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- Economy· MENA
Gulf Stock Markets Decline Ahead of U.S. Ultimatum to Iran
Gulf stock markets experienced declines of up to 1.6 percent on April 7, 2026, as investors reacted to the impending expiration of a U.S. ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The cautious market sentiment was triggered by heightened tensions following a confrontation between the U.S. and Iran, which had led to the closure of this critical shipping route. The long-term implication may involve increased volatility in Gulf markets and potential shifts in energy prices as negotiations continue amidst geopolitical tensions.
4 sourcesApr 8Low
- Economy· World
Wall Street Indices React to U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Over Strait of Hormuz
On April 7, 2026, Wall Street major indices closed mixed following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The ceasefire was triggered by President Trump's deadline for reopening the waterway, which is critical for global oil supply, amid earlier market volatility due to weak economic data. This development is likely to stabilize oil prices and influence market sentiment in the coming weeks as investors assess the implications for U.S.-Iran relations and regional stability.
3 sourcesApr 8High
- Business· World
Hermeus Secures $350 Million Series C Funding to Enhance Hypersonic Aircraft Development
Hermeus Corporation has closed a $350 million Series C funding round, achieving a $1 billion valuation and relocating its headquarters to El Segundo, California. This funding, led by Khosla Ventures, is driven by the urgent need for rapid-deployment defense technologies amid escalating hypersonic arms races with global adversaries. The long-term implication is a significant acceleration in the production of unmanned hypersonic aircraft, positioning Hermeus as a key player in U.S. national security.
3 sourcesApr 8Moderate
- Business· World
Sony Pictures Entertainment announces global layoffs amid restructuring efforts
Sony Pictures Entertainment has initiated a restructuring process that will eliminate several hundred positions across its film, television, and corporate divisions. This decision comes as the company seeks to realign its focus towards high-growth areas like anime and PlayStation adaptations, following industry challenges and previous layoffs. The long-term implication may involve a strategic shift in content production and workforce management within the entertainment sector as companies adapt to evolving market demands.
4 sourcesApr 8Moderate
- Crypto· World
U.S. Bitcoin ETFs Experience $471 Million in Net Inflows on April 6, 2026
On April 6, 2026, U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded $471 million in net inflows, marking the largest daily total since late February. This surge is driven by renewed institutional demand amid Bitcoin price volatility around $68,700 following a period of significant outflows earlier in the year. The long-term implication suggests a potential stabilization in institutional interest in Bitcoin as market sentiment recovers, despite ongoing price fluctuations.
3 sourcesApr 8Low
- Crypto· World
North Korea's UNC4736 Group Executes $270 Million Exploit on Drift Protocol
North Korea-affiliated hacking group UNC4736 has successfully executed a six-month espionage operation resulting in a $270 million exploit of Drift Protocol. This incident was triggered by the group's sophisticated infiltration tactics, including posing as a quantitative trading firm and building trust with contributors through various channels. The long-term implication is a significant reevaluation of security practices within the decentralized finance sector, emphasizing the need for enhanced operational security measures against state-sponsored cyber threats.
3 sourcesApr 8Low
- Crypto· World
CME Group to Launch Avalanche and Sui Futures Contracts in 2026
CME Group has announced plans to launch futures contracts for Avalanche (AVAX) and Sui (SUI) on May 4, 2026, pending regulatory approval. This move is driven by increasing institutional demand for regulated cryptocurrency risk management tools as the market matures. The introduction of these contracts is expected to enhance liquidity and institutional participation in the cryptocurrency derivatives market.
4 sourcesApr 8High
- Crypto· World
Solana Foundation Implements STRIDE Security Program Following Major Drift Protocol Exploit
On April 1, 2026, the Drift Protocol on the Solana blockchain suffered a $285 million exploit attributed to North Korean actors. This incident prompted the Solana Foundation to launch the STRIDE security program and the Solana Incident Response Network (SIRN) on April 6, 2026, to enhance security measures for decentralized finance protocols. The long-term implication is a potential shift towards more rigorous security standards in the DeFi sector, aiming to prevent future exploits and restore investor confidence.
3 sourcesApr 8High
- Crypto· World
FBI Reports $11.37 Billion in Cryptocurrency Scam Losses for 2025
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that Americans lost $11.37 billion to cryptocurrency scams in 2025, with a total of 181,565 complaints filed. This surge in losses is attributed to sophisticated scams, particularly investment fraud, which have increasingly targeted vulnerable demographics. The long-term implication suggests a potential for heightened regulatory scrutiny and increased public awareness campaigns to combat such cyber-enabled fraud.
4 sourcesApr 8High
- Crypto· World
Morgan Stanley to Launch Spot Bitcoin ETF on NYSE Arca in April 2026
Morgan Stanley's spot Bitcoin ETF, MSBT, is scheduled to commence trading on NYSE Arca on April 8, 2026. This launch follows the SEC's recent approval of the registration statement, marking a significant moment for institutional crypto investment. The introduction of this ETF is expected to intensify competition in the U.S. Bitcoin ETF market, potentially leading to substantial inflows and a shift in market dynamics.
3 sourcesApr 8High
- Crypto· World
FDIC Proposes Regulatory Framework for Stablecoin Issuers Under GENIUS Act
The FDIC has approved a notice of proposed rulemaking to establish a prudential framework for stablecoin issuers, responding to the rapid growth of the stablecoin market. This regulatory action is triggered by the need for standards to ensure financial stability as the market exceeds $320 billion. Long-term, this framework is likely to accelerate the adoption of bank-issued stablecoins and enhance regulatory clarity in the digital asset space.
3 sourcesApr 8High
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surges Above $72,000 Following U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Announcement
Bitcoin exceeded $72,000 on April 7, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-week pause on military strikes against Iran. This surge was triggered by improved risk sentiment and de-escalation efforts mediated by Pakistan, allowing Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of cryptocurrency markets and reduced geopolitical tensions in the region.
3 sourcesApr 8Very High
- Business· World
Samsung Electronics Projects Record Q1 2026 Profit Driven by AI Chip Demand
Samsung Electronics has announced a preliminary operating profit of 57.2 trillion won for Q1 2026, marking a 755 percent increase year-over-year. This surge is attributed to a significant rise in demand for AI-related memory chips, particularly from data centers and AI accelerators. The long-term implication suggests that Samsung is well-positioned to continue capitalizing on the ongoing AI boom, despite potential supply chain risks from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
3 sourcesApr 8Moderate
- Business· World
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson Resigns Amid Record Losses and Geopolitical Challenges
On April 7, 2026, Air India announced the resignation of CEO Campbell Wilson, who will remain until a successor is appointed. This decision comes as the airline faces projected losses of Rs 200 billion due to disruptions from the US-Israel-Iran war, a recent Boeing crash, and rising fuel costs. The long-term implication is a leadership transition that may impact Air India's ongoing transformation and recovery efforts in a challenging aviation landscape.
6 sourcesApr 8Moderate
- Business· World
Eclipse Ventures Secures $1.3 Billion for Physical AI Startups
On April 7, 2026, Eclipse Ventures announced the closure of $1.3 billion across two new funds aimed at investing in physical AI technologies. This significant capital raise is driven by a growing demand for resilient physical systems and advancements in AI that are reshaping industries. The long-term implication is a potential acceleration in the development of innovative technologies across sectors like transportation, energy, and defense, fostering a connected industrial economy.
3 sourcesApr 8Low
- Business· World
Blackstone Capital Opportunities Fund V Secures Over $10 Billion in Final Close
On April 7, 2026, Blackstone announced the final close of its Blackstone Capital Opportunities Fund V with over $10 billion in investable capital. This significant fundraising was driven by strong institutional demand despite challenges in the private credit market, including redemptions and valuation scrutiny. The successful close reinforces Blackstone's position in the private credit sector and may lead to increased allocations towards opportunistic funds as investors seek undervalued credit opportunities.
3 sourcesApr 8Low
- Business· World
Fox Corporation Partners with Kalshi to Integrate Prediction Market Data into News Platforms
Fox Corporation has announced a partnership with Kalshi to incorporate real-time prediction market forecasts into its media platforms. This integration is driven by the growing adoption of prediction markets in media, aiming to enhance audience insights and counter misinformation. The long-term implication may see a shift in how news organizations utilize data-driven insights to inform their reporting and engage audiences.
4 sourcesApr 8High
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Falls Below $68,000 Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions Following Trump's Ultimatum
Bitcoin's price dropped below $68,000 on April 7, 2026, triggered by President Trump's warning that Iran's civilization would face destruction unless it complied with U.S. demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation in rhetoric comes amidst an ongoing conflict that began in late February, characterized by military strikes and the closure of a critical shipping route. The long-term implications suggest continued volatility in cryptocurrency markets as geopolitical tensions affect investor sentiment and risk appetite.
4 sourcesApr 8High
- Business· MENA
Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds Invest $24 Billion in Paramount Skydance's Warner Bros. Acquisition
Sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar have committed $24 billion in equity financing to Paramount Skydance's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. This investment comes amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran war, which has raised concerns about the stability of Middle Eastern investments. The long-term implication is a potential shift in Gulf investment strategies, balancing domestic priorities with significant global media acquisitions.
5 sourcesApr 8Moderate
- Business· MENA
SpaceX Plans Historic IPO Targeting $2 Trillion Valuation with Significant Retail Investor Participation
SpaceX has announced preparations for an initial public offering (IPO) scheduled for April 7, 2026, aiming for a $2 trillion valuation and a capital raise of up to $75 billion. This move follows a recent merger with xAI and is driven by increasing investor interest and a strategic allocation of 30 percent of shares to retail investors across multiple countries. The long-term implication could see SpaceX's IPO surpassing Saudi Aramco's record, potentially reshaping the aerospace investment landscape and attracting significant capital from UAE and GCC investors.
3 sourcesApr 8Low