
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
Bitcoin Market Capitalization Surges by $416 Billion Following U.S. Treasury Bond Buyback Expansion
Bitcoin's market capitalization increased by approximately $416 billion over nine weeks, reaching between $77,000 and $78,000 by late August 2026. This surge was triggered by the U.S. Treasury's announcement to expand its long-term bond buyback program, which led to significant capital reallocation towards risk assets like Bitcoin. The long-term implication is a potential shift in investor sentiment towards cryptocurrencies amid ongoing fiscal concerns and market volatility.
3 sourcesAug 25Moderate
- Crypto· World
Hyperliquid Achieves $6.2 Million Daily Fees Surpassing Leading Blockchains
On August 23, 2026, Hyperliquid generated $6.2 million in daily fees, exceeding the combined fees of the top five blockchain networks. This milestone was triggered by heightened trading volumes and user engagement on its decentralized perpetual futures exchange. The long-term implication suggests a growing dominance of Hyperliquid in the derivatives market, potentially influencing future trading strategies and market dynamics.
3 sourcesAug 25Moderate
- Business· World
Nvidia Announces Over 15% Price Increases on AI Server Systems Due to Rising Memory Costs
Nvidia has notified its major customers of price hikes exceeding 15% on AI server systems, effective for shipments in early 2027. This decision is triggered by soaring costs of high-bandwidth memory and GDDR modules, driven by unprecedented demand for AI infrastructure. The long-term implication is a potential increase in cloud and AI service pricing, as these costs are likely to be passed down to consumers and enterprises.
4 sourcesAug 25Moderate
- Business· World
Federal Investigations Target Mark Walter's Insurance Practices Amid Asset Misclassification
Federal probes into Mark Walter's insurance empire have revealed potential mischaracterization of $16–21 billion in loans as related-party transactions. This scrutiny follows grand jury subpoenas issued in February 2026, prompting Walter to initiate asset sales to stabilize his holdings. The long-term implication may lead to increased regulatory oversight of private-equity strategies in the insurance sector and potential shifts in investment practices.
3 sourcesAug 25Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Experiences Pullback After Approaching $80,000 Peak
Bitcoin retreated from near $80,000 on August 24, 2026, following a significant weekly rally. The immediate cause of this pullback was profit-taking by traders after a 23% surge, the largest weekly gain in over three years. Analysts predict a potential consolidation phase around key support levels to maintain the upward trend in the cryptocurrency market.
3 sourcesAug 25Moderate
- Economy· World
US Dollar Index Hits Three-Month Low Amid Rising National Debt Concerns
The US Dollar Index (DXY) fell to approximately 98.8, marking its lowest level since mid-May 2026. This decline is driven by investor anxiety over the US national debt surpassing $40 trillion and the Treasury's announcement to double long-end bond buybacks in response to soaring yields. Long-term, this situation may lead to increased volatility in global currency markets and a shift in investor sentiment towards alternative assets like Bitcoin and gold.
3 sourcesAug 24Low
- Business· UAE
UAE Expands Multi-Modal Logistics Network to Enhance Trade Resilience
On August 22, 2026, the UAE expanded its multi-modal logistics network through coordinated developments across ports, rail, air, and free zones. This initiative is driven by the need to adapt to evolving global trade dynamics and regional disruptions. The long-term implication is that the UAE is positioning itself as a critical logistics hub, likely attracting increased foreign investment and enhancing its non-oil trade growth.
3 sourcesAug 24Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai's 2026 Residential Market Achieves 82.9% Pre-Sold Absorption Rate
As of August 21, 2026, Dubai's residential handover pipeline of 96,585 homes has reached an 82.9% pre-sales absorption rate. This surge in demand is driven by investor confidence in Dubai's regulatory framework and significant population growth, which has surpassed 4.58 million. The long-term implication suggests continued robust growth in the real estate sector, with analysts projecting sustained high absorption rates amid a broader construction pipeline.
3 sourcesAug 24Low
- Business· UAE
Hudayriyat Island Achieves Dh19 Billion in Residential Sales in H1 2026
Hudayriyat Island recorded Dh19 billion in residential sales during the first half of 2026, leading Abu Dhabi's property market for the second consecutive quarter. This surge is driven by sustained investor demand and the island's strategic development under Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030. The long-term implication is the potential for Hudayriyat to become a key player in the UAE's real estate landscape, attracting further investment and development.
3 sourcesAug 24Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Customs Reduces Airport Clearance Times to Under Five Minutes
Dubai Customs has successfully implemented a plan that cuts red-channel customs clearance times at Dubai airports from 45 minutes to under five minutes. This operational enhancement is driven by the high volume of returning residents and visitors after the summer break, necessitating increased efficiency in processing. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for Dubai as a global travel hub, enhancing its competitiveness in tourism and business travel.
3 sourcesAug 24Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE GPSSA Expands Pension Coverage to Part-Time Emirati Workers
The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has announced the extension of pension coverage to part-time Emirati employees working between eight and 32 hours per week. This policy shift is driven by the increasing adoption of flexible work arrangements in the UAE labor market. The long-term implication is a strengthened social security framework that supports work-life balance and economic resilience for Emirati workers.
5 sourcesAug 24Low
- Business· World
Walmart to Implement Tap-to-Pay Across All U.S. Stores by End of 2026
Walmart has announced the rollout of tap-to-pay technology in all U.S. stores, set to be completed by December 31, 2026. This decision comes as a response to increasing customer demand for contactless payment options, following a trend adopted by most major retailers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The long-term implication is that Walmart's shift may enhance its competitive position in the retail market by aligning with modern payment standards and improving customer convenience.
3 sourcesAug 24Moderate
- Crypto· World
Strategy Bitcoin Treasury Returns to Profit as BTC Price Exceeds $77,000
On August 21, 2026, Strategy Bitcoin's treasury returned to profitability as Bitcoin's price surpassed $77,000. This shift follows a significant 20% rally in Bitcoin over the preceding 48 hours, reversing previous unrealized losses that peaked at $13 billion. The long-term implication suggests that Strategy may resume Bitcoin purchases before year-end, potentially influencing market dynamics further.
3 sourcesAug 24Low
- Crypto· World
US Government Confirms Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Limited to Seized Assets
The US government has ruled out active purchases of Bitcoin for its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, restricting holdings to assets obtained through seizures. This decision stems from legal prohibitions on using taxpayer funds for new acquisitions and a requirement for budget neutrality established in a 2025 executive order. As a result, market expectations are shifting towards a focus on supply-side dynamics rather than anticipated demand from sovereign purchases.
3 sourcesAug 24Low
- Crypto· World
World Liberty Financial Disputes Justin Sun's Court Victory Claim
World Liberty Financial co-founder Zach Witkoff has publicly challenged Justin Sun's assertion of a significant court victory regarding arbitration in their ongoing legal dispute. This clarification comes after a recent California federal court hearing where no rulings were made, and Sun's legal team conceded that many claims should go to arbitration. The long-term implication may involve a protracted legal battle as both parties continue to pursue their respective claims in court while navigating arbitration processes.
3 sourcesAug 24Low
- Crypto· World
Clearpool Launches Institutional Lending Protocol on XRP Ledger with Ripple and Cicada
Clearpool has announced the development of a native lending protocol on the XRP Ledger, utilizing XLS-66 and XLS-65, in partnership with Ripple and Cicada Credit. This initiative is driven by the need to enhance institutional lending capabilities within the XRPL ecosystem, aiming to establish uncollateralized lending infrastructure. The long-term implication is a potential increase in institutional engagement with the XRPL, expanding its utility in real-world asset lending and credit markets.
5 sourcesAug 24Low
- Crypto· World
South Korea implements AI surveillance system for cryptocurrency market regulation
On August 20, 2026, South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service deployed a real-time AI-powered surveillance platform to monitor cryptocurrency trading activity. This initiative is driven by the need to enhance regulatory oversight under the Virtual Asset User Protection Act amid increasing sophistication in market manipulation tactics. The long-term implication is a potential shift towards more automated regulatory frameworks in the cryptocurrency sector, influencing global standards for market surveillance and compliance.
3 sourcesAug 24Low
- Crypto· UAE
UAE Police Detain Binance Employees Amid Fund Flow Inquiries
UAE authorities detained two mid-level Binance employees at airports during inquiries into third-party fund flows, with all individuals cleared and released without charges. This incident follows Binance's increasing regulatory engagement in the UAE, including significant investments and licensing approvals. The long-term implication may involve heightened scrutiny and regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrency exchanges operating in the region.
3 sourcesAug 24Low
- Crypto· World
MANTRA Chain Resumes Block Production After Addressing Cosmos-EVM Vulnerability
MANTRA Chain resumed block production on August 22, 2026, following a 30-hour network halt caused by a vulnerability in the Cosmos-EVM module. The immediate trigger for the resumption was the deployment of version 8.4.0, which patched the exploit without impacting user funds. This incident highlights the ongoing need for robust security measures in blockchain technology as the industry continues to evolve and face new threats.
3 sourcesAug 24Low
- Crypto· World
Laser Digital Japan Secures First Crypto Exchange Registration in Four Years
Laser Digital Japan has completed its registration as a Crypto Asset Exchange Service Provider, marking the first new crypto exchange approval in Japan since 2022. This development is triggered by a recent shift in regulatory frameworks that has encouraged institutional interest in digital assets. The long-term implication is a potential reopening of the Japanese market to new entrants, reflecting a growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies among institutional investors.
5 sourcesAug 24Low