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
Franklin Templeton to Acquire 250 Digital to Launch Crypto Division for Institutional Investors
Franklin Templeton has reached an agreement to acquire 250 Digital, a cryptocurrency investment firm, to establish a new division called Franklin Crypto. This acquisition is driven by the firm's strategy to enhance its digital assets platform amid rising institutional demand for cryptocurrency investments. The long-term implication is that Franklin Templeton aims to solidify its position in the digital asset space, potentially attracting more institutional clients as the market evolves.
5 sourcesApr 2High
- Economy· MENA
IEA, IMF, and World Bank Form Coordination Group to Address Energy Crisis from Middle East War
On April 1, 2026, the heads of the International Energy Agency, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank announced the formation of a coordination group to tackle the global energy and economic repercussions of the ongoing Middle East war. This initiative is triggered by severe supply shortages in the energy market resulting from the conflict, which has disrupted approximately 20% of global oil and gas supplies. Long-term, this coordinated response aims to stabilize affected economies and mitigate inflation and job losses in the region and beyond.
4 sourcesApr 2Low
- Business· World
Intel Repurchases 49% Stake in Fab 34 from Apollo for $14.2 Billion
Intel Corporation has announced a $14.2 billion agreement to repurchase a 49% stake in its Fab 34 semiconductor facility in Leixlip, Ireland, restoring full ownership. This move comes as Intel seeks to realign its capital structure amid improved financial health and increasing demand for AI technologies. The long-term implication is that this buyback may strengthen Intel's position in the competitive semiconductor market, particularly in AI-driven applications.
4 sourcesApr 2High
- Business· World
SpaceX Files for IPO Aiming for Over $1 Trillion Valuation
SpaceX has confidentially filed for an initial public offering with U.S. regulators, targeting a valuation exceeding $1 trillion and aiming to raise between $50 billion and $75 billion. This move comes as the company seeks to fund ambitious projects including orbital AI data centers and Mars missions, following its recent merger with xAI. If successful, this IPO could significantly elevate Elon Musk's wealth and reshape the aerospace industry landscape.
12 sourcesApr 2Very High
- Business· World
Oracle Corporation Announces Global Layoffs to Fund AI Data Center Expansion
Oracle Corporation has initiated layoffs affecting thousands of employees globally as of March 31, 2026. This decision is driven by the need to redirect resources towards investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure amid investor concerns over cash flow and competitiveness. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the tech industry's workforce dynamics as companies prioritize AI capabilities over traditional roles.
4 sourcesApr 2Moderate
- Business· World
Amazon Negotiates $9 Billion Acquisition of Globalstar to Enhance Satellite Broadband Capabilities
Amazon.com Inc. is currently in talks to acquire Globalstar Inc. for approximately $9 billion, aiming to strengthen its satellite broadband initiatives against competitors like SpaceX's Starlink. This move is prompted by the need to accelerate Amazon's Project Kuiper, which has faced delays in launching its low-Earth orbit satellites. If successful, the acquisition could significantly enhance Amazon's position in the satellite broadband market and expand its service offerings globally.
3 sourcesApr 2Moderate
- Economy· World
Global Stock Markets Rally as U.S. Signals Iran War De-escalation
On April 1, 2026, global stock markets experienced a significant rally and crude oil prices fell following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that military operations in Iran would wind down soon. This shift is occurring as ongoing missile strikes in the Persian Gulf and a halt in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have raised concerns about prolonged supply disruptions. The long-term implication suggests a potential stabilization in global energy markets and a recovery in economic confidence as fears of sustained conflict diminish.
4 sourcesApr 2High
- Economy· World
Australia Faces Economic Disruptions Amid Ongoing Iran War Fuel Crisis
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a national address warning citizens of prolonged economic disruptions due to the Iran war's impact on global energy supplies. The immediate trigger for this address was a significant 40% rise in fuel prices following the onset of military actions in the region, prompting government measures to mitigate the crisis. In the long term, these developments may lead to increased public reliance on alternative transportation and further economic adjustments as Australia navigates the ongoing conflict's repercussions.
3 sourcesApr 2Very High
- Business· World
SpaceX files confidential SEC IPO application targeting June 2026 public listing
SpaceX has confidentially filed an initial public offering (IPO) application with the U.S. SEC, aiming for a public listing in June 2026. This move comes as the company seeks to raise over $50 billion to support its expansion in rocketry, satellite internet, and AI infrastructure amid increasing capital demands. The IPO is expected to significantly elevate SpaceX's valuation and further solidify its position in the aerospace industry.
4 sourcesApr 2Very High
- Business· World
FDA Approves Eli Lilly's Foundayo as Second Oral GLP-1 Agonist for Obesity Treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Eli Lilly's Foundayo (orforglipron), marking a significant advancement in obesity treatment with its oral formulation. This approval comes amid rising demand for accessible obesity management options, following the success of injectable GLP-1s and the recent launch of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pill. The long-term implication is a potential shift in obesity treatment paradigms, with analysts forecasting substantial market growth and increased competition in the oral GLP-1 segment.
9 sourcesApr 2High
- Economy· World
Brent Crude Prices Surge to $113.43 Following Iranian Attacks on Shipping
Brent crude futures have surged to $113.43 per barrel due to reported Iranian attacks on commercial ships. This spike in oil prices is occurring amidst escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly affecting global energy markets. In the long term, this volatility may prompt further investment in alternative energy sources and regional economic diversification efforts in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
3 sourcesApr 1Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Service Exports Reach 66.1 Billion Riyals in Q4 2025 with 16.8 Percent Growth
Saudi Arabia's service exports totaled 66.1 billion riyals in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a 16.8 percent increase from the previous year. This surge is attributed to a rise in travel services and transportation, driven by increased pilgrimage tourism and regional infrastructure investments. The long-term implication suggests a strengthening of the non-oil sector, aligning with the Vision 2030 economic diversification goals.
3 sourcesApr 1Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia Achieves Record 48.4 Billion SAR in Foreign Direct Investment for Q4 2025
Saudi Arabia reported net foreign direct investment inflows of 48.4 billion SAR for Q4 2025, marking a 90 percent increase from the previous year. This surge is attributed to ongoing economic reforms under Vision 2030, which aim to diversify the economy and attract foreign capital. The long-term implication suggests a strengthened position for Saudi Arabia in the global investment landscape, potentially influencing regional economic dynamics.
4 sourcesApr 1Low
- Business· World
Mistral AI secures $830 million in debt financing for new data center in France
Mistral AI has raised $830 million in debt financing to build a data center near Paris, featuring advanced Nvidia GPUs. This funding comes as European demand for sovereign AI infrastructure surges, prompting Mistral to enhance its capabilities and reduce reliance on U.S. cloud providers. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for Mistral in the European AI landscape, potentially leading to further investments and partnerships in the region.
4 sourcesApr 1Moderate
- Crypto· UAE
Dubai's VARA Introduces New Regulatory Framework for Virtual Asset Derivatives Trading
On April 1, 2026, Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) launched Version 2.1 of its Exchange Services Rulebook, establishing a comprehensive framework for exchange-traded derivatives of virtual assets. This initiative is driven by the increasing demand for sophisticated virtual asset instruments and aims to enhance market integrity and participant protection. The long-term implication is that Dubai is positioning itself as a leading hub for compliant digital finance innovation, potentially attracting institutional investments into the virtual asset market.
3 sourcesApr 1Moderate
- Crypto· World
Keyrock Achieves Unicorn Status with $1.1 Billion Valuation in Series C Funding
Keyrock has reached a unicorn valuation of $1.1 billion following a Series C funding round led by SC Ventures. This funding round is occurring now due to increasing institutional demand for liquidity infrastructure in the maturing crypto market. The long-term implication is that Keyrock's expansion could further integrate traditional finance with digital assets, enhancing market-making capabilities globally.
3 sourcesApr 1High
- Crypto· World
U.S. Department of Labor Proposes Rule to Allow Cryptocurrencies in 401(k) Plans
The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a rule to establish safe harbors for fiduciaries offering cryptocurrencies in 401(k) retirement plans. This initiative follows President Trump's executive order aimed at democratizing access to alternative investments and comes after previous cautionary guidance was rescinded. The long-term implication is a potential increase in the adoption of cryptocurrencies in retirement plans, enhancing diversification and risk-adjusted returns for millions of participants.
4 sourcesApr 1High
- Crypto· World
Moody's Assigns Provisional Ba2 Rating to First Bitcoin-Backed Revenue Bonds in the US
Moody's Investors Service has assigned a provisional Ba2 rating to $100 million in Bitcoin-backed revenue bonds issued by the Business Finance Authority of New Hampshire. This development is occurring now as part of New Hampshire's initiative to leverage cryptocurrency for municipal financing, following the approval of the bond structure in late 2025. The long-term implication is that this could pave the way for broader institutional adoption of cryptocurrency-backed financial instruments in public finance.
4 sourcesApr 1Low
- Crypto· World
Ethereum Foundation Executes Record 22,517 ETH Staking Transaction
On March 30, 2026, the Ethereum Foundation staked 22,517 ETH valued at approximately $46 million, marking the largest single deployment in its history. This strategic move is part of a broader initiative to generate staking rewards and reduce reliance on periodic ETH sales that previously pressured the market. The long-term implication is a shift towards sustainable funding for research and development within the Ethereum ecosystem, enhancing network security and institutional confidence.
3 sourcesApr 1Moderate
- Crypto· World
U.S. Senators Introduce Mined in America Act to Enhance Domestic Cryptocurrency Mining
On March 30, 2026, U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis and Bill Cassidy introduced the Mined in America Act to strengthen the U.S. cryptocurrency mining infrastructure. This legislative push is driven by the need to reduce reliance on foreign hardware, particularly from China, amid rising geopolitical tensions. The long-term implication is a potential shift in global mining dynamics as the U.S. aims to bolster its domestic production and secure its digital asset strategy.
4 sourcesApr 1High