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
Block's Square Launches Automatic Bitcoin Payments for U.S. Merchants
On March 30, 2026, Square, a Block, Inc. division, began automatically enabling Bitcoin payments at point-of-sale terminals for eligible U.S. merchants. This initiative is driven by the growing regulatory clarity around cryptocurrency in the U.S. and aims to promote Bitcoin as a mainstream payment method, with full rollout expected by November 10, 2026. The long-term implication is a significant increase in Bitcoin adoption among U.S. businesses, potentially reshaping the payment landscape.
3 sourcesMar 31Low
- Crypto· World
Valinor Digital Secures $25 Million Seed Funding to Innovate Private Credit with Blockchain
On March 30, 2026, Valinor Digital announced a $25 million seed funding round to automate the private credit market using blockchain technology. The funding, led by Castle Island Ventures, is a response to the inefficiencies in traditional finance and aims to facilitate on-chain lending for fintech and crypto firms. This development is likely to accelerate the integration of blockchain in traditional finance, potentially reshaping the $1.7 trillion private credit landscape.
3 sourcesMar 31Low
- Crypto· World
U.S. Senators Introduce Mined in America Act to Enhance Domestic Bitcoin Mining
On March 30, 2026, U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis and Bill Cassidy introduced the Mined in America Act aimed at reshoring Bitcoin mining operations. The legislation is prompted by national security concerns over reliance on foreign mining hardware, particularly from China, and seeks to formalize a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This move is likely to bolster U.S. leadership in the global Bitcoin mining sector while enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities.
4 sourcesMar 31High
- Business· World
Unilever and McCormick Near $60 Billion Merger Agreement
Unilever is in advanced talks to merge its food division with McCormick in a deal valued at $60 billion. This transaction is driven by Unilever's strategic shift towards higher-growth segments amid stagnant growth in packaged foods. The merger is expected to enhance market competitiveness and product offerings in the food sector.
3 sourcesMar 31Moderate
- Economy· World
UK imposes £390,000 penalty on Apple for breaching Russia sanctions
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has imposed a £390,000 monetary penalty on Apple Distribution International for breaching UK financial sanctions related to payments to a Russian streaming service. This penalty follows voluntary self-disclosure by Apple and is the first case under new enforcement arrangements established in February 2026. The incident highlights ongoing compliance risks for multinational corporations operating under stringent sanctions regimes and may prompt further scrutiny of financial transactions involving sanctioned entities.
3 sourcesMar 31Low
- Business· World
Michael Rousseau Resigns as Air Canada CEO Amid Language Controversy Following Fatal Crash
Michael Rousseau announced his retirement as CEO of Air Canada on March 30, 2026, following backlash over a condolence video primarily in English after a fatal crash at LaGuardia Airport. The immediate trigger for this decision was the criticism from the Quebec National Assembly and the public regarding his failure to adequately address the Francophone community in his message. This incident highlights the ongoing linguistic sensitivities in Canada and may lead to increased scrutiny of leadership language proficiency in Canadian corporations.
7 sourcesMar 31High
- Economy· World
WTI Crude Oil Exceeds $100 Amid Ongoing U.S.-Iran Conflict and Market Volatility
U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022 as the conflict involving the U.S., Iran, and Israel continues into its second month. This escalation is driven by military actions disrupting oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, coinciding with a decline in the S&P 500 nearing correction territory. Long-term implications may include further spikes in oil prices and increased economic instability as negotiations remain stalled and military tensions persist.
3 sourcesMar 31High
- Economy· World
U.S. Stock Markets Experience Volatility as Oil Prices Surge Amid Iran Conflict
Oil prices have risen to $102.88 per barrel, reflecting a 3.3% increase due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. This volatility in oil prices is triggered by fears of disruptions in oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, exacerbated by recent escalations involving Houthi rebels. In the long term, sustained high oil prices may lead to inflationary pressures, prompting potential interest rate adjustments by the Federal Reserve.
3 sourcesMar 31High - Economy· World
Brent Crude Oil Prices Surge Above $115 Amid Ongoing Iran War
On March 30, 2026, Brent crude oil prices exceeded $115 per barrel as the Iran War escalated, now in its second month. This surge is driven by Iranian attacks on Middle Eastern production sites and U.S. threats to seize Iranian oil assets, creating significant supply disruptions. Long-term implications include potential global recession fears and increased volatility in energy markets if the conflict persists.
4 sourcesMar 31Very High
- Business· MENA
Saudi East-West Crude Oil Pipeline Achieves Full Capacity Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Saudi Arabia's East-West Crude Oil Pipeline reached its full operational capacity of 7 million barrels per day on March 28, 2026. This milestone comes in response to Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has severely disrupted global oil transit and supply. The long-term implication is a potential shift in oil export routes and increased reliance on alternative pipelines, impacting global oil prices and regional stability.
3 sourcesMar 30High
- Business· World
SoftBank Group secures $40 billion bridge loan for OpenAI investments
SoftBank Group has secured a record $40 billion unsecured bridge loan to fund a $30 billion follow-on investment in OpenAI. This financing comes as SoftBank intensifies its focus on artificial intelligence amid increasing global competition in generative AI technologies. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for SoftBank in the AI sector, potentially leading to significant advancements and collaborations in the field.
3 sourcesMar 30Low
- Crypto· World
Intercontinental Exchange Invests Additional $600 Million in Polymarket
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) has completed a $600 million investment in the prediction market platform Polymarket. This move comes as ICE seeks to capitalize on the growing institutional interest in prediction markets and the evolving regulatory landscape. The long-term implication is that ICE's investment may further legitimize prediction markets and enhance their global reach and infrastructure capabilities.
3 sourcesMar 30Low
- Crypto· World
BNP Paribas Introduces Bitcoin and Ether-Indexed ETNs for French Retail Clients
BNP Paribas launched six exchange-traded notes (ETNs) indexed to Bitcoin and Ether for French retail clients on March 30, 2026. This initiative is driven by rising investor demand for regulated cryptocurrency exposure amid evolving EU financial frameworks. The long-term implication is a potential shift in how traditional financial institutions integrate cryptocurrency products into their offerings, enhancing mainstream adoption.
3 sourcesMar 30Moderate
- Business· World
Eli Lilly and Insilico Medicine Forge $2.75 Billion AI Drug Development Partnership
Eli Lilly and Insilico Medicine have signed a global collaboration agreement valued at up to $2.75 billion to develop AI-discovered drug candidates. This partnership is triggered by the increasing pressure on the pharmaceutical industry to innovate and reduce R&D costs, leveraging Insilico's AI technology and Lilly's clinical expertise. The long-term implication is a potential shift in drug discovery practices, integrating AI more deeply into the pharmaceutical development process.
3 sourcesMar 30Moderate
- Economy· World
U.S. Stock Indices Experience Fifth Weekly Decline Amid Ongoing Iran War
Major U.S. stock indices fell for the fifth consecutive week on March 27, 2026, as investor confidence waned due to the escalating Iran War. The immediate trigger for this decline was the continued military conflict and rising oil prices, which have surged above $112 per barrel, exacerbating inflation concerns. In the long term, this situation is likely to lead to increased volatility in global markets and a reevaluation of investment strategies as geopolitical tensions persist.
3 sourcesMar 30Low
- Economy· MENA
Egypt Slows Major Government Projects and Rations Fuel Amid Iran War Energy Crisis
Egypt's government has announced a slowdown of major projects and a 30% reduction in fuel allocations for government vehicles due to economic pressures from the ongoing Iran war. This decision comes as energy import costs have surged, driven by disruptions in the Middle East following US-Israel airstrikes on Iran. In the long term, these measures may lead to increased public discontent and further economic adjustments as the country grapples with rising fuel prices and inflation.
3 sourcesMar 29Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Reserve Assets Exceed 1.7 Trillion SAR by End of 2025
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority reported that reserve assets surpassed 1.7 trillion SAR by December 31, 2025, marking a 5.3% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to ongoing economic diversification efforts and favorable conditions in the global oil market. Long-term, this trend is likely to enhance Saudi Arabia's financial stability and bolster investor confidence in the region.
3 sourcesMar 29Low
- Business· World
SoftBank Group secures $40 billion bridge loan for OpenAI investments
On March 27, 2026, SoftBank Group announced it secured a record $40 billion unsecured bridge loan to fund investments in OpenAI. This financing is driven by CEO Masayoshi Son's strategic pivot towards artificial intelligence amid increasing global competition in the sector. The long-term implication is a significant boost in SoftBank's AI investment capabilities, potentially positioning it as a leader in the generative AI market.
3 sourcesMar 29Moderate
- Business· World
Sony Raises PS5 Pro Price by $150 to $899.99 Due to Component Costs
Sony Interactive Entertainment announced a price increase for the PS5 Pro model, raising it by $150 to $899.99 effective April 2, 2026. This adjustment is driven by rising costs of key components, particularly memory chips, amid increased demand from AI data centers and ongoing geopolitical tensions. The long-term implication suggests that consumers may face continued price hikes in gaming hardware as supply chain pressures persist.
3 sourcesMar 29Very High
- Business· MENA
Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline Achieves Full Capacity Amid Regional Conflict
On March 28, 2026, Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline commenced operations at its full capacity of 7 million barrels per day. This activation is a direct response to the disruption of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz due to ongoing US and Israeli military actions against Iran. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for Saudi Arabia in global oil markets, reducing reliance on the Strait of Hormuz and potentially stabilizing oil prices amid regional tensions.
3 sourcesMar 29Moderate