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· Americas
Evernorth Holdings files SEC Form S-4 for merger with Armada Acquisition Corp II to establish largest XRP treasury
Evernorth Holdings Inc. has filed a Form S-4 with the SEC to merge with Armada Acquisition Corp. II, aiming to create the largest publicly traded XRP treasury company. This move follows recent regulatory clarity on XRP's status as a digital commodity after Ripple's legal resolution, facilitating institutional interest and investment. The merger, pending various approvals, could significantly enhance institutional adoption of XRP and similar digital assets in treasury management strategies.
4 sourcesMar 22High
- Crypto· Africa
Celo Allocates 160 Million CELO Tokens to Opera for Ecosystem Stakeholder Transition
Celo Core Co. has proposed a governance initiative to allocate approximately 160 million CELO tokens to Opera, transitioning it from a distribution partner to a long-term ecosystem stakeholder. This shift is driven by the need to replace recurring USD grants with a one-time treasury transfer, enhancing Opera's commitment to the Celo network amid its focus on emerging markets. The long-term implication is a strengthened partnership that could significantly boost Celo's user growth and transaction volume through Opera's MiniPay wallet in various regions, particularly in Africa and Latin America.
3 sourcesMar 22Moderate
- Crypto· Europe
World Gold Council Launches 'Gold as a Service' Initiative for Digital Gold Infrastructure
On March 19, 2026, the World Gold Council announced the 'Gold as a Service' initiative, a proposed shared infrastructure platform to connect physical gold custody with digital issuance and management systems. This initiative is triggered by the rapid digital transformation in financial services and the need to address fragmentation and operational complexities in the tokenized gold market. The long-term implication is the potential for enhanced interoperability in digital gold products, which could significantly increase market participation and liquidity in the $30 trillion global gold stock.
3 sourcesMar 22Low
- Crypto· Americas
Morgan Stanley Advances Bitcoin ETF Plans with SEC Filing
Morgan Stanley filed a second amended Form S-1 for its Bitcoin Trust (MSBT), detailing operational aspects and seeking SEC approval. This move comes as part of a broader trend among financial institutions to offer regulated cryptocurrency products following previous SEC approvals. If successful, this could lead to significant inflows into Bitcoin investments, potentially capturing $160 billion from Morgan Stanley's client base.
5 sourcesMar 22Moderate
- Crypto· UAE
Coinbase Introduces 24/7 Stock Perpetual Futures for Non-US Traders
Coinbase has launched 24/7 stock perpetual futures for eligible non-US traders, enabling leveraged synthetic exposure to major US stocks. This initiative is driven by the increasing global demand for continuous trading options beyond traditional market hours. The long-term implication is a potential shift in trading dynamics, enhancing global price discovery and possibly increasing volatility in the crypto-equity correlation.
3 sourcesMar 22Moderate
- Crypto· Americas
Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Gemini Space Station and Winklevoss Twins Over Misleading IPO Claims
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Gemini Space Station Inc. and its co-founders, alleging misleading disclosures during their September 2025 IPO that contributed to an 80% decline in stock value. The lawsuit is triggered by the company's recent strategic pivot to prediction markets and declining trading volumes, which were not disclosed to investors. This legal action may lead to increased scrutiny of IPO practices in the cryptocurrency sector and potential regulatory changes regarding disclosures.
4 sourcesMar 22Low
- Crypto· Americas
SEC Approves Nasdaq's Pilot for Tokenized Securities Trading
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has approved Nasdaq's proposed rule change to allow trading of tokenized securities alongside traditional shares. This decision comes as part of a broader trend towards asset tokenization aimed at improving settlement efficiency and market accessibility. The long-term implication is a potential shift in how equity markets operate, integrating blockchain technology and possibly leading to 24/7 trading environments.
3 sourcesMar 22Moderate
- Crypto· Americas
Ledger Appoints John Andrews as CFO Amid US Expansion and IPO Preparations
On March 20, 2026, Ledger appointed John Andrews as its new Chief Financial Officer while opening a new office in New York City. This strategic move is driven by Ledger's aim to scale its institutional business and prepare for a potential IPO valued at over $4 billion. In the long term, this expansion is likely to enhance Ledger's market position in the US, the company's largest market, and increase institutional adoption of digital assets.
3 sourcesMar 22Low
- Crypto· Americas
Tentative Agreement Reached on Stablecoin Yield Provisions in CLARITY Act
US Senators Thom Tillis and Angela Alsobrooks announced a tentative agreement on stablecoin yield provisions, potentially reviving the stalled CLARITY Act. This development follows extensive negotiations aimed at balancing the interests of banks and crypto firms amid a growing stablecoin market. If successful, the agreement could reshape regulatory frameworks for digital assets in the US and influence global crypto regulations.
6 sourcesMar 22High
- Crypto· MENA
GitHub Phishing Scam Targets OpenClaw Developers with Fake Airdrop Scheme
On March 19, 2026, a phishing campaign emerged targeting developers in the OpenClaw community on GitHub, promising fake CLAW tokens. This surge in scams is attributed to OpenClaw's rising popularity and a history of previous crypto frauds, prompting attackers to exploit the situation. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny and security measures within the cryptocurrency and open-source communities to protect developers from similar threats.
3 sourcesMar 22Low
- Crypto· Americas
Grayscale Investments Files for Spot HYPE ETF with SEC
Grayscale Investments has filed an S-1 registration statement for the Grayscale HYPE ETF, aiming to track Hyperliquid's HYPE token. This filing comes amid increasing institutional interest in Hyperliquid's blockchain technology and follows similar applications by other firms. If approved, this ETF could significantly enhance liquidity and institutional participation in the decentralized derivatives market.
5 sourcesMar 22Moderate
- Business· Americas
Eli Lilly's Retatrutide Shows Promising Results in Phase 3 Trial for Type 2 Diabetes
On March 19, 2026, Eli Lilly announced that its investigational drug retatrutide met primary and key secondary endpoints in the Phase 3 TRANSCEND-T2D-1 trial, demonstrating significant reductions in A1C and body weight among adults with type 2 diabetes. This positive outcome comes amid increasing demand for effective diabetes and obesity treatments, as evidenced by the company's previous successes with dual-agonists Mounjaro and Zepbound. If approved, retatrutide could become a pivotal therapy in the diabetes market, potentially surpassing existing treatments and addressing the growing obesity crisis globally.
3 sourcesMar 22Low
- Economy· MENA
Record High Oil Prices Amid Ongoing US-Israel-Iran Conflict
Physical oil and fuel cargo prices reached unprecedented levels on March 19, 2026, driven by severe supply disruptions in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The immediate trigger for this spike is the significant reduction in crude and condensate flows through the Strait of Hormuz, which has seen a drop of 12 million barrels per day, or 12% of global demand, following military actions and output cuts by Gulf producers. Long-term implications suggest a continued strain on global energy markets, with potential for sustained high prices and logistical challenges as the conflict persists.
3 sourcesMar 22Moderate
- Business· Americas
Kalshi Secures $22 Billion Valuation in $1 Billion Funding Round
On March 19, 2026, prediction market platform Kalshi secured a $22 billion valuation in an ongoing funding round of approximately $1 billion led by Coatue Management. This significant valuation increase follows Kalshi's reported annualized revenue run rate of about $1.5 billion, driven by heightened interest in regulated event-contract trading. The long-term implication suggests that Kalshi is poised to dominate the prediction market space, potentially outpacing competitors like Polymarket.
3 sourcesMar 22Low
- Business· MENA
Jeff Bezos Initiates $100 Billion Fund for AI-Driven Manufacturing Acquisitions
Jeff Bezos is in early discussions to raise a $100 billion investment fund aimed at acquiring and automating manufacturing companies using AI technologies. This initiative is triggered by ongoing pressures in U.S. manufacturing, including labor shortages and rising costs, prompting a shift towards automation. The long-term implication is a potential transformation of the manufacturing sector, leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness.
5 sourcesMar 22Moderate
- Business· Americas
Kalshi Inc. secures $1 billion funding round doubling valuation to $22 billion
Kalshi Inc. raised over $1 billion on March 19, 2026, doubling its valuation to $22 billion. This funding round, led by Coatue Management, comes amid a surge in investor interest driven by explosive growth in prediction market trading volumes. The long-term implication suggests that Kalshi may solidify its position as a leader in the prediction market sector, potentially influencing regulatory frameworks and market dynamics.
3 sourcesMar 22Low
- Business· MENA
United Airlines Plans Capacity Reductions Amid Rising Oil Prices Linked to U.S.-Israel-Iran Conflict
United Airlines announced a 5% reduction in capacity due to soaring oil prices, which have reached $175 per barrel as a result of the ongoing U.S.-Israel war against Iran. This escalation has disrupted oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz, causing jet fuel prices to double in a matter of weeks. The long-term implication for the airline industry includes potential shifts in operational strategies and continued financial strain if geopolitical tensions persist.
4 sourcesMar 22Moderate
- Business· Americas
Nexstar Media Group finalizes $6.2 billion acquisition of TEGNA Inc. despite antitrust challenges
Nexstar Media Group has completed its $6.2 billion acquisition of TEGNA Inc., consolidating ownership of 265 television stations across 44 states. This move comes amid a federal lawsuit from eight state attorneys general alleging antitrust violations and potential harm to local news. The long-term implication may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory challenges for future media mergers in the U.S.
4 sourcesMar 22Low
- Economy· MENA
U.S. Treasury Authorizes Sale of Stranded Iranian Oil Amid Fuel Price Crisis
On March 20, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued General License U allowing the sale of approximately 140 million barrels of stranded Iranian oil to address rising global fuel prices. This decision comes in response to significant supply disruptions caused by the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication may involve increased geopolitical tensions and further market volatility as Iran disputes the U.S. estimates of stranded oil volumes.
4 sourcesMar 22High
- Economy· MENA
Global Central Banks Shift from Rate Cuts to Potential Hikes Amid Iran War Oil Price Surge
On March 18–19, 2026, major central banks including the U.S. Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of England held interest rates steady, signaling a significant policy shift in response to rising inflation driven by the Iran War. This decision was triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions that caused oil prices to surge above $100 per barrel, altering market expectations from anticipated rate cuts to potential tightening. In the long term, this may lead to increased interest rates across major economies as central banks remain vigilant against inflationary pressures stemming from ongoing conflicts.
3 sourcesMar 22Moderate