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
8714 stories- Business· World
Canva acquires Simtheory and Ortto to enhance AI-driven design capabilities
On April 8, 2026, Canva announced the acquisition of Simtheory and Ortto to integrate advanced AI collaboration and marketing automation into its platform. This strategic move is driven by Canva's ongoing expansion to bolster its competitive edge in the visual communication and productivity sectors. The long-term implication is a shift towards an AI-centric ecosystem that could redefine user workflows for its 250 million monthly users.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Economy· MENA
US-Iran Ceasefire Announcement Influences Federal Reserve Rate Cut Expectations
On April 7, 2026, President Trump declared a two-week ceasefire with Iran, leading to a significant drop in oil prices and easing geopolitical tensions. This announcement triggered a revival of market expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, with probabilities spiking to 65% before settling around 25%. The long-term implication suggests that sustained lower energy costs may influence monetary policy decisions and stabilize global markets, particularly in the MENA region.
3 sourcesApr 8Moderate
- Business· World
Constellation Brands Reports Revenue Decline in Fiscal Q4 2026 Despite Beer Growth
Constellation Brands Inc. reported a decline in fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue on April 8, 2026, despite an uptick in beer sales. The revenue drop is attributed to weakness in the wine and spirits division, which could not offset gains in premium beer brands. This trend may prompt the company to further focus on its beer segment and explore new strategies to revitalize its wine and spirits offerings.
2 sourcesApr 8Low - Crypto· World
Morgan Stanley Launches Lowest-Fee Spot Bitcoin ETF to Compete with BlackRock
Morgan Stanley launched its MSBT spot Bitcoin ETF on April 8, 2026, debuting with a 0.14% expense ratio, the lowest among its peers. This move comes as the U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF market intensifies following SEC approvals in January 2024, reflecting a shift in investor preferences towards cost efficiency. The long-term implication is a potential reshaping of market dynamics, with increased fee competition likely to impact BlackRock's dominance in the sector.
9 sourcesApr 8High
- Crypto· World
Cryptocurrency Market Capitalization Increases by $120 Billion After US-Iran Ceasefire Announcement
Total cryptocurrency market capitalization surged by $120 billion within 10 hours following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran. This surge was triggered by reduced geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, leading investors to anticipate normalized oil flows and increased risk appetite. In the long term, this may signal a shift in market dynamics as regional stability could enhance investment inflows into cryptocurrencies and other risk assets.
17 sourcesApr 8Low
- Crypto· World
Bernstein Research Assesses Quantum Computing as Manageable Threat to Bitcoin Security
On April 8, 2026, Bernstein analysts published a note indicating that quantum computing poses a real but manageable threat to Bitcoin's cryptography, with a three-to-five-year timeline for necessary protocol upgrades. This assessment follows Google's recent research that significantly reduced the qubit requirements for potential attacks, prompting Bernstein to advocate for a proactive upgrade strategy rather than panic. The long-term implication suggests a collective industry shift towards quantum-resistant technologies by 2029, particularly as 1.7 million BTC in legacy wallets remain vulnerable.
3 sourcesApr 8Low
- Business· MENA
Standard Chartered to Merge Zodia Custody with Digital Asset Division
On April 8, 2026, Standard Chartered Plc announced plans to merge parts of its majority-owned Zodia Custody Ltd. with its corporate digital asset operations. This strategic move is driven by Standard Chartered's ongoing expansion in the digital assets sector and the need to consolidate its crypto custody services. In the long term, this merger is likely to enhance the bank's competitive position in the institutional crypto custody market, particularly in the UAE and Europe.
6 sourcesApr 8Low
- Crypto· World
U.S. Treasury Proposes New Compliance Requirements for Payment Stablecoin Issuers
On April 8, 2026, the U.S. Treasury's FinCEN and OFAC issued a joint Notice of Proposed Rulemaking classifying permitted payment stablecoin issuers as financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act. This proposal is driven by the need to address illicit finance risks associated with the growing stablecoin market, which has seen a total supply of $316.8 billion as of early April 2026. Long-term, this regulatory framework is likely to shape the compliance landscape for stablecoin issuers, influencing their operational practices and potentially affecting global standards for digital currencies.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Economy· World
France Maintains 2026 Budget Deficit Target Below 5% Amid Iran War Impacts
On April 8, 2026, French Budget Minister David Amiel reaffirmed the 2026 budget deficit target to remain below 5% of GDP despite ongoing uncertainties from the Iran war. This decision follows a better-than-expected 2025 deficit of 5.1%, reflecting the government's cautious approach to potential economic disruptions caused by the conflict. Long-term, this stance may bolster Eurozone credibility and influence investment flows into French and European assets amidst rising energy prices.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Economy· World
Federal Reserve Signals Caution on Rate Cuts Amid Iran War Economic Turmoil
Federal Reserve officials indicated no immediate plans for interest rate cuts in their March meeting minutes released on April 8, 2026. The ongoing Iran war has disrupted economic stability, causing surging oil prices and inflation concerns that have led to a cautious approach in monetary policy. In the long term, the Fed may consider rate hikes if the conflict continues to escalate and inflation remains above target levels.
5 sourcesApr 8Low
- Crypto· World
Adam Back Denies New York Times Claims of Being Bitcoin Creator Satoshi Nakamoto
On April 8, 2026, Adam Back publicly denied being Satoshi Nakamoto, following a New York Times investigation that identified him as a leading candidate based on stylometric analysis. The investigation's timing coincides with ongoing speculation about Nakamoto's identity and the impact of such claims on Bitcoin's market perception. In the long term, this denial may reinforce the narrative of Bitcoin as a decentralized asset, potentially stabilizing its value amidst identity controversies.
5 sourcesApr 8Very High
- Business· World
Jeff Shell Negotiates Departure from Paramount Skydance Amid Legal Dispute with R.J. Cipriani
Jeff Shell has begun negotiations to resign as president of Paramount Skydance following a legal dispute with Robert James Cipriani, who has filed a $150 million lawsuit against him. The lawsuit, alleging breach of contract and insider information leaks, comes at a critical moment as Paramount is undergoing a $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. This situation may lead to significant leadership changes within Paramount and impact its ongoing merger negotiations.
4 sourcesApr 8Moderate
- Business· UAE
Etihad Airways to Launch Seasonal Flights from Abu Dhabi to Dhaka in June 2026
Etihad Airways has announced the launch of a new seasonal service connecting Abu Dhabi to Dhaka, starting on 26 June 2026. This decision is driven by increasing passenger and cargo demand, particularly in the garment and textile sectors, as well as the needs of the Bangladeshi diaspora in the UAE. The new route is expected to enhance trade links and position Abu Dhabi as a key gateway for South Asia to international markets.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Business· UAE
UAE Advances Regional Supply Chain Resilience Initiatives
On April 8, 2026, the UAE's Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation held a high-level meeting to enhance regional supply chain resilience amid ongoing trade disruptions. This initiative is driven by the need to adapt to recent regional shipping challenges, including attacks in the Red Sea, prompting the UAE to explore alternative logistics solutions. The long-term implication is the UAE's strengthened position as a global logistics hub, ensuring trade continuity and fostering economic growth through enhanced infrastructure and partnerships.
3 sourcesApr 8Low
- Business· World
Delta Air Lines Projects $1 Billion Pre-Tax Profit for Q2 2026 Amid Rising Fuel Costs
On April 8, 2026, Delta Air Lines forecasted a pre-tax profit of approximately $1 billion for Q2 2026 despite a $2 billion increase in fuel costs. This projection comes in the wake of a ceasefire announcement between the US and Iran, which is expected to stabilize oil prices and reduce operational costs for airlines. Long-term, Delta's strategy to cut flights and increase fares may reshape competitive dynamics in the aviation sector as carriers adapt to fluctuating fuel prices and demand.
5 sourcesApr 8Low
- Business· MENA
Frimex International Investment Company acquires 60% stake in Gulf Neo Care to enhance Saudi healthcare sector
On April 8, 2026, Frimex International Investment Company completed the acquisition of a 60% stake in Gulf Neo Care, establishing a strategic healthcare platform in Saudi Arabia. This move aligns with the immediate goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes healthcare transformation and economic diversification. The long-term implication is the potential for enhanced healthcare logistics and services across the region, benefiting both Saudi Arabia and UAE investors.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Business· World
GoPro announces 23% workforce reduction as part of restructuring plan
GoPro, Inc. has announced a plan to lay off approximately 23% of its global workforce, affecting around 145 employees, as part of a restructuring initiative. This decision comes in response to ongoing financial pressures and increased competition from rivals such as DJI and Insta360. The long-term implication is a potential shift in GoPro's market strategy as it seeks to enhance operational efficiency and adapt to changing consumer demands in the tech industry.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Crypto· World
Pharos Network Secures $44 Million Series A Funding Achieving Nearly $1 Billion Valuation
Pharos Network announced a $44 million Series A funding round, achieving a nearly $1 billion post-money valuation ahead of its mainnet launch. This funding, backed by notable investors including Sumitomo Corporation and Chainlink, is aimed at scaling infrastructure for real-world asset tokenization in a rapidly growing market. The long-term implication is that Pharos Network is positioned to play a significant role in the $50 trillion RWA market, potentially influencing the future of asset tokenization globally.
2 sourcesApr 8High
- Crypto· UAE
Polygon Labs Pursues $100 Million Fundraising for New Stablecoin Payments Unit
Polygon Labs has initiated discussions to raise up to $100 million to establish a dedicated stablecoin payments business unit. This move follows significant acquisitions in January 2026 aimed at enhancing its regulated financial services capabilities, coinciding with a surge in stablecoin activity on its network. The long-term implication is a strengthened position in the competitive payments landscape, potentially challenging traditional processors like Stripe and enhancing liquidity for UAE enterprises.
2 sourcesApr 8Moderate
- Economy· World
White House report reveals minimal impact of stablecoin yield prohibition on bank lending and consumer welfare
On April 8, 2026, the White House Council of Economic Advisers published a report indicating that banning yields on stablecoins would only increase U.S. bank lending by 0.02% while costing consumers $800 million annually. This assessment comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the CLARITY Act, which aims to address concerns over potential deposit flight from banks to stablecoins. The findings suggest that stablecoin regulations may continue to evolve, potentially influencing future legislative measures and market dynamics in the crypto space.
2 sourcesApr 8High