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
Circle Shares Drop 20% Amid Misinterpretation of CLARITY Act Yield Restrictions
On March 24, 2026, Circle shares fell nearly 20% following the advancement of the CLARITY Act, which prohibits passive rewards on stablecoin balances. Analysts warn that traders are confusing stablecoin issuers with yield-distributing platforms, leading to misjudgments about the market's future. The long-term implication may involve a reassessment of stablecoin issuer valuations as the legislation clarifies regulatory oversight between intermediaries and issuers.
3 sourcesMar 26Low
- Business· World
Meta Platforms Implements Layoffs of 700 Employees Amid AI Focus and Executive Incentives
On March 25, 2026, Meta Platforms laid off approximately 700 employees from various departments as part of a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence. This decision follows the announcement of a new stock option program for top executives, linking their compensation to ambitious growth targets. The long-term implication suggests a continued pivot away from metaverse investments, potentially reshaping Meta's operational focus and workforce structure.
3 sourcesMar 26Moderate
- Crypto· MENA
Ripple Partners with Singapore's MAS for RLUSD Pilot in Trade Finance
Ripple has joined the Monetary Authority of Singapore's BLOOM initiative to pilot its RLUSD stablecoin for programmable trade settlements. This collaboration, announced on March 25, 2026, aims to enhance trade finance efficiency through conditional payments linked to shipment verification. The long-term implication is the potential transformation of cross-border trade finance, increasing access for SMEs and integrating digital asset infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region.
3 sourcesMar 26High
- Business· World
Sony Honda Mobility Cancels Afeela 1 Electric Sedan and SUV Amid Honda's EV Strategy Shift
On March 25, 2026, Sony Honda Mobility Inc. announced the discontinuation of its Afeela 1 electric sedan and planned SUV models. This decision follows Honda's reassessment of its electrification strategy, which led to the cancellation of three U.S.-bound EVs and a significant financial writedown. The long-term implication suggests a potential reevaluation of joint ventures in the EV sector as companies grapple with market challenges and shifting consumer demand.
4 sourcesMar 26Moderate
- Business· World
Epic Games Lays Off Over 1,000 Employees Amid Fortnite Engagement Decline
Epic Games has announced layoffs affecting over 1,000 employees, approximately 20 percent of its workforce, due to a significant downturn in Fortnite engagement and broader industry challenges. This decision comes as the company seeks to achieve over $500 million in cost savings to restore financial stability. The long-term implication may involve a strategic pivot for Epic Games as it navigates a competitive landscape and seeks to revitalize its flagship product.
10 sourcesMar 26High
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Rise Over 4% Following Iran's Denial of U.S. Negotiations
Oil prices surged over 4% on March 24, 2026, as Iranian officials denied any negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump. This spike follows a significant market drop triggered by Trump's announcement of a strike delay amid perceived productive discussions. The ongoing conflict and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are likely to sustain high oil prices and market volatility in the long term.
7 sourcesMar 26High
- Business· World
Explosion at Valero Port Arthur Refinery Leads to Full Shutdown
On March 23, 2026, an explosion occurred at the Valero Port Arthur refinery in Texas, resulting in a complete shutdown of the facility. The incident was triggered by a process fluid release, coinciding with rising global gasoline prices due to geopolitical tensions, particularly related to Iran. This shutdown is expected to exacerbate fuel price volatility in the U.S. and potentially impact global oil markets.
3 sourcesMar 26Moderate
- Economy· World
UK Inflation Rate Remains Steady at 3.0% Amid Rising Oil Prices from Iran Conflict
The UK's Consumer Price Index inflation rate held at 3.0% for the year ending February 2026, as reported on March 25, 2026. This stability comes just before the escalation of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has led to a significant surge in oil prices and increased fuel costs. Analysts now forecast inflation could peak at 4.6% by year-end, complicating monetary policy and diminishing expectations for interest rate cuts.
4 sourcesMar 26Low
- Business· World
Matt Brittin appointed as new Director-General of the BBC
The BBC Board appointed Matt Brittin as the new Director-General, effective May 18, 2026. This decision comes in the wake of Tim Davie's resignation amid controversies and the need for leadership to navigate funding challenges and digital transformation. Brittin's appointment signals a strategic shift towards enhancing the BBC's adaptability in a competitive media landscape dominated by streaming services.
3 sourcesMar 26Moderate
- Economy· World
Spike in Oil Futures Trading Precedes Trump's Delay of Strikes on Iran
On March 23, 2026, oil futures trading experienced an anomalous surge with over $500 million in sell bets placed just minutes before President Trump announced a five-day postponement of military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. This spike in trading is attributed to the heightened market volatility following Trump's ultimatum to Iran and the ongoing conflict in the region. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny and potential regulatory changes regarding insider trading in commodity futures markets.
3 sourcesMar 26High
- Business· World
Leonid Radvinsky, founder of OnlyFans, passes away at 43
Leonid Radvinsky, the influential owner of OnlyFans, died on March 23, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. His death comes at a time when OnlyFans is reportedly in sale talks, potentially valuing the company at $8 billion. The long-term implications may include shifts in leadership and strategic direction for the platform, which has been pivotal in the adult entertainment industry.
4 sourcesMar 26Moderate
- Business· World
Air Canada Express Flight 8646 Collides with Fire Truck at LaGuardia Airport
On March 22, 2026, Air Canada Express Flight 8646 collided with a Port Authority fire truck on Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport, resulting in the deaths of both pilots and injuries to 41 others. The incident was triggered by a timing failure in air traffic control communications, as the fire truck was cleared to cross the runway just seconds before the plane landed. This collision is likely to intensify scrutiny on aviation safety protocols and air traffic control procedures in the long term.
12 sourcesMar 26Low
- Business· World
Pfizer and Valneva report Phase 3 trial results for Lyme disease vaccine candidate PF-07307405
Pfizer and Valneva announced topline results from the Phase 3 VALOR trial of their Lyme disease vaccine candidate PF-07307405, demonstrating 73.2% efficacy but failing to meet the primary statistical criterion due to lower-than-expected case accrual. This announcement comes as the companies prepare for regulatory submissions despite the missed endpoint, reflecting ongoing challenges in vaccine development. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny on vaccine efficacy standards and potential regulatory flexibility given the lack of approved alternatives for Lyme disease prevention.
3 sourcesMar 26Moderate
- Business· World
USPS Implements First-Ever 8% Fuel Surcharge on Package Services Amid Rising Diesel Costs
The U.S. Postal Service has announced an 8% fuel surcharge on select package services effective April 26, 2026, marking a significant policy shift. This decision is driven by a 51% year-over-year increase in diesel prices, exacerbated by ongoing Middle East tensions, including the Iran war. Long-term, this surcharge may signal a shift towards more market-based pricing mechanisms as USPS seeks to stabilize its finances amidst chronic losses.
4 sourcesMar 26Moderate
- Economy· World
Global Oil Prices Drop Over 13% Following U.S. Delay on Iran Strikes
Oil prices fell by more than 13% on March 24, 2026, as U.S. President Donald Trump announced a postponement of military strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure. This significant decline was triggered by easing geopolitical tensions that had previously driven prices above 110 dollars per barrel. In the long term, analysts anticipate continued volatility in oil markets as U.S.-Iran negotiations unfold and OPEC+ monitors supply dynamics.
3 sourcesMar 25Moderate
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Hit Lowest Level of 2026 at $4,226 per Ounce Following Geopolitical Tensions
On March 23, 2026, spot gold prices declined to $4,226.16 per ounce, marking the lowest level of the year amid a 5.8% daily loss. This significant drop is attributed to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, inflation concerns, and expectations of global interest rate hikes. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in investor behavior towards equities and real estate as gold's status as a safe haven diminishes.
4 sourcesMar 25Low
- Business· World
Explosion at Valero Port Arthur Refinery Causes Major Shutdown
An explosion occurred at the Valero Energy Corporation refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, on March 23, 2026, leading to a complete shutdown of the facility. The incident was triggered by a release of process fluid in the diesel hydrotreater unit, coinciding with rising U.S. fuel prices due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This event is likely to exacerbate fuel supply pressures and increase prices in the U.S. market as the refinery's capacity of up to 380,000 barrels per day remains offline.
3 sourcesMar 25High
- Economy· World
Spot gold prices decline for tenth consecutive session amid strong U.S. dollar
Spot gold prices fell to $4,345 per ounce on March 24, 2026, marking the tenth consecutive session of declines in global commodity markets. This decline is primarily driven by a strengthening U.S. dollar and reduced expectations for near-term Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. The long-term implication suggests continued volatility in gold prices as geopolitical tensions persist and inflation fears remain elevated.
3 sourcesMar 25Low
- Crypto· World
CoinDCX Co-Founders Granted Bail Amid ₹71.6 Lakh Fraud Investigation
CoinDCX co-founders Sumit Gupta and Neeraj Khandelwal were granted bail by a Thane court following their detention related to a ₹71.6 lakh cryptocurrency fraud investigation. The immediate cause of this legal action stems from allegations of impersonation and fraudulent investment schemes linked to CoinDCX, which the company denies, asserting no breach of its platform. In the long term, this incident highlights the ongoing challenges within India's cryptocurrency sector regarding regulatory clarity and the prevalence of impersonation scams, potentially prompting further scrutiny of legitimate operators.
3 sourcesMar 25Moderate
- Crypto· World
Haliey Welch Reveals Trauma from $HAWK Memecoin Collapse in Recent Interview
Haliey Welch disclosed on March 20, 2026, the lasting trauma she experienced following the December 2024 collapse of the $HAWK memecoin, which she promoted. This revelation comes as critics highlight her alleged negligence towards community warnings and the significant losses incurred by retail investors. The incident underscores the ongoing volatility in the memecoin market and raises questions about the accountability of influencers in cryptocurrency promotions.
3 sourcesMar 25Low