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· World
Bitcoin Developers Propose Quantum-Resistant Migration Plan BIP-361
Bitcoin developers have introduced BIP-361, a proposal for a phased migration from quantum-vulnerable addresses to enhance security against quantum computing threats. This initiative is triggered by the increasing urgency to address vulnerabilities exposed by Shor's algorithm, with a projected deadline for quantum threats by 2029. The long-term implication is a potential freeze on over 34% of Bitcoin's supply if users do not migrate, which could lead to significant market disruptions and debates over governance within the Bitcoin community.
4 sourcesApr 15High
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Price Stabilizes Above $74,200 After Recent Surge
Bitcoin's price has consolidated above $74,200 following a peak of $76,088 on April 15, 2026. This pause is attributed to the formation of a declining channel on the hourly BTC/USD chart, with traders anticipating a breakout above $75,200 resistance. If the price holds above $73,950, it may signal a bullish continuation towards higher targets in the cryptocurrency market.
5 sourcesApr 15Low
- Crypto· World
Bitmine Immersion Technologies Acquires 71,524 Ethereum Reaching 81 Percent of Supply Goal
Bitmine Immersion Technologies has acquired 71,524 Ethereum, bringing its total holdings to 4,874,858 ETH, which is 81 percent of its 5 percent supply accumulation goal. This strategic move is driven by the company's pivot to Ethereum as a treasury reserve asset amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the Iran war. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in institutional adoption of Ethereum as a store of value, paralleling trends seen with Bitcoin.
4 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Crypto· World
Apple Removes Counterfeit Ledger Live App Following $9.5 Million Cryptocurrency Theft
Apple has removed a fraudulent Ledger Live app from its Mac App Store after it facilitated the theft of $9.5 million in cryptocurrency from over 50 users. The immediate trigger for this action was the exposure of the scam by blockchain investigator ZachXBT, which occurred between April 7 and 13. This incident highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in app review processes and may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory measures in the cryptocurrency space.
5 sourcesApr 15High
- Economy· World
2026 IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings Address Economic Risks Amid Middle East Conflict
The 2026 IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings are currently taking place in Washington, D.C., against a backdrop of escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz. This situation has prompted urgent discussions among global finance leaders about potential declines in economic growth and the need for enhanced multilateral support. Long-term implications include a reconfiguration of global trade partnerships and energy alliances, as nations adapt to the geopolitical landscape shaped by ongoing tensions.
4 sourcesApr 15Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin's Geopolitical Value Highlighted Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict
On April 14, 2026, Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan emphasized Bitcoin's role as a politically neutral asset for cross-border settlements in light of the ongoing Iran conflict. This assertion follows a 12% price increase in Bitcoin since the conflict began on February 28, 2026, as Iran proposes oil transit tolls in Bitcoin. The long-term implication suggests a shift towards de-dollarization and increased reliance on cryptocurrencies in fragmented global finance.
3 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Crypto· UAE
Kraken Co-CEO Confirms Active Confidential IPO Filing Amid Market Challenges
Kraken's co-CEO Arjun Sethi confirmed the cryptocurrency exchange's ongoing confidential IPO filing with the SEC during the Semafor World Economy Summit. This announcement comes after a period of paused IPO plans due to market volatility and a recent valuation decline. The long-term implication suggests Kraken is positioning itself for future growth and stability in a challenging market environment, potentially enhancing its services in crypto-friendly regions like the UAE.
6 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Economy· World
Australia and US Invest A$5 Billion in Critical Minerals Projects
Australia and the United States have committed over A$5 billion to support critical minerals projects in Australia. This funding is a response to the need for supply chain diversification amid geopolitical tensions with China, following a bilateral framework agreement signed in October 2025. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for both nations in securing essential minerals for defense and energy sectors, potentially reshaping global supply chains.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· MENA
Saudi Arabia Restores Full Oil Production Capacity Following Iranian Attacks
Saudi Recovery Engineering has successfully restored full operational capacity to the East-West crude oil pipeline and Manifa oilfield after disruptions caused by Iranian missile and drone attacks. The restoration comes amid heightened tensions in the region due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, which had temporarily reduced oil throughput by 700,000 barrels per day. This rapid recovery is expected to stabilize global oil supplies and maintain Saudi Arabia's commitment to energy exports despite regional instability.
8 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· World
Hexagon AB Acquires Waygate Technologies for $1.45 Billion
On April 13, 2026, Hexagon AB announced a definitive agreement to acquire Waygate Technologies from Baker Hughes for approximately $1.45 billion in cash. This acquisition is driven by Baker Hughes' strategic decision to streamline its focus on core technologies while Hexagon aims to enhance its position in non-destructive testing solutions. The long-term implication is that Hexagon is likely to leverage operational synergies to expand its market share in the precision measurement sector.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· World
Meta Platforms Projected to Overtake Google in Digital Advertising Revenue by 2026
On April 13, 2026, eMarketer forecasted that Meta Platforms would surpass Alphabet Inc.'s Google in global digital advertising revenue by the end of 2026. This shift is driven by Meta's accelerated growth through AI-driven tools and new ad placements, contrasting with Google's slower expansion. The long-term implication suggests a significant change in the digital advertising landscape, potentially reshaping market dynamics and competition among tech giants.
3 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
Volkswagen Group Reports 4% Decline in Q1 2026 Vehicle Deliveries Driven by China and U.S. Market Weakness
Volkswagen Group announced a 4.0% year-over-year decline in global vehicle deliveries for Q1 2026, totaling 2,048,900 units. This decline is primarily attributed to significant drops in the Chinese and North American markets, exacerbated by economic challenges and intensified competition. The long-term implication suggests Volkswagen may need to innovate and adapt its strategies to regain market share in these critical regions while capitalizing on growth opportunities in Europe and South America.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· World
Dolce & Gabbana Appoints Stefano Cantino as Co-CEO Following Gabbana's Resignation
Dolce & Gabbana has appointed Stefano Cantino as co-CEO after Stefano Gabbana resigned as chairman, effective January 1, 2026. This leadership change is a response to significant financial pressures, including €450 million in debt and a slowdown in the global luxury market, particularly in China. The company aims to enhance fiscal discipline and operational transformation while maintaining creative continuity amid ongoing creditor negotiations.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Crypto· World
Foundry Digital launches Zcash mining pool capturing significant market share
Foundry Digital has launched the Foundry Zcash Pool, achieving approximately 29% of the Zcash network hashrate within its first month. This initiative comes in response to the growing demand for compliant mining infrastructure among institutional participants. The long-term implication is a diversification of Zcash's mining landscape, enhancing network resilience against centralization risks previously dominated by ViaBTC.
4 sourcesApr 15High
- Economy· MENA
U.S. Naval Blockade of Strait of Hormuz Causes Oil Prices to Exceed $100 per Barrel
On April 13, 2026, the United States enforced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in oil prices surging above $100 per barrel. This action was triggered by the collapse of peace talks with Iran, which heightened tensions in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. The long-term implication may include increased volatility in global oil markets and potential inflationary pressures as regional tensions persist.
3 sourcesApr 15High
- Economy· MENA
OPEC Oil Production Plummets Due to Iran Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
OPEC's oil production has decreased by 7.88 million barrels per day in March 2026, marking a significant supply shock. This decline is triggered by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf region. The long-term implication is a potential escalation in global oil prices and a reevaluation of OPEC+ production strategies in response to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
3 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Crypto· World
Strategy Acquires 13,927 Bitcoin for $1 Billion Raising Total Holdings to 780,897 BTC
Strategy Inc. announced the acquisition of 13,927 Bitcoin for approximately $1 billion, increasing its total holdings to 780,897 BTC. This purchase was funded through the sale of variable-rate STRC preferred stock amid a favorable market for Bitcoin, which is currently trading around $70,600. The long-term implication of this acquisition reinforces Strategy's position as a major institutional holder of Bitcoin, potentially influencing market dynamics and institutional adoption of digital assets.
8 sourcesApr 15Very High
- Business· World
Slate Auto raises $650 million to boost production of affordable electric pickup truck
Slate Auto has secured $650 million in Series C funding to enhance production of its affordable electric pickup truck, the Slate Truck. This funding round, led by TWG Global, comes as the company prepares to launch preorders in June 2026 amid a challenging U.S. EV market. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the EV landscape towards more affordable options, targeting a broader consumer base as major automakers scale back on production.
4 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· World
Goldman Sachs Reports Strong Q1 2026 Earnings Amid Market Volatility
Goldman Sachs announced net revenues of $17.23 billion for Q1 2026, a 14% increase year-over-year, despite a 3-4% decline in shares post-announcement. The immediate cause of the stock decline was weaker fixed-income results and increased credit provisions amid ongoing market volatility. In the long term, the firm may need to adapt its risk management strategies to navigate geopolitical uncertainties affecting global markets.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· MENA
Pakistan Seeks Financing Options to Repay $3.5 Billion UAE Loan Due April 2026
Pakistan's Finance Minister announced the exploration of various financing options to repay a $3.5 billion loan to the UAE, due this month. This announcement comes amid ongoing IMF/World Bank meetings and significant strains on Pakistan's foreign reserves, which stand at approximately $16.4 billion. The long-term implication may involve increased reliance on allied financial support and potential shifts in Pakistan's economic strategy to stabilize its reserves and comply with IMF conditions.
3 sourcesApr 15Low