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· MENA
Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds Commit $24 Billion to Paramount's Warner Bros. Acquisition
Three Gulf sovereign wealth funds have signed equity commitments totaling nearly $24 billion to support Paramount's $81 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. This financing comes amid ongoing regulatory reviews in Europe and potential scrutiny in the U.S. over foreign investments, reflecting a strategic move by Gulf funds to diversify into the entertainment sector. The long-term implication could see increased Gulf influence in global media and potential shifts in regulatory landscapes regarding foreign ownership in U.S. companies.
3 sourcesApr 6Low
- Crypto· World
Drift Protocol Exploit Results in $285 Million Loss and Civil Negligence Claims
The Drift Protocol exploit on April 1, 2026, drained approximately $285 million from the Solana-based decentralized exchange due to a social engineering attack that compromised developer controls. This incident is attributed to the protocol team's failure to implement adequate security measures, with allegations of involvement by North Korean hackers. The long-term implications include potential class action lawsuits and increased calls for enhanced security protocols across the decentralized finance sector.
3 sourcesApr 6High
- Economy· MENA
OPEC+ Warns of Long-Term Oil Supply Disruptions Due to War Damage
OPEC+ members have announced a symbolic increase in oil production quotas while highlighting the costly and time-consuming restoration of energy infrastructure damaged in the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran. This situation is exacerbated by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to a significant reduction of approximately 10 million barrels per day in global oil supply. The long-term implication is a potential escalation in oil prices and increased geopolitical tensions as the industry grapples with supply chain vulnerabilities and market stability concerns.
6 sourcesApr 6High
- Economy· World
Bangladesh Reduces Working Hours to Address Energy Crisis Amid Middle East Conflict
On April 2, 2026, the Bangladesh cabinet approved reduced working hours for government and private offices due to an ongoing energy crisis. This decision was triggered by severe fuel and power shortages exacerbated by the US-Israel war against Iran, which has disrupted global energy markets. Long-term implications include potential declines in productivity and increased economic strain on small businesses and daily wage earners in Bangladesh.
3 sourcesApr 5Low
- Economy· World
FAO Food Price Index Increases 2.4% Amid Escalating Near East Conflict
The FAO Food Price Index rose by 2.4% to 128.5 points in March 2026, marking the highest level since September 2025. This increase is driven by higher energy and fertilizer costs due to the ongoing conflict in the Near East, particularly affecting the Strait of Hormuz. If the conflict persists beyond 40 days, farmers may reduce planting and inputs, leading to further declines in agricultural yields and rising food prices through 2027.
3 sourcesApr 5Moderate
- Economy· World
EU Finance Ministers Propose Windfall Tax on Energy Companies Amid Iran Conflict
On April 4, 2026, finance ministers from five EU countries submitted a joint letter to the European Commission advocating for a bloc-wide windfall tax on energy companies' profits. This proposal is a direct response to the surge in energy prices caused by the ongoing Iran war, which has significantly impacted European households. If implemented, this tax could reshape fiscal policies in the EU and set a precedent for future economic measures during crises.
3 sourcesApr 5High
- Crypto· World
Coinbase Secures Conditional National Trust Bank Charter from OCC as First Major U.S. Crypto Exchange
On April 2, 2026, Coinbase Global Inc. received conditional approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to charter Coinbase National Trust Company. This approval is driven by the OCC's evolving policy to integrate digital asset custodians into federal oversight frameworks, following similar approvals for other firms. The long-term implication may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and potential legal challenges from community banking groups concerned about consumer risks and oversight gaps.
4 sourcesApr 5Moderate
- Business· MENA
SpaceX Files for Confidential IPO Targeting $1.75 Trillion Valuation
SpaceX has confidentially submitted a draft registration statement for an initial public offering (IPO) to the U.S. SEC, aiming for a valuation exceeding $1.75 trillion. This move follows the company's recent acquisition of xAI and the expansion of its Starlink satellite internet service, positioning it strategically in the competitive AI and space sectors. The IPO is expected to raise between $50-75 billion, potentially setting a new record for public offerings and attracting significant interest from global investors, particularly in the MENA region.
4 sourcesApr 5Low
- Crypto· World
Circle Freezes 16 Legitimate USDC Wallets Amid Criticism Over Illicit Fund Management
Circle has frozen USDC balances in 16 legitimate wallets in response to a sealed U.S. civil case. This action has been triggered by ongoing scrutiny over Circle's compliance practices, particularly its failure to secure over $420 million in illicit funds from previous hacks. The long-term implication may involve increased regulatory pressure on stablecoin issuers and a reevaluation of compliance protocols in the crypto industry.
5 sourcesApr 5Very High
- Crypto· World
Ethereum Foundation Approaches 70,000 ETH Staking Milestone with Recent Deposit
On April 3, 2026, the Ethereum Foundation deposited approximately 45,034 ETH into the Ethereum Beacon Deposit Contract, nearing its 70,000 ETH staking target. This strategic move is driven by the Foundation's updated treasury policy aimed at enhancing financial sustainability through staking rather than liquidating assets. The long-term implication is a strengthened Ethereum network, potentially increasing staking yields and reducing sell pressure on ETH in the market.
4 sourcesApr 5Low
- Crypto· World
Charles Schwab to Launch Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading in 2026
Charles Schwab Corporation has confirmed its plan to launch spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum in the first half of 2026. This decision is driven by increasing client demand for direct cryptocurrency trading options, moving beyond previous indirect exposure methods. The long-term implication suggests a significant shift in the brokerage landscape, potentially increasing competition among cryptocurrency exchanges and enhancing mainstream adoption of digital assets.
4 sourcesApr 5High
- Business· World
Elon Musk Requires Grok AI Subscriptions for SpaceX IPO Advisers
Elon Musk has mandated that financial advisers involved in SpaceX's upcoming IPO purchase subscriptions to Grok, his AI chatbot. This requirement comes as preparations for a deal expected to exceed $50 billion are underway, reflecting Musk's strategic influence in the market. The long-term implication is a potential shift in how financial institutions integrate AI tools into their operations, possibly setting a precedent for future IPOs.
4 sourcesApr 5Moderate
- Economy· World
India Resumes Iranian Crude Oil Imports After Seven-Year Sanctions Break
India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas confirmed the resumption of crude oil imports from Iran, marking the first such acknowledgment since May 2019. This shift is driven by supply disruptions from the ongoing Persian Gulf conflict and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a temporary U.S. sanctions waiver. The long-term implication is a potential realignment of energy sourcing strategies for India amidst geopolitical tensions in the region.
3 sourcesApr 5High
- Economy· World
French Government Introduces Emergency Loans for SMEs Amid Fuel Price Crisis Linked to Iran War
On April 3, 2026, the French economy ministry announced an emergency loan program to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) severely affected by soaring fuel prices triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict involving Iran. This initiative is a direct response to record diesel prices in France, which have surged to €2.20 per liter due to disruptions in global oil supplies following military actions in the region. Long-term, this program may set a precedent for similar economic relief measures across Europe as countries grapple with the fallout from the Iran war and its impact on energy costs.
3 sourcesApr 5Low
- Business· World
Blue Owl Capital Limits Redemptions Amid $5.4 Billion Withdrawal Surge
Blue Owl Capital has capped redemptions at 5% for its private credit funds following a record $5.4 billion in withdrawal requests. This surge is driven by investor fears over AI disruptions affecting software companies and negative sentiment towards non-traded business development companies. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny and potential regulatory changes in the private credit sector as liquidity challenges persist.
4 sourcesApr 5Moderate
- Economy· World
U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls Rise by 178,000 in March 2026 Surpassing Expectations
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a significant increase of 178,000 in nonfarm payroll employment for March 2026, exceeding economist predictions of 60,000. This surge follows a period of labor market volatility, particularly after a decline of 133,000 jobs in February due to strikes and severe weather, and occurs just before escalating geopolitical tensions in the region. The robust job growth is likely to influence Federal Reserve policy, potentially maintaining interest rates amid rising economic uncertainty from the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
5 sourcesApr 5High
- Business· World
Amazon Implements 3.5% Surcharge for Third-Party Sellers Amid Iran War
Amazon has announced a temporary 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge for third-party sellers using its Fulfillment by Amazon services in the U.S. and Canada, effective April 17, 2026. This decision is driven by a significant increase in operational costs due to rising fuel prices linked to the ongoing Iran war that began on February 28, 2026. The long-term implication may lead to increased prices for consumers and potential profitability challenges for sellers as the logistics industry adjusts to sustained cost pressures.
4 sourcesApr 5Low
- Economy· World
FAO Food Price Index Hits Six-Month High Amid Near East Conflict
The FAO Food Price Index increased by 2.4% to 128.5 points in March 2026, marking the highest level since September 2025. This rise is attributed to escalating energy and fertilizer costs due to the ongoing conflict in the Near East, particularly affecting supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz. If the conflict persists beyond 40 days, it could lead to reduced agricultural inputs and future food supply shortages globally.
3 sourcesApr 4Low
- Business· World
Anthropic Acquires AI Biotech Startup Coefficient Bio for $400 Million
Anthropic has completed the acquisition of Coefficient Bio, a stealth AI biotech startup, in an all-stock deal valued at over $400 million. This strategic move is driven by Anthropic's goal to enhance its capabilities in drug discovery and biological research amid rising competition in the AI-driven biotech sector. The acquisition is expected to solidify Anthropic's position in the life sciences market and may lead to further consolidation in the industry as companies seek to leverage AI for healthcare advancements.
3 sourcesApr 4Moderate
- Business· World
OpenAI CEO Fidji Simo Takes Medical Leave Amid Leadership Changes
Fidji Simo, CEO of AGI deployment at OpenAI, announced a medical leave due to a relapse of her neuroimmune condition, coinciding with significant executive transitions at the company. This leadership shake-up is triggered by Simo's health deterioration and the need for new roles following other executives' departures. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny on OpenAI's leadership stability and its impact on the company's upcoming IPO preparations.
5 sourcesApr 4Moderate