
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
Riot Platforms liquidates 3,778 Bitcoin to finance AI infrastructure expansion
Riot Platforms sold 3,778 Bitcoin in Q1 2026, generating $289.5 million to support its transition from Bitcoin mining to AI and high-performance computing. This strategic shift is prompted by declining mining profitability due to rising energy costs linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The long-term implication is a significant pivot in the cryptocurrency sector towards AI technologies, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of both industries.
3 sourcesApr 4Moderate
- Business· World
OpenAI Completes Acquisition of TBPN to Enhance AI Communication
On April 2, 2026, OpenAI announced the acquisition of TBPN, a tech-focused talk show, to integrate its team into OpenAI's Strategy organization while maintaining editorial independence. This move is driven by OpenAI's need to foster constructive AI discussions amidst increasing competition in the tech landscape. The long-term implication is that OpenAI aims to leverage TBPN's platform to shape narratives around AI and strengthen its influence in the industry.
5 sourcesApr 4Very High
- Crypto· World
Ethereum Foundation Approaches 70,000 ETH Staked for Treasury Strategy
The Ethereum Foundation has staked over 45,000 ETH, bringing its total to approximately 69,500 ETH as of April 3, 2026. This move is part of a revised treasury strategy aimed at generating sustainable yields for protocol development and ecosystem grants, following community advocacy against prior ETH sales. Long-term, this initiative is expected to enhance Ethereum network security and reduce sell pressure on the asset, aligning with broader trends in crypto treasury management.
3 sourcesApr 4Moderate
- Crypto· World
ZachXBT Accuses Circle of Allowing Over $420 Million in Stolen USDC to Circulate Unfrozen
Blockchain investigator ZachXBT has alleged that Circle permitted over $420 million in stolen USDC to circulate unfrozen across 15 incidents since 2022. This accusation follows a recent exploit of the Drift Protocol that drained $280 million, primarily converted to USDC, highlighting Circle's compliance failures in freezing illicit funds. The long-term implication may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory pressure on centralized stablecoin operations like Circle amid rising expectations for proactive asset protection.
3 sourcesApr 4High
- Crypto· World
X Platform Introduces Auto-Locking Feature for Cryptocurrency Accounts to Combat Phishing Scams
X Platform has announced the implementation of an auto-locking and verification feature for accounts posting cryptocurrency content, marking a significant shift in their security measures. This decision was triggered by a recent phishing attack that compromised a user's account, highlighting vulnerabilities in account security. The long-term implication is a potential reduction in crypto scams, with estimates suggesting a 99% decrease in economic incentives for such fraudulent activities.
3 sourcesApr 4Low
- Crypto· World
Charles Schwab to Launch Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading in 2026
Charles Schwab has announced plans to introduce spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum through its Schwab Crypto account in Q2 2026. This initiative is driven by a favorable regulatory environment in the U.S. and increasing competition in the crypto trading space. The long-term implication may see Schwab enhancing its market position and potentially influencing fee structures across the cryptocurrency trading landscape.
5 sourcesApr 4High
- Business· World
OpenAI Announces Leadership Changes Amid IPO Preparations
OpenAI has executed a leadership transition involving the reassignment of COO Brad Lightcap, medical leave for AGI Development CEO Fidji Simo, and the departure of CMO Kate Rouch. This reshuffle is prompted by the need to address executive health issues and to streamline operations in light of a recent $122 billion funding round. The long-term implication is a focused strategy on enterprise revenue growth as the company gears up for a potential IPO in 2026.
3 sourcesApr 4Moderate
- Business· World
Amazon Pursues $9 Billion Acquisition of Globalstar to Compete with SpaceX Starlink
Amazon has initiated acquisition talks with Globalstar, aiming to secure the satellite operator for approximately $9 billion to enhance its low-Earth orbit broadband capabilities. This strategic move comes as Amazon faces delays in its own satellite deployment, intensifying competition with SpaceX's Starlink service. If successful, this acquisition could significantly alter the satellite broadband landscape, providing Amazon with immediate access to operational satellites and infrastructure globally.
3 sourcesApr 4Moderate
- Economy· World
Global Food Price Index Rises 2.4% Due to Middle East Conflict
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization reported a 2.4% increase in the Food Price Index for March 2026, reaching 128.5 points. This surge is attributed to escalating conflict in the Near East, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted energy and fertilizer supplies. If the conflict persists beyond 40 days, further increases in food prices and potential yield impacts are anticipated globally.
3 sourcesApr 4Moderate
- Business· World
Amazon Introduces 3.5% Surcharge for Sellers Amid Iran War Fuel Price Surge
Amazon has announced a 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge on third-party sellers, effective April 17, 2026. This decision is driven by significant increases in fuel costs resulting from the ongoing war in Iran, which has disrupted global energy supplies. The long-term implication may include heightened operational costs for sellers and potential shifts in consumer pricing strategies across the retail sector.
4 sourcesApr 4Moderate
- Business· MENA
FDA Approves Eli Lilly's Foundayo as First Oral GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Obesity Treatment
On April 1, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Foundayo (orforglipron), Eli Lilly's oral glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist for chronic weight management. The approval comes amid rising obesity rates in the U.S. and a growing demand for needle-free treatment options. This development is likely to intensify competition in the obesity treatment market and expand access to oral GLP-1 therapies globally, including in the UAE.
5 sourcesApr 4Low
- Business· World
Elon Musk Requires Grok Subscriptions for SpaceX IPO Advisers
Elon Musk has mandated that financial advisers involved in SpaceX's upcoming IPO must purchase subscriptions to his AI chatbot Grok. This requirement arises as SpaceX prepares for a potentially historic IPO, projected to raise over $50 billion. The long-term implication may see a shift in how financial institutions integrate AI tools into their operations to remain competitive in high-stakes deals.
7 sourcesApr 4Moderate
- Business· World
Oracle Corporation announces mass layoffs to finance AI data center expansion
Oracle Corporation has initiated layoffs affecting thousands of employees globally as part of a restructuring effort to allocate resources towards AI infrastructure. This decision comes amid significant investor pressure following a steep decline in stock value and increasing competition in the AI sector. The long-term implication is that Oracle aims to enhance its cash flow for AI initiatives, potentially reshaping its workforce and operational focus in the tech industry.
6 sourcesApr 3High
- Business· World
FDA Approves Eli Lilly's Foundayo for Chronic Weight Management
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Eli Lilly's Foundayo (orforglipron), a new oral medication for chronic weight management in adults with obesity. This approval comes in response to increasing demand for non-injectable GLP-1 therapies following previous supply shortages. The long-term implication is a likely intensification of competition in the obesity treatment market, particularly against existing injectable options and other oral formulations.
4 sourcesApr 3High
- Crypto· World
Drift Protocol Loses Over $270 Million in Exploit of Solana's Durable Nonces Feature
On April 1, 2026, attackers exploited the durable nonces feature on the Solana blockchain, draining over $270 million from Drift Protocol. This incident was triggered by members of the Drift Security Council unknowingly pre-signing malicious transactions weeks prior, allowing the attacker to bypass multisig safeguards. The long-term implication is a heightened scrutiny on security practices within decentralized finance platforms, potentially leading to stricter regulations and operational changes in the industry.
3 sourcesApr 3Low
- Business· World
Lise to Launch Europe's First Fully On-Chain IPO for ST Group in 2026
Lise is set to conduct Europe's inaugural fully on-chain initial public offering for French aerospace supplier ST Group on April 9, 2026. This development is driven by the EU's Distributed Ledger Technology Pilot Regime, which aims to facilitate tokenized equity trading while reducing costs for small and medium-sized enterprises. The successful execution of this IPO could pave the way for broader adoption of blockchain technology in capital markets across Europe.
3 sourcesApr 3Low
- Crypto· World
Metaplanet Inc. Becomes Third-Largest Publicly Traded Corporate Bitcoin Holder
Metaplanet Inc. has surpassed MARA Holdings Inc. to become the third-largest publicly traded corporate Bitcoin holder with 40,177 BTC. This shift follows Metaplanet's strategic acquisitions of 5,075 BTC amid MARA's recent divestment of 15,133 BTC for debt management. The long-term implication suggests a growing trend of corporate Bitcoin accumulation as companies adapt to economic pressures like inflation and currency depreciation.
3 sourcesApr 3High
- Crypto· World
Coinbase Secures Conditional Approval for National Trust Bank Charter from U.S. OCC
On April 2, 2026, Coinbase received conditional approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for a national trust bank charter. This approval is part of a broader trend of cryptocurrency firms seeking federal oversight to enhance their institutional offerings amid evolving regulations. The long-term implication is a potential shift towards increased legitimacy and compliance in the cryptocurrency sector, which may attract more institutional investors and clients.
5 sourcesApr 3High
- Business· World
SoFi Technologies Launches Integrated Banking Platform for Fiat and Crypto Services
SoFi Technologies has launched Big Business Banking, a platform that allows enterprises to manage fiat and crypto transactions within a single regulated U.S. bank. This launch is driven by the increasing institutional demand for integrated financial services and regulatory advancements in the banking sector. The long-term implication is a potential shift in how traditional banks operate, as more fintech companies may follow suit in offering similar services to capture market share.
3 sourcesApr 3High
- Crypto· World
Polymarket Partners with Pyth Network to Launch Traditional Asset Prediction Markets
Polymarket has integrated Pyth Network as of April 2, 2026, to provide resolution for new prediction markets focused on stocks, commodities, and indices. This move is driven by the rapid growth of prediction market volumes, which have surged to over $20 billion monthly, attracting institutional interest. The long-term implication is that this integration positions Polymarket to expand its offerings in traditional financial assets, potentially reshaping the landscape of prediction markets and attracting more traders and investors.
3 sourcesApr 3High