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- Business· Asia
Elliott Investment Management Takes Major Stake in Mitsui O.S.K. Lines to Enhance Valuation
Elliott Investment Management has acquired a significant stake in Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, signaling a strategic push to address the company's undervaluation. This move comes amid a broader trend of activist investments in Japan, driven by recent regulatory reforms aimed at improving corporate governance. The long-term implication may involve a reevaluation of Mitsui's asset portfolio and potential strategic shifts to unlock shareholder value.
3 sourcesMar 21Low
- Crypto· Americas
Ledger Appoints Former Circle Executive as CFO and Expands U.S. Operations Ahead of Potential IPO
On March 20, 2026, Ledger appointed John Andrews as Chief Financial Officer and opened a new office in New York City. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering Ledger's presence in the U.S. market as it prepares for a potential IPO valued at over $4 billion. The long-term implication is that Ledger is positioning itself to capitalize on the growing institutional demand for secure digital asset solutions amidst increasing interest in cryptocurrency.
3 sourcesMar 21Moderate
- Business· Americas
Josh D’Amaro Becomes Disney CEO Emphasizing Storytelling and Technology Integration
On March 18, 2026, Josh D’Amaro officially took over as CEO of The Walt Disney Company, focusing on storytelling and creative excellence as core priorities. This leadership transition follows a unanimous board decision amid ongoing challenges in streaming profitability and studio performance. The long-term implication is a strategic shift towards enhancing Disney's global consumer engagement through integrated technology and immersive experiences.
3 sourcesMar 21Low
- Crypto· Americas
U.S. SEC Approves Nasdaq Pilot Program for Tokenized Securities Trading
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has approved Nasdaq's pilot program for trading tokenized securities alongside traditional stocks. This decision comes as part of a broader regulatory evolution to integrate blockchain technology into financial markets, reflecting increasing institutional interest in tokenization. Long-term, this approval is expected to enhance market liquidity and could lead to wider adoption of blockchain in traditional finance.
8 sourcesMar 21Moderate
- Business· MENA
Eli Lilly's Retatrutide Shows Significant Weight Loss and Glycemic Control in Phase 3 Diabetes Trial
Eli Lilly announced positive topline results from its Phase 3 trial of retatrutide, achieving up to 16.8% weight loss and a 2.0% reduction in A1C among participants with type 2 diabetes. This breakthrough comes as the global prevalence of obesity and diabetes continues to rise, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatments. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the diabetes and obesity treatment landscape, with Eli Lilly planning regulatory submissions for obesity and diabetes therapies in the coming years.
3 sourcesMar 21Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Dubai Crude Oil Hits Record $166.80 Amid U.S.-Israel-Iran Conflict
On March 19, 2026, the price of Middle East Dubai crude oil reached an unprecedented $166.80 per barrel due to significant disruptions in oil supplies caused by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. This escalation in hostilities, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28, has led to a drastic reduction in oil flows, prompting refiners globally to scramble for alternative sources. The long-term implications include potential sustained high fuel prices and increased geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets.
3 sourcesMar 21Low
- Business· Americas
Kalshi Achieves $22 Billion Valuation in $1 Billion Funding Round Led by Coatue Management
On March 19, 2026, prediction market platform Kalshi secured a $22 billion valuation in a funding round of approximately $1 billion. This significant valuation increase is attributed to expanded trading volumes and a reported annualized revenue run rate of $1.5 billion. The long-term implication suggests that Kalshi is positioning itself as a leading player in the prediction markets sector, potentially influencing regulatory developments in the industry.
3 sourcesMar 21High
- Business· MENA
Jeff Bezos Initiates $100 Billion Fund to Acquire Manufacturing Firms for AI Automation
Jeff Bezos is in early discussions to raise a $100 billion fund aimed at acquiring struggling manufacturing companies to integrate AI automation. This initiative is driven by the current challenges in the U.S. manufacturing sector, including labor shortages and inefficiencies, coinciding with efforts to reshore production. The long-term implication could see a significant transformation in the manufacturing landscape, potentially leading to widespread job displacement and increased reliance on AI technologies.
5 sourcesMar 21High
- Crypto· Americas
Kalshi Secures $22 Billion Valuation Following $1 Billion Funding Round
Kalshi has achieved a post-money valuation of $22 billion after completing a funding round of over $1 billion led by Coatue Management. This significant valuation increase is driven by the platform's rapid growth and increased trading volumes in the prediction market sector. The long-term implication suggests that Kalshi may solidify its position as a leader in the prediction market space, despite facing regulatory challenges in certain states.
3 sourcesMar 21High
- Business· MENA
Iranian missile strikes reduce Qatar's LNG export capacity by 17 percent
Iran launched missile strikes on Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City on March 18–19, 2026, damaging key LNG production facilities. This escalation follows a U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, prompting retaliatory actions from Tehran. The long-term impact includes significant revenue losses for Qatar and potential disruptions in global energy markets as repairs are expected to take three to five years.
5 sourcesMar 21Very High
- Economy· Europe
UK Energy Bills Projected to Rise by £332 Annually Starting July 2026
Typical UK household energy bills are forecasted to increase by £332 annually effective July 1, 2026. This surge is attributed to a spike in wholesale gas and electricity prices driven by the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. The long-term implication may lead to increased political pressure for government intervention to support low-income households amid rising living costs.
3 sourcesMar 21Moderate
- Economy· Europe
Central Banks Pause Interest Rate Adjustments Amid Iran War and Energy Price Surge
On March 19, 2026, major central banks including the Bank of England and the European Central Bank decided to hold interest rates steady in response to the escalating Iran war and rising energy prices. This decision is driven by the need to recalibrate monetary policies amid increasing inflation risks and economic growth threats in energy-dependent European economies. In the long term, central banks are signaling potential rate hikes to combat persistent inflationary pressures resulting from the conflict's impact on energy markets.
3 sourcesMar 21Low
- Economy· Americas
US Eases Sanctions on Venezuelan Oil Amid Iran War
On March 18, 2026, the U.S. Treasury Department issued General License 46B easing sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil company Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. to allow U.S. companies to engage in oil transactions. This decision was triggered by the ongoing U.S.-Israel war with Iran, which has disrupted global oil supplies by blocking the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication is a potential increase in Venezuelan oil production, which could stabilize global oil markets despite current regional tensions.
3 sourcesMar 21Moderate
- Economy· Americas
Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation and Labor Market Concerns
The Federal Reserve's FOMC voted to maintain the federal funds rate target range at 3.5–3.75 percent on March 18, 2026. This decision comes as inflation risks rise due to escalating energy prices from the ongoing Iran war, while labor market growth remains stagnant. Long-term, the Fed's stance suggests a cautious approach to monetary policy, with potential rate cuts anticipated in 2026 contingent on inflation progress.
7 sourcesMar 21Moderate
- Economy· UAE
Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Amid Iran War and Economic Pressures
On March 18, 2026, the Federal Reserve decided to maintain interest rates at 3.5–3.75 percent due to uncertainties stemming from the ongoing Iran War. This decision follows President Trump's demands for immediate rate cuts, highlighting the economic strain caused by rising energy prices and inflation risks linked to the conflict. In the long term, the Fed's cautious stance may lead to a prolonged period of economic instability and limited monetary relief as geopolitical tensions persist.
6 sourcesMar 21Low
- Business· Americas
Nexstar Media Group Completes $6.2 Billion Acquisition of TEGNA Inc. Amid Legal Challenges
On March 19, 2026, Nexstar Media Group finalized its $6.2 billion acquisition of TEGNA Inc.'s television stations. The deal was approved by the FCC and DOJ despite opposition from eight state attorneys general who filed a lawsuit the day prior, raising concerns about local news diversity and consumer costs. This acquisition positions Nexstar as the largest U.S. television station owner, likely increasing its influence in media negotiations and shaping the future of local journalism.
7 sourcesMar 21Moderate
- Business· Europe
Unilever Negotiates Separation of Food Division to Merge with McCormick
Unilever has confirmed advanced discussions to separate its €29 billion food business and merge it with McCormick in an all-stock deal. This strategic move is driven by Unilever's focus on higher-growth segments, particularly in beauty and personal care, amid ongoing portfolio simplification efforts. The long-term implication suggests a continued trend of consolidation in the consumer goods sector as companies prioritize more profitable divisions.
4 sourcesMar 21Moderate
- Business· Americas
Eight U.S. States Sue to Block Nexstar-TEGNA Merger
On March 18, 2026, attorneys general from eight U.S. states filed a lawsuit in Sacramento to block Nexstar Media Group's $6.2 billion acquisition of TEGNA Inc. This legal action is prompted by concerns that the merger would significantly reduce competition in local television markets and harm news diversity. The long-term implication may involve prolonged legal battles that could delay the merger's integration and impact the broadcasting landscape.
3 sourcesMar 21Moderate
- Business· Americas
Elon Musk Found Liable for Misleading Twitter Shareholders in 2022 Acquisition Case
A federal jury in San Francisco has ruled that Elon Musk is liable for losses suffered by Twitter shareholders due to his misleading tweets regarding the $44 billion acquisition. This verdict follows claims that Musk's statements about bot accounts and the deal being 'temporarily on hold' intentionally depressed Twitter's stock price. The ruling may lead to significant financial repercussions for Musk, with estimated damages potentially reaching $2.5 billion for the affected shareholders.
16 sourcesMar 21Very High
- Economy· MENA
US Lifts Sanctions on Iranian Oil to Stabilize Global Prices Amid Conflict
On March 19, 2026, the U.S. announced a waiver lifting sanctions on 140 million barrels of Iranian oil stranded at sea. This policy shift is a response to soaring oil prices and the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, particularly following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication may involve increased oil supply to compliant markets, potentially impacting global energy dynamics and regional economies.
6 sourcesMar 21High