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- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Drops as Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran Ahead of Deadline
Bitcoin fell by 2.5% in New York trading as the deadline for U.S. President Trump's ultimatum to Iran approaches. The decline is driven by escalating geopolitical tensions following Iran's rejection of a ceasefire proposal and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This situation may lead to increased volatility in cryptocurrency markets and further declines in risk assets if military actions escalate.
2 sourcesApr 7Moderate
- Economy· World
New York Fed President Warns of Elevated Inflation Due to Iran War Energy Price Surge
New York Federal Reserve President John Williams has projected that headline inflation will remain elevated as a result of surging energy prices linked to the ongoing Iran war. This inflationary pressure is occurring now due to the significant spike in oil prices following the conflict's escalation and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. In the long term, this situation may lead to increased economic instability and necessitate adjustments in monetary policy to address inflation and employment risks.
5 sourcesApr 7Low
- Crypto· World
Charles Schwab Issues Caution on Cryptocurrency Portfolio Allocations Amid Spot Trading Plans
On April 6, 2026, Charles Schwab released an advisory warning investors about the heightened volatility risks associated with Bitcoin and Ether in their portfolios. This guidance comes as Schwab prepares to launch direct spot trading for these cryptocurrencies in the second quarter of 2026, responding to increasing client demand and regulatory developments. The long-term implication suggests that as institutional adoption of digital assets grows, investors may need to reassess their risk management strategies in cryptocurrency investments.
2 sourcesApr 7Low
- Crypto· World
CME Group to Launch Regulated Futures for Avalanche and Sui on May 4, 2026
CME Group announced plans to introduce cash-settled futures contracts for Avalanche (AVAX) and Sui (SUI) on May 4, 2026, pending regulatory approval. This initiative is driven by increasing institutional demand for regulated exposure to layer-1 blockchain assets as digital asset markets mature. The long-term implication is a likely expansion of CME's cryptocurrency derivatives offerings, enhancing liquidity and risk management tools for investors.
4 sourcesApr 7High
- Business· World
UnitedHealth Group Stock Rises 8.5% Following Medicare Advantage Rate Increase Announcement
UnitedHealth Group's stock surged by 8.5% on April 7, 2026, after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized a 2.48% increase in Medicare Advantage payments for 2027. This increase, which provides over $13 billion in additional funding to insurers, comes as a relief following earlier proposals that had caused significant stock declines. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization in the health insurance market, with improved margins for major players like UnitedHealth, Humana, and CVS Health as regulatory pressures ease.
3 sourcesApr 7High
- Economy· World
IMF Highlights Financial Risks in Emerging Markets from Portfolio Investment Dominance
The International Monetary Fund has warned that portfolio investments now account for 80% of debt financing in emerging markets, significantly increasing their vulnerability to global financial shocks. This shift is attributed to a long-term trend following the 2008 financial crisis, which saw a decline in bank lending and a rise in non-bank portfolio investments. In the long term, the IMF suggests that emerging markets must enhance their financial resilience through policy reforms and reserve accumulation to mitigate risks associated with volatile capital flows.
2 sourcesApr 7Low
- Crypto· World
U.S. SEC's Regulation Crypto Assets Proposal Moves to White House Review
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation Crypto Assets proposal has advanced to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for review. This development follows a period of regulatory uncertainty in the cryptocurrency market and aims to provide a safe harbor for token distribution and fundraising exemptions. The long-term implication is a potential shift towards clearer regulatory frameworks that could foster innovation and compliance in the crypto industry.
6 sourcesApr 7Moderate
- Business· UAE
Union Properties PJSC Approves First Cash Dividend in 11 Years
Union Properties PJSC shareholders approved a cash dividend of AED 3 fils per share during the AGM held on April 7, 2026. This decision follows a significant recovery in the company's financial performance in 2025, with a revenue increase of 39.4 percent. The approval is expected to enhance investor confidence in Dubai's real estate sector and signal a new era of shareholder returns after years of financial distress.
2 sourcesApr 7Low
- Economy· World
New York Fed President Williams Addresses Inflation and Labor Market Amid Iran Conflict
On April 7, 2026, New York Federal Reserve President John C. Williams discussed the current monetary policy and projected a headline inflation rate of 2.75% for the year, influenced by rising energy prices due to the ongoing Iran war. This discussion comes as the conflict escalates, disrupting oil supplies and impacting economic stability. In the long term, the Fed's cautious stance suggests potential adjustments to monetary policy as geopolitical tensions continue to evolve.
2 sourcesApr 7Low
- Business· MENA
Eni Announces Major Gas Discovery Offshore Egypt with 2 Trillion Cubic Feet Estimated
Eni has discovered approximately 2 trillion cubic feet of gas and 130 million barrels of condensate in the Temsah Concession offshore Egypt. This significant find comes as Egypt seeks to replenish its declining gas reserves amid rising domestic demand and import reliance. The discovery is expected to facilitate fast-track development due to its proximity to existing infrastructure, enhancing Egypt's energy self-sufficiency and export capacity.
5 sourcesApr 7Low
- Crypto· World
North Korean Hackers Execute $270 Million Exploit on Drift Protocol After Six-Month Operation
On April 1, 2026, North Korean state-affiliated hackers executed a $270 million exploit against the Solana-based Drift Protocol following a six-month intelligence operation. This operation was triggered by the hackers posing as a quantitative trading firm and establishing trust through various interactions at global crypto conferences. The long-term implication is a significant shift in the cryptocurrency community's approach to security, emphasizing the need for enhanced operational security practices beyond traditional code audits.
2 sourcesApr 7High
- Business· World
Gilead Sciences to Acquire Tubulis GmbH for Up to $5 Billion
Gilead Sciences has announced an agreement to acquire Tubulis GmbH for $3.15 billion upfront plus up to $1.85 billion in milestone payments. This acquisition is driven by Gilead's strategy to enhance its oncology pipeline with Tubulis' advanced antibody-drug conjugate technologies. The deal signifies Gilead's aggressive expansion in the competitive oncology sector, particularly in targeted cancer therapies.
2 sourcesApr 7Low
- Business· World
Blackstone Secures Over $10 Billion for Capital Opportunities Fund V
Blackstone has closed its Capital Opportunities Fund V at over $10 billion, marking its largest-ever fundraising for an opportunistic credit strategy. This significant capital influx is driven by strong institutional demand in the private credit market, despite recent redemption pressures. The successful close indicates a robust investor confidence in Blackstone's credit strategies and may lead to increased competition in the private credit space as firms seek to capitalize on favorable market conditions.
3 sourcesApr 7Low
- Economy· World
Afreximbank Launches US$10 Billion Programme to Mitigate Economic Impact of Middle East Conflict on Africa and Caribbean
On April 7, 2026, Afreximbank approved a US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme aimed at supporting African and Caribbean economies affected by the ongoing Middle East conflict. This initiative is triggered by severe disruptions in global supplies of essential goods due to the crisis that escalated on February 28, 2026. The long-term implication is the strengthening of economic resilience in these regions through enhanced infrastructure and liquidity support, potentially stabilizing trade flows and economic conditions in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
2 sourcesApr 7Low
- Economy· MENA
OPEC Secretariat Receives Updated Compensation Plans from Iraq, UAE, Kazakhstan, and Oman
On April 7, 2026, the OPEC General Secretariat received updated compensation plans from Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, and Oman to offset oil production exceeding allocated quotas. This follows a virtual meeting of eight OPEC+ countries in early March 2026, aimed at stabilizing global oil markets through production cuts totaling 1.214 million barrels per day. The long-term implication is a reinforced commitment to production discipline among OPEC+ members, which may mitigate potential energy crises amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
2 sourcesApr 7Low
- Business· World
Procure Space ETF Sees Record Inflows Ahead of SpaceX IPO
The Procure Space ETF (UFO) recorded nearly $175 million in inflows during Q1 2026, its largest quarterly influx since inception. This surge is driven by heightened investor interest in space sector equities in anticipation of SpaceX's upcoming IPO, which could be valued at $1.75 trillion. The long-term implication suggests a growing trend in public investment in the space industry as SpaceX's IPO approaches and potentially reshapes market dynamics.
2 sourcesApr 7Low
- Economy· World
Russian Urals Crude Prices Surge to 13-Year High Amid US-Iran Conflict
On April 2, 2026, Russian Urals crude prices reached a 13-year high of $116.05 per barrel at the Primorsk port. This surge was triggered by the US-led Operation Epic Fury against Iran, which disrupted a significant portion of global oil supplies. The long-term implication is that Russia will benefit from increased revenues, potentially alleviating fiscal pressures related to ongoing conflicts while further straining global energy markets.
2 sourcesApr 7Low
- Economy· World
UK Government Caps Student Loan Interest Rates at 6% Effective September 2026
On 7 April 2026, the UK Department for Education announced a cap on interest rates at 6% for Plan 2 and Plan 3 student loans in England and Wales, effective from 1 September 2026. This measure is a response to potential inflation spikes driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly risks associated with Iran. The long-term implication is a shift towards more stable financial conditions for borrowers amid global economic uncertainties.
3 sourcesApr 7High
- Business· World
Samsung Electronics Achieves Record Q1 2026 Profit of 57.2 Trillion Won Fueled by AI Chip Demand
Samsung Electronics reported a preliminary operating profit of 57.2 trillion won for Q1 2026, marking an eightfold increase from the previous year. This surge is driven by unprecedented demand for artificial intelligence semiconductors, particularly high-bandwidth memory chips, amid a global semiconductor supercycle. The long-term implication suggests continued investment in AI infrastructure and potential price volatility in memory markets as competition intensifies.
2 sourcesApr 7High
- Business· World
SpaceX Plans $75 Billion IPO for June 2026 Amid Fragile U.S. Market Conditions
SpaceX has announced plans for an initial public offering in June 2026, potentially valued at $75 billion. This move comes as the U.S. IPO market faces significant challenges, with only 35 IPOs priced year-to-date, down 37.5% year-over-year, influenced by geopolitical tensions and competition from other major firms. The long-term implication is that SpaceX's IPO could monopolize investor attention and capital, potentially delaying other companies' listings until 2027.
2 sourcesApr 7Moderate