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· World
USDT Surges with 1.6 Million New Holders in a Week as Stablecoin Market Contracts
Tether's USDT has added approximately 1.6 million new holders in the week ending August 23, 2026, significantly outpacing USDC's growth of 591,100. This surge is attributed to USDT's strong adoption in emerging markets, where demand for dollar liquidity remains high amid a cooling stablecoin market. The long-term implication suggests that USDT may continue to dominate the stablecoin sector, particularly in regions facing currency instability and geopolitical uncertainty.
3 sourcesAug 26Low
- Business· World
Hugging Face Initiates Sale Discussions Valued at $13 Billion
Hugging Face is exploring a potential sale at a valuation of $13 billion, as reported on August 23, 2026. This move comes amid increasing demand for AI infrastructure assets and follows the company's significant growth from a $4.5 billion valuation in 2023. The long-term implication may involve a reshaping of the AI landscape as major players vie for strategic acquisitions in the sector.
3 sourcesAug 26Moderate
- Crypto· World
SEC Proposes New Regulation for Crypto Assets Establishing Securities Framework
On August 18, 2026, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission proposed Regulation Crypto Assets, creating a dedicated securities framework for certain crypto asset investment contracts. This proposal is driven by a need to clarify regulatory standards in U.S. crypto markets, transitioning from enforcement to structured rules for capital formation. The long-term implication is a potential increase in U.S. crypto project retention and clearer compliance pathways for global token issuers.
3 sourcesAug 26Low
- Crypto· World
India to Pilot First Tokenized Corporate Bond Issuance in September 2026
India is set to launch its inaugural tokenized corporate bond offering by REC Ltd in September 2026. This initiative is driven by regulatory collaboration between the Reserve Bank of India and the Securities and Exchange Board of India to enhance efficiency in the corporate debt market. The long-term implication is the potential for increased liquidity and modernization of India's financial markets through the adoption of distributed ledger technology.
3 sourcesAug 26Moderate
- Crypto· World
US Treasury Bond Buyback Expansion Triggers Bitcoin Surge and Short Liquidations
On August 19, 2026, Bitcoin surged above $68,000 after the US Treasury announced an expansion of its bond buyback program. This decision, which doubled the cap on liquidity-support buyback operations, led to the liquidation of approximately $1.4 billion in short positions within 24 hours. The long-term implication is a potential shift in market dynamics as improved liquidity conditions may encourage further risk-taking in cryptocurrency markets.
3 sourcesAug 26Moderate
- Business· World
Alibaba Raises HK$80 Billion in Hong Kong Equity Placement for AI Expansion
Alibaba Group has completed a HK$80 billion share placement in Hong Kong aimed at financing its AI infrastructure expansion. The immediate trigger for this move is the company's strategy to diversify funding sources amid geopolitical tensions affecting access to U.S. capital markets. Long-term, this significant capital influx is expected to bolster Alibaba's position in the AI sector and enhance its competitive edge in global markets.
3 sourcesAug 26Low
- Business· World
Trump's Portfolio Managers Report 13.5% Loss on SpaceX Shares Purchased in June
Trump's portfolio managers disclosed a 13.5% unrealized loss on SpaceX shares acquired on June 23, 2026, following the company's IPO. This decline in value is attributed to market volatility and the expiration of lockup periods that released additional shares. The situation raises questions about the management of Trump's investments and potential scrutiny from lawmakers regarding financial disclosures.
5 sourcesAug 26Low
- Economy· World
China Launches 800 Billion Yuan Financing Tool for Local Infrastructure Projects
On August 24, 2026, China opened applications for an 800 billion yuan policy-based financing tool aimed at supporting local infrastructure projects. This initiative is a response to slowing economic growth and aims to leverage additional private and bank financing to stimulate investment. Long-term, this program is expected to enhance local project funding but may face challenges due to existing project shortages and rollout delays.
3 sourcesAug 26Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Stabilize Near Three-Month High Ahead of Key US Inflation Data
On August 25-26, 2026, gold prices steadied near a three-month peak at $4,645.67 per ounce as markets awaited critical US inflation data and a speech from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh. This stabilization follows a surge driven by US Treasury debt buyback expansions and concerns over currency debasement amid geopolitical tensions. Long-term, analysts anticipate continued support for gold prices due to persistent fiscal and geopolitical factors, despite potential short-term rate risks.
3 sourcesAug 26Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Treasury Expands Bond Buyback Operations to Mitigate Rising Yields
On August 19, 2026, the U.S. Treasury Department announced an expansion of its bond buyback operations targeting long-term securities. This decision comes in response to surging yields that have reached multi-year highs, threatening the affordability of government debt service and consumer borrowing. The long-term implication is a potential shift in fiscal policy management as the government seeks to stabilize borrowing costs ahead of upcoming midterm elections.
3 sourcesAug 26Low
- Economy· World
Canada Imposes Dollar-for-Dollar Tariffs on U.S. Imports After Trade Talks Fail
On August 23, 2026, Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on select U.S. imports, matching the newly imposed 50% tariffs by the U.S. following the collapse of trade negotiations. The immediate trigger for this escalation was the breakdown of talks, with both nations blaming each other for the failure. This move signals a potential long-term shift in U.S.-Canada trade relations, complicating the USMCA framework and indicating broader trade realignments.
3 sourcesAug 26High
- Business· World
Saudi Arabia and France Sign 21 Agreements to Strengthen Economic Ties During Crown Prince Visit
The French-Saudi Investment Roundtable Meeting held on August 25, 2026, resulted in the signing of 21 agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral economic relations. This event was triggered by the official visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to France, aligning with both nations' strategic economic initiatives. The long-term implication is a deepening of cooperation in various sectors, potentially leading to increased investments and partnerships that support Saudi Vision 2030 and France's economic goals.
8 sourcesAug 26Low
- Economy· World
Canada Announces Dollar-for-Dollar Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Imports Amid Trade Dispute
On August 25, 2026, Canada implemented retaliatory tariffs matching U.S. duties on approximately $20 billion in American imports. This response follows the Trump administration's recent imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Canadian exports after trade negotiations collapsed. The long-term implication may involve escalating trade tensions and potential retaliatory measures from other U.S. trading partners.
5 sourcesAug 26Moderate
- Economy· World
Trump Threatens 50% Tariff on Canadian Automotive and Steel Imports Effective 2027
On August 24, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50 percent tariff on all automotive and steel imports from Canada, set to take effect on January 1, 2027. This escalation follows the collapse of trade negotiations and the imposition of similar tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian exports just days prior. The long-term implication is a likely intensification of trade tensions, with Canada preparing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, potentially disrupting supply chains and impacting both economies.
15 sourcesAug 26Moderate
- Economy· World
Canada Implements Retaliatory Tariffs on US Imports Following Trade Talks Collapse
On August 25, 2026, Canada announced retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on approximately 700 American products. This decision was triggered by the US imposing similar tariffs on Canadian exports after bilateral trade negotiations failed. The long-term implication is a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two nations, potentially impacting North American supply chains and economic relations.
6 sourcesAug 26Moderate
- Economy· World
Canada Imposes C$27.6 Billion Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods
Canada has announced C$27.6 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, effective September 8, 2026. This decision follows the imposition of 50% tariffs by the U.S. on Canadian imports after failed trade negotiations. The long-term implication is a further escalation of trade tensions between the two countries, potentially impacting bilateral trade and economic relations.
3 sourcesAug 26Moderate
- Crypto· MENA
Franklin Templeton and HashKey Launch Tokenized U.S. Government Liquidity Fund for Asian Investors
Franklin Templeton and HashKey launched the Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Liquidity Fund on August 24, 2026. This initiative is driven by the rising institutional demand for blockchain-enabled yield products backed by U.S. government instruments and USD cash assets. The long-term implication is the potential expansion of tokenized products across various asset classes and markets in Asia, enhancing liquidity and accessibility for professional investors.
3 sourcesAug 25Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE-Russia Trade in Services and Investment Agreement Takes Effect
The UAE-Russia Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA) officially entered into force in August 2026, establishing a comprehensive framework for bilateral trade and investment. This development follows the signing of the agreement in August 2025, reflecting the growing economic ties between the UAE and Russia amid a significant increase in non-oil trade. The long-term implication is expected to enhance market access for UAE businesses in Russia, further diversifying the UAE's economic partnerships beyond oil and goods.
3 sourcesAug 25Low
- Crypto· World
CFTC Initiates Development of Crypto Market Structure Rules Amid Legislative Delays
The CFTC has directed staff to explore a regulatory framework for crypto assets following the inaugural meeting of its Innovation Advisory Committee. This shift comes as the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act stalls in the Senate, prompting calls for proactive rulemaking to address outdated regulations. The long-term implication is a potential move towards administrative rulemaking that could reshape the regulatory landscape for digital assets in the U.S.
3 sourcesAug 25Low
- Crypto· World
The Sandbox Halts Bridging on Base and BNB Smart Chain Following Exploit
The Sandbox suspended all bridging activities on Base and BNB Smart Chain on August 22, 2026, after a cross-chain exploit resulted in the minting of approximately 14.9 billion unbacked SAND tokens. This incident was triggered by a vulnerability in LayerZero's OFT standard that allowed an attacker to exploit the approveAndCall function, leading to significant minting activity without corresponding reserves. In the long term, this exploit may prompt increased scrutiny and regulatory measures for cross-chain bridge security within the cryptocurrency industry.
4 sourcesAug 25Low