $650 million in Series C funding to boost electric pickup production
Slate Auto has completed a $650 million Series C funding round to enhance production capabilities for its electric pickup truck. This funding, led by TWG Global and supported by notable investors like Jeff Bezos, comes as the company prepares for preorders in June 2026 and aims for initial deliveries by late 2026. The successful capital raise indicates strong investor confidence in affordable electric vehicles despite challenges in the U.S. EV market.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Goldman Sachs Reports Record Q1 2026 Revenues Despite Stock Decline
Goldman Sachs announced net revenues of $17.23 billion for Q1 2026, marking a 14% year-over-year increase driven by strong equities trading and investment banking fees. The immediate stock decline of 3-4% is attributed to weaker performance in fixed income, currencies, and commodities revenues amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the Iran war. Long-term, the firm may need to navigate continued market volatility while capitalizing on its strong client execution and dealmaking outlook.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Duolingo Reverses AI-Based Employee Performance Evaluation Policy
On April 10, 2026, Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn announced the reversal of a policy that evaluated workers on AI tool usage. This decision was triggered by employee feedback expressing confusion over mandatory AI integration following the company's previous 'AI-first' initiative. The long-term implication is a shift towards prioritizing job performance outcomes over AI metrics, reflecting a broader industry reconsideration of AI's role in workforce evaluation.
3 sourcesApr 16Low