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
5886 stories- Crypto· World
Federal Reserve Proposes New Rules for Stablecoin Issuers
U.S. regulators have proposed new rules requiring stablecoin issuers to implement customer identification programs. This initiative is part of the broader GENIUS Act framework aimed at enhancing regulatory oversight in the digital asset space. The long-term implication is a potential centralization of the stablecoin market around U.S.-regulated issuers, reinforcing the dominance of the U.S. dollar globally.
6 sourcesJun 18Low
- Economy· World
Kevin Warsh Proposes Reduced Federal Reserve Communication to Mitigate Market Volatility
Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh has proposed a significant reduction in the central bank's communication strategy, suggesting that excessive guidance may hinder policymakers. This shift is prompted by ongoing market volatility concerns, as critics warn that less communication could lead to increased uncertainty. If implemented, these changes may result in greater market fluctuations and challenge the Fed's influence on interest rates and economic stability.
9 sourcesJun 18Low
- Economy· World
Bank of England Holds Interest Rates Steady at 3.75%
The Bank of England has decided to maintain its interest rate at 3.75% amid easing inflation pressures and geopolitical developments affecting energy prices. This decision follows a Monetary Policy Committee vote and reflects a cautious approach as the bank monitors economic conditions. In the long term, the Bank is likely to keep rates unchanged if energy prices continue to stabilize, impacting economic growth strategies.
6 sourcesJun 18Low
- Economy· World
U.S. dollar strengthens to 11-week high as Federal Reserve signals interest rate hikes
The U.S. dollar has reached an 11-week high following indications from the Federal Reserve about potential interest rate increases. This monetary policy shift has led to a decline in gold prices, as market participants react to the Fed's hawkish stance. In the long term, continued Fed signals may lead to increased volatility in currency and commodity markets as investors adjust their strategies.
3 sourcesJun 18Low
- Economy· World
U.S. and Iran Reach Preliminary Agreement to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices fell by more than 5% after the U.S. and Iran announced a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement is occurring now as both nations seek to ease military tensions and restore vital oil and gas flows that had been disrupted for over three months. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of global oil markets as geopolitical risk premiums diminish and supply concerns are alleviated.
3 sourcesJun 18Very High
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's inflation rate rises to 1.8% in May 2026
Saudi Arabia's annual inflation rate reached 1.8% in May 2026, primarily driven by increases in housing, water, and electricity prices. This inflationary trend is occurring now due to a 3.7% rise in housing and utility costs alongside a 1.5% increase in transportation expenses. Long-term implications may include potential government interventions to stabilize essential service prices and ongoing monitoring of inflation trends impacting consumer behavior and economic growth.
5 sourcesJun 18Low
- Economy· MENA
Kuwait launches 15-year residency permit program for foreign investors
Kuwait has announced a new residency permit program allowing foreign investors and their families to obtain permits valid for 15 years. This initiative is triggered by Kuwait's strategy to enhance its economic landscape and attract significant foreign capital through a minimum investment threshold of $16 million. The long-term implication is a potential reshaping of Kuwait's investment climate, which may lead to further economic reforms aimed at attracting more foreign investment.
3 sourcesJun 18Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport expansion confirmed on schedule for 2032 launch
The Dubai Government has confirmed that the development of Al Maktoum International Airport is on track for operations to begin in 2032. This progress is driven by a total investment of AED 55 billion and a strategic focus on enhancing Dubai's aviation sector. The successful completion of this project is expected to solidify Dubai's position as a leading global center for trade and tourism, significantly boosting its economic growth and connectivity.
6 sourcesJun 18Low
- Economy· World
Oil prices decline sharply following U.S.-Iran peace agreement
Oil prices fell by approximately 5% after the U.S.-Iran agreement was announced. This significant drop is attributed to the anticipated end of hostilities in the Middle East and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. In the long term, this resolution may lead to increased oil supply and continued market volatility as geopolitical dynamics evolve.
4 sourcesJun 18High
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia invests 31.9 billion Riyals in digital government services for 2025
The Saudi government has announced a significant investment of over 31.9 billion Riyals in digital services and infrastructure for the year 2025. This investment is driven by the objectives of Vision 2030, aiming to enhance the Kingdom's global competitiveness and efficiency in government service delivery. Long-term, this initiative is expected to empower small and medium-sized enterprises and further modernize the digital landscape of Saudi Arabia.
4 sourcesJun 18Low
- Economy· UAE
Dubai Gold Prices Surge Following US-Iran Peace Agreement
Gold prices in Dubai surged by approximately 2% on June 15, 2026, following the announcement of a preliminary peace agreement between the United States and Iran. This increase is attributed to the easing of geopolitical tensions, which has led to lower oil prices and a weaker U.S. dollar. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of the region's economy, enhancing consumer confidence and boosting local trade in gold.
7 sourcesJun 18Low
- Business· World
Electronic Arts launches new in-game advertising platform to attract sports advertisers
Electronic Arts has launched a dedicated advertising platform called EA Advertising, aimed at integrating ads directly into gameplay. This initiative is triggered by the company's strategy to capitalize on its popular sports gaming franchises and attract sports-focused advertisers. In the long term, this move could reshape the landscape of sports marketing within the gaming industry and influence other companies' approaches to in-game advertising.
3 sourcesJun 18Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surges Above $66,000 Amid Improved U.S.-Iran Relations
Bitcoin's price has surged back above $66,000 following positive developments in U.S.-Iran relations. The immediate trigger for this rebound is a reported peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran, which has restored investor confidence and increased institutional interest. In the long term, this easing of geopolitical tensions may lead to further price increases and attract more investors to the cryptocurrency market.
4 sourcesJun 18Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin mining difficulty decreases by 10% providing relief to miners
Bitcoin mining difficulty has dropped by 10%, marking a significant adjustment for miners. This change follows a period of lower network activity, offering miners a chance to improve profitability. As miners adapt to the new difficulty level, increased mining activity may lead to fluctuations in Bitcoin's price and overall market sentiment.
3 sourcesJun 18Low
- Crypto· World
EU Crypto Firms Face License Loss as MiCA Deadline Approaches
The transitional period for the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation ends on July 1, putting up to 75% of crypto firms at risk of losing their licenses. This urgency is driven by the need for compliance among these firms to continue operating legally within the EU. The outcome will likely reshape the cryptocurrency landscape in Europe, influencing user behavior and firm strategies moving forward.
3 sourcesJun 18Low
- Crypto· World
Strategy Acquires 1,587 Bitcoin for $100 Million
On June 15, 2026, Strategy announced the purchase of 1,587 Bitcoin for approximately $100 million, increasing its total holdings to 846,842 BTC. This acquisition is part of a broader trend among corporations to adopt Bitcoin as a treasury asset, driven by the need to hedge against inflation. The long-term implication is that this move may encourage other companies to consider similar strategies, potentially reshaping corporate treasury management practices.
8 sourcesJun 18Low
- Crypto· World
BitMine becomes second-largest Ether holder amid bear market
BitMine has increased its Ether holdings to approximately 5.62 million tokens, making it the second-largest crypto treasury firm. This strategic accumulation follows a preferred stock sale that raised $274 million, reflecting a growing corporate interest in Ethereum. As BitMine expands its crypto treasury, its actions may influence Ethereum's market dynamics and set a precedent for other corporations considering similar investments.
4 sourcesJun 18Low
- Economy· World
Bank of Japan raises interest rates to 1% impacting global markets
The Bank of Japan has raised interest rates to 1%, marking its first increase since 1995. This decision is driven by rising inflation and a need to stabilize the economy, prompting traders to reassess their positions in both traditional and cryptocurrency markets. The long-term implication may include increased volatility in Bitcoin prices as traders react to the tightening monetary policy and potential shifts in global liquidity.
3 sourcesJun 18Low
- Crypto· World
HYPE token reaches all-time high of $76.70 amid increased trading activity
The HYPE token surged to a new all-time high of $76.70 driven by increased trading activity and ETF inflows. This price movement is occurring now due to a significant 32% increase in open interest within a week, indicating strong market interest. If current trends continue, the token may realistically target $80 in the near future.
3 sourcesJun 18Low
- Crypto· World
CFTC Approves Perpetual Futures for U.S. Cryptocurrency Markets
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has issued a no-action letter allowing the conversion of existing perpetual-style digital commodity futures into true digital commodity perpetual futures. This regulatory shift is occurring now as part of ongoing efforts to bring cryptocurrency trading under U.S. oversight, following recent approvals for platforms like Kalshi and Coinbase. The long-term implication is a potential increase in regulated trading options for U.S. customers, which may reshape the competitive landscape among cryptocurrency exchanges.
8 sourcesJun 18Low