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- Business· World
Delta Air Lines CEO Projects Higher Fares and Industry Consolidation Amid Iran Conflict Fallout
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian announced during the Q1 earnings call that the airline will implement higher airfares and reduce flight schedules due to the ongoing impacts of the Iran conflict. The immediate trigger for these changes is the doubling of jet fuel prices caused by supply disruptions and airspace closures since the conflict began on February 28, 2026. In the long term, this could lead to significant consolidation within the airline industry, reminiscent of the mergers seen during the 2009-2011 period.
3 sourcesApr 10Low
- Business· World
Volkswagen Halts ID.4 Electric SUV Production in U.S. to Focus on Gasoline Models
Volkswagen announced the cessation of ID.4 electric SUV production at its Chattanooga plant, reallocating resources to gasoline-powered Atlas models due to a significant drop in U.S. EV sales. This decision follows the elimination of federal tax credits, which has led to a 62% year-over-year decline in ID.4 sales. The long-term implication suggests a broader industry shift back towards internal combustion engine vehicles as EV demand wanes under current U.S. policies.
3 sourcesApr 10Moderate
- Business· World
Prediction markets experience unprecedented growth with billions in weekly trading volume
In the past 48 hours, prediction markets have surged to process billions in weekly volume, surpassing previous records set during the 2024 U.S. elections. This explosive growth is driven by increased participation from traditional finance and sports-betting firms, alongside favorable regulatory changes. The long-term implication is a potential blurring of lines between trading and betting, reshaping the financial landscape and regulatory frameworks globally.
3 sourcesApr 10Moderate
- Economy· World
UK Government Caps Student Loan Interest Rates at 6% for 2026/27 Amid Inflation Concerns from Middle East Conflict
On 7 April 2026, the UK government announced a cap on interest rates at 6% for Plan 2 and Plan 3 student loans for the 2026/27 academic year. This decision was triggered by rising inflation risks linked to the ongoing Iran war and global oil price volatility. Long-term, this policy aims to alleviate financial burdens on borrowers while potentially influencing future government fiscal strategies regarding education funding.
3 sourcesApr 10Low
- Crypto· World
Operation Atlantic disrupts $62 million CAD in international cryptocurrency fraud
Operation Atlantic has successfully disrupted over $62 million CAD in cryptocurrency fraud and frozen more than $16 million CAD in stolen funds. This multinational operation, involving key law enforcement agencies from the U.S., U.K., and Canada, was triggered by the rise of approval phishing scams that have affected over 20,000 victim wallets globally. The long-term implication is a strengthened public-private partnership in combating cryptocurrency fraud, potentially leading to more coordinated international efforts in the future.
3 sourcesApr 10Low
- Economy· World
US-Iran Ceasefire Leads to Significant Oil Price Drop and Global Market Rally
On April 8, 2026, oil prices fell over 15 percent to below $92 per barrel and global stock markets surged following a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. The ceasefire, announced late on April 7, requires Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a U.S. suspension of military actions, addressing disruptions to a significant portion of global oil supplies. This development signals a potential stabilization in energy markets, but analysts warn of risks if the ceasefire fails to hold.
9 sourcesApr 10High
- Crypto· World
U.S. Treasury Secretary Advocates for Digital Asset Market Clarity Act to Enhance Crypto Regulation
On April 9, 2026, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged the Senate to pass the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act to provide regulatory clarity for digital assets. This push comes amid concerns that regulatory uncertainty is driving crypto firms to relocate to more favorable jurisdictions like Singapore and Abu Dhabi. If successful, the Act could solidify U.S. leadership in the global cryptocurrency market and potentially repatriate firms currently operating abroad.
4 sourcesApr 10High
- Economy· World
IMF Warns Iran War Will Lower Global Economic Growth Forecasts
The International Monetary Fund has warned that the ongoing Iran war will negatively impact global economic growth forecasts. This warning comes as the conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, has disrupted energy infrastructure and supply chains, leading to oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel. In the long term, the IMF's projections suggest a need for energy diversification and cautious monetary policy responses from central banks worldwide.
5 sourcesApr 10Low
- Economy· World
Oil and stock prices fluctuate amid US-Iran ceasefire negotiations
On April 7, 2026, global oil and stock prices experienced significant volatility as uncertainty loomed over a potential US-Iran ceasefire. The immediate trigger was President Trump's announcement of a conditional two-week ceasefire, which initially led to a decline in oil prices and a surge in stock indices. Long-term implications suggest that without a durable peace agreement, energy prices may remain high and market volatility could persist.
5 sourcesApr 10Moderate
- Business· MENA
Tesla Unveils Plans for Affordable Compact Electric SUV in Response to Market Pressures
On April 9, 2026, Tesla announced the development of a new compact electric SUV that will be smaller and cheaper than its Model 3 and Model Y. This initiative comes as a response to declining sales and increasing competition from rivals like BYD, prompting Tesla to shift focus back to affordability. The long-term implication may see Tesla enhancing its market share in the growing electric vehicle segment, particularly in regions like the UAE where demand for affordable EVs is rising.
5 sourcesApr 10Moderate
- Business· World
Disney Announces Layoffs of Up to 1,000 Employees Amid Corporate Restructuring
On April 8, 2026, The Walt Disney Company revealed plans to lay off up to 1,000 employees, primarily in its marketing department, as part of a corporate restructuring initiative. This decision follows the recent appointment of Josh D'Amaro as CEO and aims to address ongoing challenges such as reduced streaming profits and competition from tech firms. The layoffs are expected to be implemented in the coming weeks and reflect a broader trend of workforce adjustments within the media industry.
6 sourcesApr 10Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Volatility Follows U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Announcement Amid Implementation Concerns
Bitcoin prices surged above $72,000 following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, only to retract below $71,000 amid doubts about the ceasefire's stability. The immediate trigger for this market reaction was the optimism surrounding reduced geopolitical risks and the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term implications suggest that ongoing tensions and demands for cryptocurrency tolls by Iran could lead to increased volatility in cryptocurrency markets and heightened energy costs in the region.
2 sourcesApr 9High
- Business· World
CarMax Appoints New Board Members Following Settlement with Starboard Value
CarMax, Inc. has announced the appointment of William Cobb and Jim Kessler to its Board of Directors, resolving a proxy contest with activist investor Starboard Value LP. This decision comes after Starboard's public criticisms and proposals for operational improvements, which prompted constructive engagement between the two parties. The long-term implication is a potential strategic shift for CarMax aimed at addressing operational challenges and enhancing shareholder value in a competitive used car market.
2 sourcesApr 9Low
- Economy· World
Prediction markets experience explosive growth amid regulatory scrutiny
Prediction markets have reached a trading volume of $63.5 billion in 2025, reflecting a significant rise in speculative contracts on various real-world events. This surge is driven by increased participation from financial institutions and sports-betting operators, coinciding with the introduction of bipartisan legislation aimed at regulating these markets. The long-term implication may lead to a redefinition of gambling and investment boundaries, potentially reshaping the financial landscape and regulatory frameworks.
2 sourcesApr 9Low
- Crypto· World
Operation Atlantic Disrupts $45 Million Cryptocurrency Fraud Identifying 20,000 Victims
Operation Atlantic, a multinational law enforcement initiative, has uncovered over 20,000 victims of cryptocurrency fraud across the US, UK, and Canada, mapping $45 million in stolen funds. The operation was triggered by a surge in approval phishing scams, leveraging real-time intelligence sharing among international partners to combat the growing threat. Long-term, this operation may lead to enhanced regulatory measures and increased collaboration between public and private sectors to prevent future cryptocurrency fraud.
2 sourcesApr 9Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Energy Facilities Attacked Reducing Oil Production Capacity by 600,000 Barrels per Day
Missile and drone strikes on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure have cut national oil production capacity by 600,000 barrels per day and pipeline throughput by 700,000 barrels per day. These attacks occurred amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, shortly after a ceasefire was announced, highlighting the volatility in the region. The long-term implications include heightened oil market volatility and potential supply risks as operations at affected facilities remain halted and damage assessments are ongoing.
2 sourcesApr 9Very High
- Economy· World
U.S. Stock Markets Rally Amid Optimism for Extended U.S.-Iran Ceasefire
U.S. stock markets experienced gains on April 9, 2026, following the announcement of a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran on April 7. The rally was triggered by investor optimism regarding the potential extension of the ceasefire, which is contingent on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, despite rising oil prices. Long-term implications may include increased market stability and potential shifts in geopolitical alliances as negotiations continue in Islamabad.
2 sourcesApr 9Low
- Business· World
BlackBerry Projects Revenue Growth for Fiscal 2027 Following Strong Q4 Performance
BlackBerry Limited has issued fiscal year 2027 revenue guidance of $584–$611 million, reflecting an expansion from FY2026's $549.1 million. This guidance follows a fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 report showing a 10% year-over-year revenue increase, driven by robust performance in the QNX segment and recovering Secure Communications. The long-term implication suggests a strategic focus on IoT and cybersecurity will continue to drive growth as the company capitalizes on its $950 million QNX backlog.
5 sourcesApr 9Low
- Crypto· World
Morgan Stanley Launches First Major U.S. Spot Bitcoin ETF on NYSE Arca
Morgan Stanley has launched the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust, its proprietary spot Bitcoin ETF, on NYSE Arca, marking a significant entry into the cryptocurrency market. This launch comes in response to increasing institutional demand for regulated cryptocurrency products following the SEC's approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024. The successful debut, which attracted $33.9 million in net inflows, signals a potential shift in the investment landscape as traditional financial institutions embrace digital assets.
2 sourcesApr 9High
- Business· World
GlaxoSmithKline Withdraws FDA Application for Leucovorin Calcium
GlaxoSmithKline has withdrawn its FDA application for Leucovorin calcium, a drug recently approved for cerebral folate deficiency. This decision comes as GSK no longer markets the medicine, following a period of regulatory scrutiny and limited evidence for broader autism applications. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny on drug approvals related to autism treatments and potential impacts on GSK's market strategy in the pharmaceutical sector.
2 sourcesApr 9Low