
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
Mezo Partners with Aerodrome Finance to Enhance Liquidity for MEZO Token and MUSD Stablecoin
Mezo has designated Aerodrome Finance as its primary liquidity hub for the MEZO token and MUSD stablecoin as of March 26, 2026. This partnership aims to bootstrap liquidity by allocating 2.25% of the total MEZO supply to Aerodrome's veAERO voters, leveraging vote-escrow mechanics. The collaboration is expected to deepen liquidity in Bitcoin lending and enhance the integration of Bitcoin DeFi within the Base ecosystem.
3 sourcesMar 27Low
- Business· World
Startale Group Secures $63 Million in Series A Funding to Expand Blockchain Initiatives
On March 25, 2026, Startale Group completed a $63 million Series A funding round led by SBI Group and Sony Innovation Fund. This funding is driven by the need to scale the Strium Layer 1 blockchain and enhance Japan's tokenized finance infrastructure amid favorable regulatory changes. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for Startale in the blockchain sector, potentially influencing the adoption of tokenized assets in Japan and beyond.
3 sourcesMar 27Moderate
- Crypto· MENA
Ripple Partners with Singapore's MAS for RLUSD Trade Finance Pilot
Ripple has joined the Monetary Authority of Singapore's BLOOM initiative to pilot its RLUSD stablecoin for automating cross-border trade payments. This collaboration is driven by the need to address a $2.5 trillion global trade finance gap and enhance efficiency in traditional trade finance processes. The long-term implication is the potential for Ripple's technology to reshape trade finance infrastructure, not only in Singapore but also in broader international contexts.
3 sourcesMar 27High
- Crypto· World
Irish Criminal Assets Bureau Seizes €30 Million in Bitcoin from Drug Dealer's Wallet
On 24 March 2026, the Irish Criminal Assets Bureau accessed a Bitcoin wallet containing 500 BTC valued at €30 million, linked to convicted cannabis dealer Clifton Collins. This seizure follows a lengthy investigation and is facilitated by Europol's technical support, marking a significant breakthrough in accessing illicit cryptocurrency. The successful retrieval raises prospects for further seizures from the remaining wallets, potentially yielding an additional €330 million in criminal assets.
4 sourcesMar 27High
- Crypto· World
Circle Shares Plunge Following U.S. Senate Advancements on CLARITY Act Regulations
Circle shares fell nearly 20% after the U.S. Senate advanced negotiations on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, which includes provisions perceived as limiting stablecoin yield rewards. This decline was triggered by market misinterpretations of the act's implications for yield distribution among crypto platforms. Long-term, the regulatory clarity may lead to a rebound in affected assets as the industry adjusts to new guidelines and lobbying efforts continue.
3 sourcesMar 27Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bhutan Government Transfers 519.707 Bitcoin to External Addresses Amid Ongoing Economic Initiatives
On March 26, 2026, the Royal Government of Bhutan transferred 519.707 Bitcoin, valued at $36.75 million, to external addresses. This transaction is part of a structured drawdown of national Bitcoin reserves, driven by economic needs and funding for projects like the Gelephu Mindfulness City. The long-term implication suggests continued liquidity management as Bhutan reduces its Bitcoin holdings amid a declining market price.
3 sourcesMar 27Moderate
- Crypto· World
Coinbase and Better Home & Finance Launch Crypto-Backed Mortgages in the U.S.
Coinbase has partnered with Better Home & Finance to introduce a product that allows U.S. homebuyers to use Bitcoin or USDC as collateral for down payments on Fannie Mae-conforming mortgages. This initiative is driven by rising home prices and the need for crypto holders to avoid liquidating assets due to tax implications. The long-term impact may lead to broader acceptance of digital assets in traditional financial markets, reshaping the housing finance landscape.
3 sourcesMar 27High
- Crypto· World
Ondo (ONDO) cryptocurrency confirms bullish reversal pattern amid partnership with Franklin Templeton
Ondo (ONDO) cryptocurrency confirmed a bullish reversal via a falling wedge pattern breakout on March 26, 2026. This event was triggered by a partnership with Franklin Templeton for tokenized ETFs, leading to an 8% price rally. The long-term implication suggests potential upside for ONDO, with analysts projecting a target of $0.64 if key resistance levels are cleared.
3 sourcesMar 27High
- Crypto· World
X Appoints Benji Taylor as Head of Design for X Money Initiative
On March 25, 2026, X appointed Benji Taylor as Head of Design to lead the design efforts for the upcoming X Money payments platform. This strategic hire comes as X prepares for the beta launch of X Money, which aims to integrate advanced financial features and enhance user experience. The long-term implication is that Taylor's expertise may significantly influence X's positioning in the competitive fintech landscape, particularly in the crypto space.
3 sourcesMar 27Very High
- Crypto· World
White House Approves Labor Department's Crypto Inclusion in 401(k) Plans
The White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has cleared a Department of Labor proposal to allow cryptocurrency and alternative assets in 401(k) plans. This decision follows President Trump's Executive Order from August 2025 aimed at promoting diversification and higher returns for retirement assets. The long-term implication may lead to increased legitimacy and adoption of cryptocurrencies in U.S. retirement plans, potentially influencing global markets and regulatory approaches elsewhere.
3 sourcesMar 27High
- Crypto· World
MARA Holdings liquidates 15,133 Bitcoin for $1.1 billion to reduce convertible debt
MARA Holdings has sold 15,133 Bitcoin for approximately $1.1 billion to repurchase a significant portion of its convertible debt. This strategic move comes as the company seeks to improve its balance sheet and manage maturing obligations amid Bitcoin price fluctuations. In the long term, this could signal a shift in corporate Bitcoin management strategies as companies adapt to market conditions and financial pressures.
5 sourcesMar 27High
- Crypto· World
GameStop Confirms Retention of 4,710 Bitcoin Holdings in SEC Filing
GameStop Corp. disclosed in its March 24, 2026, SEC 10-K filing that it has retained its 4,710 Bitcoin holdings and pledged 4,709 BTC as collateral for a covered-call options strategy. This decision follows speculation regarding asset transfers to Coinbase Prime in January 2026 and aims to generate income while maintaining exposure to Bitcoin amid market volatility. The long-term implication suggests a strategic shift in corporate treasury management as companies navigate the challenges of holding digital assets in a bear market.
3 sourcesMar 27Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Drops Below $69,000 as Oil Prices Surge Amid US-Iran Tensions
Bitcoin's price fell below $69,000 on March 26, 2026, reaching a low of $68,500 due to a spike in Brent crude oil prices driven by conflicting US and Iranian diplomatic signals. The immediate trigger for this decline was the US's assertion of progress in peace talks with Iran, which was promptly denied by Iranian officials amidst ongoing military exchanges in the region. This volatility suggests a potential for continued risk-off sentiment in global markets, impacting cryptocurrencies and commodities as geopolitical tensions persist.
3 sourcesMar 27Low
- Business· World
Sony Honda Mobility Halts Afeela 1 Electric Sedan Development in California
On March 25, 2026, Sony Honda Mobility Inc. announced the discontinuation of development and launch of the Afeela 1 electric sedan and a planned second model. This decision follows Honda's reassessment of its electrification strategy, which resulted in a significant financial writedown and the cancellation of multiple U.S.-bound EV models. The long-term implication could see a shift in the luxury EV market landscape as competition intensifies, particularly from lower-priced alternatives.
8 sourcesMar 27Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Drop Following Trump's Indication of Negotiations with Iran
Oil prices fell on March 24, 2026, as U.S. President Donald Trump expressed willingness to negotiate with Iran to resolve the ongoing conflict. This shift is driven by Trump's recent statements and Iran's partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route. The long-term implication may involve fluctuating oil prices and potential geopolitical stability in the region if negotiations progress.
3 sourcesMar 27Moderate
- Business· World
Henkel to Acquire Olaplex for $1.4 Billion in Strategic Move
On March 26, 2026, Henkel AG announced a definitive agreement to acquire Olaplex Holdings for approximately $1.4 billion. This acquisition is driven by Henkel's strategy to enhance its premium hair care portfolio amid declining performance of Olaplex due to market saturation and legal challenges. The long-term implication is expected to be a strengthened market position for Henkel in the hair care sector, leveraging Olaplex's innovative technology.
3 sourcesMar 27Low
- Business· World
Fannie Mae Accepts Cryptocurrency as Collateral for Mortgages
Fannie Mae has authorized the use of cryptocurrency as collateral for down payments on conforming mortgages through a partnership with Better Home & Finance and Coinbase. This shift follows a directive from the Federal Housing Finance Agency aimed at integrating cryptocurrency into mortgage underwriting without requiring conversion to fiat. The long-term implication could lead to broader acceptance of digital assets in traditional finance, potentially reshaping the mortgage market landscape.
4 sourcesMar 27Very High
- Business· World
SpaceX plans confidential IPO aiming for $1.75 trillion valuation
SpaceX is reportedly preparing to file a confidential initial public offering with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, targeting a valuation of $1.75 trillion. This move is driven by the company's need to raise up to $75 billion to fund its ambitious projects, including Starship development and space-based AI initiatives. If successful, this IPO could redefine the landscape of commercial spaceflight and significantly impact investment in space technology.
3 sourcesMar 27High
- Business· World
H&M Group Reports 10% Decline in Q1 2026 Net Sales Amid 26% Profit Increase
H&M Group announced a 10% decline in net sales for Q1 2026, totaling SEK 49.6 billion, despite a 26% increase in operating profit driven by cost controls. This decline is attributed to currency translation effects, a reduction in store count, and cautious consumer demand amid macroeconomic challenges. The company is likely to continue focusing on supply chain flexibility and inventory management to navigate ongoing market volatility.
3 sourcesMar 27Low
- Business· World
U.S. Court Dismisses X Corp. Antitrust Lawsuit Against Advertisers
On March 26, 2026, a U.S. District Court dismissed X Corp.'s antitrust lawsuit against major advertisers, ruling their advertising withdrawal was lawful. The dismissal was triggered by the court's finding that the advertisers' actions were based on legitimate brand safety concerns rather than collusion. This ruling may embolden advertisers and complicate X's future legal strategies as it seeks to recover from significant revenue losses.
4 sourcesMar 27Low