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· Europe
Amazon Acquires Rivr to Enhance Last-Mile Delivery with Robotics
Amazon has acquired Rivr, a Zurich-based startup specializing in stair-climbing delivery robots, to improve its logistics capabilities. This acquisition comes as part of Amazon's ongoing efforts to innovate last-mile delivery solutions, particularly in urban environments with challenging terrain. The integration of Rivr's technology is expected to significantly enhance Amazon's delivery efficiency and may set a new standard in the logistics industry.
3 sourcesMar 20Moderate
- Crypto· Asia
Vietnam Selects Five Firms for First Regulated Cryptocurrency Exchange Pilot
Vietnam's Ministry of Finance has shortlisted five domestic firms for its inaugural regulated cryptocurrency exchange pilot program. This decision comes as part of a broader initiative to curb capital outflows and regulate the cryptocurrency market, following the country's high adoption rates and reliance on foreign exchanges. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the local digital economy, fostering domestic trading and reducing dependence on international platforms like Binance.
5 sourcesMar 20Low
- Crypto· Americas
GSR Completes $57 Million Acquisition of Autonomous and Architech to Enhance Crypto Capital Markets
On March 17, 2026, GSR announced the $57 million acquisition of Autonomous and Architech. This strategic move aims to consolidate fragmented services in the crypto capital markets, addressing inefficiencies as the industry matures. The long-term implication is the establishment of a comprehensive platform that could redefine operational standards for tokenized organizations and enhance institutional-grade crypto infrastructure.
4 sourcesMar 20Low
- Crypto· Americas
Phantom Technologies Receives CFTC No-Action Relief for Non-Custodial Derivatives Access
Phantom Technologies Inc. has secured a no-action position from the CFTC, allowing it to provide software for trading derivatives without registering as an introducing broker. This development is triggered by the need for clarity in regulatory compliance for non-custodial wallet providers amid evolving crypto regulations. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift towards greater integration of decentralized finance solutions within regulated markets, enhancing user access to derivatives trading.
3 sourcesMar 20Low
- Crypto· Americas
SEC and CFTC Define Most Crypto Assets as Non-Securities
On March 17, 2026, the SEC and CFTC jointly issued guidance classifying most crypto assets outside federal securities laws. This clarification follows a decade of regulatory uncertainty and is prompted by recent legislative changes and leadership shifts within the SEC. The long-term implication is expected to foster innovation in the U.S. crypto industry and potentially influence global regulatory standards.
3 sourcesMar 20High
- Business· Americas
Robinhood Ventures Fund I invests $34.6 million in Stripe and ElevenLabs
Robinhood Ventures Fund I has completed investments totaling $34,577,616.34 in Stripe and ElevenLabs. This strategic move follows the fund's recent NYSE listing and aims to enhance retail investor access to private technology firms amid a growing demand for fintech and AI solutions. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in investment dynamics, democratizing access to high-growth sectors for everyday investors.
3 sourcesMar 20Low
- Crypto· Europe
Bitrefill suffers cyberattack linked to North Korea's Lazarus Group
On March 1, 2026, Bitrefill, a cryptocurrency e-commerce platform, was compromised in a cyberattack that exposed sensitive customer data and drained hot wallets. The attack was triggered by the exploitation of legacy credentials obtained from an employee's laptop, consistent with tactics used by the Lazarus Group. In the long term, this incident may prompt increased scrutiny and regulatory measures within the cryptocurrency sector regarding cybersecurity protocols and data protection.
5 sourcesMar 20Low
- Crypto· Americas
Senator Tim Scott Indicates Progress on Stablecoin Yield Negotiations for CLARITY Act
On March 18, 2026, U.S. Senator Tim Scott announced advancements in resolving a stablecoin yield dispute that has delayed the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. This progress follows ongoing negotiations between banks and crypto lobbyists, with an initial compromise proposal expected by the end of the week. If successful, this could lead to regulatory clarity for digital assets and influence the competitive landscape of the $315 billion stablecoin market.
3 sourcesMar 20High
- Crypto· Americas
Tally Shuts Down Operations Citing Insufficient Market Demand for DAO Governance Tools
Tally, a prominent DAO governance platform, announced its closure on March 17, 2026, after six years of operation. The immediate cause for this shutdown is the lack of a sustainable business model amidst regulatory clarity and a shift in investment focus towards artificial intelligence. This event signals a contraction in DAO tooling and may lead to further consolidations in the crypto governance sector as smaller DAOs face operational disruptions.
4 sourcesMar 20Low
- Crypto· Americas
SEC and CFTC Declare Most Crypto Assets as Non-Securities
On March 17, 2026, the SEC and CFTC issued joint guidance classifying the majority of crypto assets as non-securities, introducing a new taxonomy for digital assets. This shift follows a change in U.S. regulatory leadership and responds to extensive public input and calls for regulatory clarity. The long-term implication is a potential increase in market liquidity and institutional investment in the crypto sector, particularly benefiting regions like Dubai.
3 sourcesMar 20Very High
- Crypto· Americas
Kraken Halts IPO Plans Due to Cryptocurrency Market Decline
Kraken has suspended its initial public offering plans as of March 17, 2026, amid a significant downturn in the cryptocurrency market. The immediate trigger for this decision is a 44% drop in Bitcoin's price from its all-time high, leading to reduced trading volumes and investor interest. In the long term, this pause may signal a broader slowdown in cryptocurrency-related IPOs and could impact investor confidence in the sector.
3 sourcesMar 20Low
- Crypto· Asia
Crypto.com Reduces Workforce by 12% to Accelerate AI Integration
Crypto.com has announced a 12% reduction in its workforce, affecting approximately 180 employees, to streamline operations and enhance the adoption of artificial intelligence tools. This decision comes amid competitive pressures in the cryptocurrency industry, necessitating rapid AI integration for survival and scalability. The long-term implication suggests a shift towards AI-driven efficiency across the sector, potentially leading to further layoffs and restructuring in similar firms.
4 sourcesMar 20High
- Crypto· Americas
Polymarket Acquires Brahma to Strengthen DeFi Infrastructure for Prediction Markets
On March 18, 2026, Polymarket announced the acquisition of DeFi startup Brahma to integrate advanced blockchain infrastructure. This strategic move is driven by the need to enhance user experience and comply with U.S. regulations amid increasing competition in the prediction market space. The long-term implication is a more robust and scalable prediction market platform that may redefine the landscape of decentralized finance and regulatory compliance.
3 sourcesMar 20Low
- Crypto· Americas
Bitcoin Price Drops to $70,000 Amid Rising Inflation Concerns and Federal Reserve's Hawkish Stance
On March 19, 2026, Bitcoin's price fell over 5% to an intraday low of $70,660. This decline was triggered by the U.S. Producer Price Index data exceeding expectations and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's comments on persistent inflation pressures. The long-term implication suggests that ongoing inflation concerns may hinder anticipated interest rate cuts, impacting cryptocurrency market stability.
3 sourcesMar 20Low
- Crypto· Asia
Bhutan Transfers $72.3 Million in Bitcoin Amid Mining Speculation
On March 18, 2026, the Royal Government of Bhutan transferred 973 Bitcoin valued at $72.3 million from state-linked wallets, raising concerns about a potential halt in its hydroelectric-powered mining operations. This transfer follows a year of significant outflows from Bhutan's Bitcoin reserves, coinciding with a broader downturn in the cryptocurrency market. The long-term implication may involve a reevaluation of Bhutan's Bitcoin strategy and its reliance on hydropower for mining amidst fluctuating market conditions.
3 sourcesMar 20Low
- Crypto· MENA
Celo Core Co. Proposes 160 Million CELO Token Allocation to Opera for Long-Term Stakeholder Transition
Celo Core Co. has submitted a governance proposal to allocate approximately 160 million CELO tokens to Opera Limited, aiming to establish Opera as a long-term stakeholder in the Ethereum Layer-2 network. This proposal comes as a shift from quarterly cash grants to a one-time treasury transfer, reflecting a strategic partnership to enhance ecosystem growth through Opera's MiniPay wallet. If approved, this move is likely to solidify Opera's role in expanding Celo's reach in emerging markets, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia.
3 sourcesMar 20High
- Crypto· Americas
Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust Files for NYSE Arca Listing Under MSBT Ticker
Morgan Stanley has confirmed that its Bitcoin Trust will trade under the ticker MSBT on NYSE Arca following an amended S-1 filing. This development comes as the SEC's approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 has created a favorable regulatory environment for traditional investors. The long-term implication is an anticipated increase in institutional investment in Bitcoin, potentially reshaping the cryptocurrency market landscape.
3 sourcesMar 20High
- Crypto· Americas
Senate Negotiations on CLARITY Act Stablecoin Yield Reach Near Final Agreement
Senate staff reported a '99% settlement' achieved in stablecoin yield talks for the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act following a closed-door Republican meeting. The discussions were triggered by the need to resolve a key sticking point in the stalled legislation amid concerns from banks about deposit flight. If finalized, this compromise could pave the way for a significant regulatory framework for digital assets and stablecoins in the U.S., impacting the broader crypto market landscape.
4 sourcesMar 20High
- Crypto· Americas
Evernorth Holdings Files SEC Form S-4 for Merger with Armada Acquisition Corp II to Create Nasdaq-Listed XRP Treasury Company
Evernorth Holdings has filed a Form S-4 registration statement with the SEC to facilitate its merger with Armada Acquisition Corp II, aiming to establish the largest publicly traded XRP treasury firm. This move follows the recent reclassification of XRP as a digital commodity after Ripple's legal victory against the SEC, providing a favorable regulatory environment for the merger. The long-term implication is the potential for significant institutional investment in XRP, reshaping the landscape of cryptocurrency treasury operations.
4 sourcesMar 20Moderate
- Crypto· Europe
Mastercard to Acquire BVNK for Up to $1.8 Billion
Mastercard has announced a definitive agreement to acquire BVNK, a UK-based stablecoin payments infrastructure firm, for up to $1.8 billion. This acquisition is driven by the rising adoption of stablecoins and the need for enhanced digital transaction capabilities in the current financial landscape. The long-term implication is that Mastercard aims to strengthen its position in the digital payments sector by integrating BVNK's technology into its existing network, potentially reshaping cross-border payment systems.
8 sourcesMar 20Low