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
7501 stories- Business· World
Metaplanet acquires controlling stake in Super League Enterprise through Bitcoin investment
On August 18, 2026, Metaplanet announced a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Nasdaq-listed Super League Enterprise by contributing 2,100 BTC and $2.5 million in cash. This strategic move is driven by Metaplanet's goal to expand its Bitcoin treasury strategy into US capital markets while leveraging its existing holdings. The long-term implication is the potential for Metaplanet to raise capital in dual markets, enhancing its position in the evolving landscape of corporate Bitcoin treasury management.
3 sources18h agoModerate
- Crypto· World
MoonPay Partners with Cash App for Direct Cryptocurrency Purchases in the US
MoonPay has integrated Cash App Pay as a payment method for cryptocurrency purchases, allowing eligible US customers to fund crypto acquisitions directly from their Cash App balances. This partnership is driven by the need to streamline fiat-to-crypto access for millions of users already utilizing Cash App, enhancing customer choice beyond Bitcoin. The long-term implication is MoonPay's continued expansion into institutional services and the potential for increased adoption of cryptocurrencies among mainstream users in the US market.
3 sources18h agoModerate
- Crypto· World
Securitize CEO Discusses Earnings Volatility and New Tokenized Fund Launch
Securitize CEO Carlos Domingo highlighted the company's Q2 2026 earnings and the launch of the Neuberger Securitize High Income Tokenized Fund during a recent interview. The immediate focus on earnings volatility is attributed to the company's growth investments and the recent NYSE listing. Long-term, this indicates a strategic shift towards institutional adoption of tokenized assets in capital markets.
3 sources18h agoLow
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surges to $65,000 Triggering $56 Million in Short Liquidations
Bitcoin briefly reached $65,000 on August 18, 2026, amid a short squeeze that liquidated $56 million in bearish positions. This surge was driven by leveraged trading dynamics and increased conviction buying at lower price levels, occurring against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The long-term implication may involve increased volatility in cryptocurrency markets as traders adjust to shifting market sentiments and external pressures.
3 sources18h agoModerate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Holds Steady as Trump Dismisses Iran Negotiations Amid Ongoing Conflict
On August 18, 2026, Bitcoin stabilized around $64,600 following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that no negotiations with Iran were planned. This statement comes amid a prolonged U.S.-Iran conflict, which has seen escalating tensions and military actions since February 2026. The situation is likely to continue affecting global markets, particularly in energy and cryptocurrency sectors, as geopolitical uncertainties persist.
4 sources18h agoLow
- Crypto· World
Citi Launches Custody+ Platform Integrating Real-Time Asset Servicing and Bitcoin Custody Capabilities
Citi Investor Services has launched its Custody+ platform, which combines traditional custody with real-time asset servicing for institutional investors. This launch follows the completion of its U.S. Single Event Processing technology rollout, addressing the growing demand for speed and operational flexibility in capital markets. The long-term implication is that this initiative will enhance the integration of traditional and digital asset management, starting with Bitcoin custody later in 2026.
4 sources18h agoModerate
- Crypto· World
BitBox Addresses Critical Firmware Vulnerabilities in Hardware Wallets
BitBox disclosed multiple severe firmware vulnerabilities in its BitBox02 hardware wallets and released a patch on August 17, 2026. The immediate trigger for this disclosure was the identification of vulnerabilities during internal audits, following a series of security incidents in the hardware wallet ecosystem. This incident underscores the growing importance of robust security measures in cryptocurrency storage solutions and may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory attention in the industry.
4 sources18h agoModerate
- Crypto· World
Institutional Investors Increase MSTR Holdings by $1.2 Billion in Q2 2026
Twelve of Strategy's top fifteen institutional shareholders raised their MSTR positions by a combined $1.2 billion during Q2 2026. This surge follows a significant $4.6 billion increase in Q1, indicating strong ongoing institutional confidence in the company's Bitcoin treasury strategy. The trend suggests that major asset managers are likely to continue supporting leveraged Bitcoin exposure as a viable investment strategy in the long term.
3 sources18h agoModerate
- Crypto· World
Cypherpunk Technologies Launches World's Largest Zcash Mining Operation
Cypherpunk Technologies has appointed Kevin Zhang as Head of Mining and launched a dedicated mining subsidiary, establishing the largest Zcash mining fleet globally. This strategic move follows a $33.33 million investment from Winklevoss Capital, capitalizing on declining Bitcoin mining profitability to enhance Zcash's market position. The long-term implication is Cypherpunk's potential dominance in the Zcash ecosystem, positioning it as a key player in the cryptocurrency mining sector.
4 sources18h agoLow
- Business· World
Anthropic Secures Over $10 Billion Pre-IPO Credit Facility Amid Intense Bank Competition
On August 18, 2026, Anthropic announced that its pre-IPO revolving credit facility has surpassed its $10 billion target due to strong interest from banks. This surge in commitments comes as the company prepares for a potential IPO, with its revenue run rate exceeding $65 billion. The long-term implication is that Anthropic is positioning itself for one of the largest public listings in history, which could reshape the AI sector's financial landscape.
3 sources18h agoModerate
- Business· World
India Increases LPG Production in Response to Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
On August 13, 2026, the Indian government directed refineries to maximize domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) output due to ongoing conflicts affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This directive comes as India seeks to enhance energy security amid rising tensions and disruptions in its primary supply route for LPG imports. The long-term implication is a strategic shift towards increased domestic production and diversification of supply sources to mitigate future risks.
3 sources18h agoLow
- Business· World
Alphabet Launches A$5 Billion Bond Offering to Fund AI Initiatives
On August 17, 2026, Alphabet announced its inaugural Australian dollar bond issuance targeting A$5 billion. This move is driven by the company's need to finance substantial investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure amid a broader trend of U.S. tech firms increasing debt issuance. The long-term implication is a potential shift in funding strategies for tech companies as they seek diverse capital sources to support AI development.
3 sources18h agoLow
- Crypto· World
Binance Provides Customer Data to Russia for Terrorism Financing Charges Linked to Ukraine Donations
Binance disclosed customer transaction and personal data to Russian authorities, leading to terrorism financing charges against a Russian national for cryptocurrency donations to Ukrainian organizations. This data sharing occurred despite Binance's prior exit from Russia, highlighting ongoing tensions and legal complexities in the crypto space amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny and regulatory challenges for cryptocurrency exchanges operating in politically sensitive environments.
8 sources18h agoLow
- Business· UAE
Saudi Aramco Begins Ship-to-Ship Crude Transfers Off Fujairah for Asian Markets
Saudi Aramco has initiated private negotiations to supply Arab Medium and Arab Heavy crude to selected Asian refiners via ship-to-ship transfers off Fujairah. This move is a response to significant shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have reduced Gulf crude exports by approximately 40%. In the long term, this strategy may reshape regional energy trade dynamics and enhance Fujairah's role as a key logistics hub for oil deliveries.
3 sources18h agoLow
- Business· World
Strategy Prioritizes Cash Reserves Over Common Share Buybacks
On August 17, 2026, Strategy's Executive Chairman Michael Saylor announced that the company will focus on building a $4.8 billion cash reserve instead of prioritizing common share buybacks. This decision comes in response to a significant decline in MSTR shares, which have fallen approximately 38% year-to-date amid broader bitcoin price drops. The long-term implication suggests that Strategy will maintain its focus on preferred stock operations and operational flexibility for potential bitcoin transactions, signaling a shift in investment strategy towards stability and long-term growth.
5 sources18h agoLow
- Business· World
JPMorgan Ends Banking Relationship with Polymarket Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
JPMorgan Chase has terminated its banking relationship with prediction market platform Polymarket due to regulatory concerns. This decision comes as the prediction market sector faces increased scrutiny from U.S. regulators, including ongoing investigations by the CFTC. In the long term, JPMorgan's interest in potentially underwriting Polymarket's IPO suggests a strategic pivot towards maintaining influence in the evolving financial landscape of prediction markets.
3 sources18h agoLow
- Economy· MENA
PIF Reports Over $900 Billion in Assets and Doubled Net Profit in 2025 Annual Review
The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia has released its 2025 Annual Report, revealing assets exceeding $900 billion and a net profit that has more than doubled to $17 billion. This significant financial performance is attributed to the successful execution of PIF's 2021-2025 strategy under Vision 2030, which included substantial domestic investments and new initiatives in AI and mega-projects. Looking ahead, PIF is transitioning to its 2026-2030 strategy, emphasizing continued economic diversification and private sector engagement.
4 sources18h agoLow
- Business· World
AstraZeneca Reports Mixed Results from Lung Cancer Trials
AstraZeneca announced mixed outcomes from three Phase III lung cancer trials, discontinuing one trial while reporting positive survival data from two others. This shift is occurring as the company faces increased scrutiny over its oncology pipeline following previous setbacks. The long-term implication may involve heightened investor focus on successful therapies and potential regulatory impacts on treatment availability globally.
3 sources18h agoLow
- Business· World
Shein Revises IPO Valuation to $25 Billion Amid Market Pressures
Shein has adjusted its targeted valuation for its upcoming Hong Kong IPO to approximately $25 billion, significantly down from its previous peak of $100 billion. This shift is driven by investor concerns over slowing growth, regulatory challenges, and intensified competition in the fast-fashion sector. The long-term implication suggests that Shein may need to reevaluate its growth strategies and operational efficiencies to regain investor confidence and market position.
3 sources18h agoLow
- Economy· World
ECB warns of impending correction in US tech stocks due to AI valuations
On August 17, 2026, ECB economists issued a warning that a correction in US technology stocks is likely due to elevated valuations driven by AI. This alert comes as European investors hold significant exposure to these US tech shares, raising concerns about potential spillover effects on euro area financial stability. The long-term implication suggests that constrained policy responses may exacerbate economic fallout, prompting a reevaluation of investment strategies in both the US and Europe.
4 sources18h agoLow