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- Economy· World
US-Iran Ceasefire Triggers Global Market Reactions with Oil and Dollar Declines
On April 8, 2026, a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran led to significant drops in oil and natural gas prices, as well as a decline in the US dollar. This market shift was triggered by President Trump's announcement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, alleviating fears of energy supply disruptions. In the long term, this de-escalation is likely to stabilize global markets and reduce inflationary pressures, influencing monetary policy decisions by the Federal Reserve.
3 sourcesApr 9Very High
- Business· MENA
Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy partners with Minexx for AI-driven mineral processing in DRC
Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy has signed an agreement with Minexx to implement AI-enhanced ore sorting technologies in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This partnership is driven by the need to upgrade low-grade ores into export-ready products amid rising global demand for critical minerals. The collaboration is expected to bolster UAE's strategic investments in Africa's mineral sector and enhance operational efficiencies in mineral processing.
3 sourcesApr 9Low
- Business· UAE
ENOC Group and 7X Sign MoU to Enhance E-Commerce and Logistics in the UAE
On April 8, 2026, ENOC Group and 7X signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on e-commerce, logistics, and retail innovation. This partnership is driven by the UAE's ongoing push for digital transformation and the rapid growth of its e-commerce market, projected to reach $12.3 billion. The long-term implication is a strengthened integration of energy retail with logistics, potentially reshaping the landscape of e-commerce in the region.
3 sourcesApr 9Low
- Economy· UAE
Dubai Financial Market Index Rises 6.91% Following US-Iran Ceasefire
The Dubai Financial Market General Index surged 6.91% on April 8, 2026, marking its largest daily gain in six years. This rally was triggered by a provisional two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, which alleviated regional tensions and restored investor confidence. The long-term implication is a potential shift in investment patterns towards stable sectors in the UAE, bolstered by renewed market activity and liquidity.
4 sourcesApr 9Low
- Crypto· World
Coinbase Australia becomes first crypto exchange to secure AFSL with retail derivatives authorisation
On April 8, 2026, Coinbase Australia Pty Ltd received an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) with retail derivatives authorisation from ASIC. This approval is driven by the upcoming Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025, which mandates AFSL for digital asset exchanges to enhance consumer protection. The long-term implication is that Coinbase's compliance with traditional financial standards may pave the way for broader adoption of cryptocurrency trading in Australia.
3 sourcesApr 9Low
- Crypto· World
Cryptocurrency Market Capitalization Rises by $120 Billion After US-Iran Ceasefire Announcement
The total cryptocurrency market capitalization increased by $120 billion within 10 hours following President Trump's announcement of a two-week ceasefire with Iran. This geopolitical de-escalation is occurring now as Iran has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, reducing immediate conflict risks. The long-term implication may lead to sustained investor confidence in cryptocurrencies as geopolitical tensions ease and market volatility decreases.
4 sourcesApr 9High
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surpasses $70,000 Following US-Iran Ceasefire Announcement
On April 8, 2026, President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, leading to a surge in Bitcoin prices above $70,000 as markets reacted positively to de-escalation signals. This rally was triggered by the ceasefire's potential to stabilize the region, despite concerns over Iran's conditional transit protocols for Bitcoin and ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Long-term implications suggest that Bitcoin may play a strategic role in the Middle East's economic landscape, particularly as Iran imposes tolls on cryptocurrency transactions.
8 sourcesApr 9High
- Crypto· World
Zcash Price Rallies 30% Following US-Iran Ceasefire Announcement
On April 8, 2026, Zcash (ZEC) surged over 30% to $336.50 after President Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran. This price increase was driven by a broader market rally in response to de-escalating US-Iran tensions, which alleviated immediate geopolitical concerns. Analysts caution that this surge may resemble a bull trap, potentially leading to significant price corrections in the near future.
3 sourcesApr 9Low
- Crypto· World
South Korea Enforces Unified Cryptocurrency Withdrawal Delay Rules to Combat Fraud
South Korea has implemented unified cryptocurrency withdrawal delay standards as of April 8, 2026, to mitigate voice phishing scams. This regulatory change follows a review that revealed significant vulnerabilities in the existing system, where inconsistent policies allowed fraudsters to exploit rapid fund transfers. The long-term implication is expected to be enhanced user protection and a reduction in cryptocurrency-related fraud losses across the industry.
3 sourcesApr 9Low
- Crypto· World
FDIC Proposes New Regulations for Stablecoin Issuers Under GENIUS Act
The FDIC Board approved a 191-page proposed rulemaking establishing prudential standards for stablecoin issuers, requiring 1:1 reserves and excluding holders from deposit insurance. This action follows the enactment of the GENIUS Act in July 2025, which mandates federal regulators to set standards for payment stablecoins by July 2026. The long-term implication is a more regulated stablecoin market that may enhance trust and compliance among issuers, potentially impacting the broader cryptocurrency landscape.
4 sourcesApr 9High
- Crypto· World
Bernstein Analysts Warn Bitcoin Must Transition to Quantum-Resistant Cryptography Within 3–5 Years
Bernstein research analysts have assessed that Bitcoin faces a manageable risk from quantum computing, necessitating a transition to quantum-resistant cryptography within the next three to five years. This urgency is driven by recent advancements in quantum computing that significantly reduce the resources needed to break existing cryptographic standards. The long-term implication is that the Bitcoin community must adopt new protocols and standards to secure the network against potential quantum threats, ensuring the integrity of approximately 1.7 million BTC in legacy wallets.
4 sourcesApr 9Low
- Crypto· World
FinCEN Proposes New AML and Sanctions Compliance Rules for Stablecoin Issuers
On April 7, 2026, the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) proposed rules requiring permitted payment stablecoin issuers to implement risk-based anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) programs. This initiative is triggered by the need to address systemic failures in monitoring illicit transactions as the stablecoin market surpasses $317 billion. Long-term, this regulation is expected to enhance compliance burdens on issuers while potentially reshaping the landscape of digital asset regulation in the U.S.
3 sourcesApr 9Moderate
- Business· MENA
Campbell Wilson Resigns as Air India CEO Amid Financial Struggles and Regulatory Scrutiny
Campbell Wilson has resigned as CEO of Air India, effective April 7, 2026, following a tumultuous tenure marked by significant financial losses and regulatory challenges. His departure comes as the airline grapples with ongoing scrutiny after a deadly crash in 2025 and rising fuel costs exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The long-term implication may involve a strategic overhaul of leadership and operational strategies as Air India seeks to stabilize and regain market confidence.
3 sourcesApr 9Moderate
- Business· World
GoPro to Lay Off 23% of Workforce as Part of Restructuring Plan
GoPro, Inc. has announced a restructuring plan that will result in the layoff of approximately 145 employees, representing 23% of its workforce. This decision comes in response to significant revenue declines and increased competition in the action camera market. The long-term implication is a strategic pivot towards new product launches aimed at regaining market competitiveness amid ongoing tech sector consolidations.
4 sourcesApr 9Low
- Crypto· World
Cryptocurrency Markets Surge Following U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Announcement
On April 7, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, mediated by Pakistan, leading to a significant rally in cryptocurrency markets. This de-escalation comes after over 40 days of hostilities that had previously driven bearish sentiment in the markets. The long-term implication may involve increased stability in the region, potentially boosting investor confidence in cryptocurrencies and other markets.
5 sourcesApr 9High
- Business· MENA
IATA Projects Months-Long Recovery for Global Jet Fuel Supplies Following Hormuz Reopening
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that global jet fuel supplies may take months to recover despite the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This delay is attributed to significant damage to Middle Eastern refining capacity caused by recent military conflicts and disruptions. Long-term, airlines are expected to face continued elevated operating costs and reduced capacity, impacting global air travel and fuel pricing dynamics.
3 sourcesApr 9Moderate
- Business· World
Panama Ports Company Files Arbitration Against Maersk Over Canal Terminal Dispute
Panama Ports Company initiated arbitration against A.P. Moller-Maersk, alleging contract breaches related to the Balboa and Cristobal terminals. This action follows a January 2026 Supreme Court ruling that voided concessions and allowed Maersk to temporarily manage the terminals amid geopolitical tensions. The ongoing legal battle is likely to complicate CK Hutchison's global port divestment plans and impact international shipping logistics.
3 sourcesApr 9Low
- Economy· World
White House Report Finds Stablecoin Rewards Present Minimal Risk to Bank Lending
On April 8, 2026, the White House Council of Economic Advisers released a report concluding that stablecoin rewards pose minimal risk to bank lending. This conclusion follows lobbying by banks concerned about potential deposit outflows, with the report indicating only a 0.02% increase in lending under baseline conditions. The findings may influence future regulatory approaches to stablecoins and the GENIUS Act, potentially favoring yield-bearing options in the crypto market.
5 sourcesApr 9Moderate
- Business· MENA
Standard Chartered to Integrate Zodia Custody into Digital Assets Division
Standard Chartered PLC has announced plans to merge the custody operations of its majority-owned Zodia Custody Ltd. into its digital assets division. This strategic move is driven by increasing institutional demand for digital asset custody services, particularly in light of a growing market projected to reach $7 trillion by 2035. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for Standard Chartered in the digital assets space, enhancing its service offerings and compliance capabilities in the MENA region, particularly with ties to Emirates NBD.
6 sourcesApr 9Low
- Business· World
Swatch Group Recommends Shareholders Reject Activist Investor's Board Nomination
Swatch Group has urged its shareholders to reject Steven Wood's bid for a board seat at the upcoming annual general meeting. This recommendation comes amidst Wood's ongoing campaign for governance reforms and his previous rejection by shareholders, highlighting concerns over his limited shareholding and ongoing litigation against the company. The outcome of this vote could significantly impact Swatch's governance structure and investor relations moving forward.
3 sourcesApr 9Low