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
SEC and CFTC Clarify Crypto Assets Classification as Non-Securities
On March 17, 2026, the SEC and CFTC issued joint interpretive guidance categorizing most crypto assets as non-securities. This shift follows a policy change under SEC Chair Paul S. Atkins, aimed at resolving years of regulatory ambiguity and aligning with bipartisan calls for clearer legislation. The long-term implication is a potential increase in innovation and investment in the crypto sector as regulatory clarity fosters a more favorable environment for businesses and investors.
3 sourcesMar 19Very High
- Business· Americas
Robinhood Ventures Fund I invests $34.58 million in Stripe and ElevenLabs
Robinhood Ventures Fund I has completed investments totaling $34.58 million in Stripe and ElevenLabs. This investment comes as the fund aims to democratize access to private markets for retail investors following its recent IPO. The long-term implication is a potential shift in how retail investors engage with high-growth pre-IPO fintech and AI companies.
3 sourcesMar 19Low
- Crypto· Americas
GSR Acquires Autonomous and Architech for $57 Million to Enhance Crypto Capital Markets
On March 17, 2026, GSR announced the acquisition of Autonomous and Architech for $57 million, aiming to create an integrated platform for crypto capital markets. This strategic move is driven by the need to address fragmentation in the crypto infrastructure as institutional adoption of onchain finance grows. The long-term implication is the potential establishment of GSR as a leading player in the crypto advisory and trading space, akin to traditional financial institutions.
4 sourcesMar 19Low
- Crypto· Europe
Bitrefill Cyberattack Linked to Lazarus Group Exposes Customer Data
Bitrefill, a cryptocurrency e-commerce platform, experienced a cyberattack on March 1, 2026, resulting in the exposure of 18,500 purchase records. The breach was triggered by tactics employed by the North Korea-linked Lazarus Group, which compromised an employee's laptop to access sensitive databases and hot wallets. In the long term, this incident may prompt increased scrutiny and regulatory measures within the cryptocurrency industry regarding cybersecurity protocols and data protection.
5 sourcesMar 19Moderate
- Crypto· Americas
Senator Tim Scott Reports Progress on Stablecoin Yield Negotiations for Digital Asset Market Clarity Act
On March 17, 2026, U.S. Senator Tim Scott announced significant advancements in negotiations regarding stablecoin yield payments that have stalled the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. The urgency for resolution arises from ongoing disputes between banks and crypto firms over the implications of yield offerings on stablecoins. If a compromise is reached, it could pave the way for clearer regulatory frameworks and enhance market structure in the digital asset sector.
3 sourcesMar 19Moderate
- Crypto· Americas
Tally Shuts Down DAO Governance Operations Citing Market Decline
Tally announced its decision to cease operations on March 17, 2026, after six years of providing governance tools for decentralized autonomous organizations. The shutdown is triggered by insufficient market demand and a shift in venture capital focus towards artificial intelligence following the 2025 Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. This move signals a potential consolidation trend in the DAO space, impacting the future of decentralized governance models and tools.
4 sourcesMar 19Low
- Crypto· Americas
SEC and CFTC Classify Most Crypto Assets as Non-Securities
On March 17, 2026, the SEC and CFTC issued joint guidance declaring that most crypto assets are not classified as securities. This shift follows a change in leadership at the SEC and CFTC, aimed at resolving regulatory uncertainty and fostering innovation in the crypto space. The long-term implication is a potential harmonization of global crypto regulations, enhancing compliance for international traders and supporting the growth of the crypto industry.
3 sourcesMar 19High
- Crypto· Americas
Payward Inc. Halts Kraken IPO Plans Due to Cryptocurrency Market Decline
Payward Inc. has suspended its plans for a multibillion-dollar initial public offering for Kraken amid a significant downturn in the cryptocurrency market. The immediate trigger for this decision is a 44% drop in Bitcoin's price from its October peak, coupled with reduced trading volumes and compressed valuations for crypto-linked equities. This suspension indicates a strategic retreat that may lead to a prolonged delay in Kraken's public listing until market conditions improve.
3 sourcesMar 19Moderate
- Crypto· Americas
Polymarket Acquires DeFi Startup Brahma to Strengthen Blockchain Infrastructure
Polymarket announced the acquisition of DeFi infrastructure provider Brahma on March 18, 2026. This strategic move aims to enhance user experience and liquidity in blockchain transactions, coinciding with Polymarket's ongoing expansion efforts amid rising competition. The integration of Brahma's technology is expected to position Polymarket for significant growth in the evolving DeFi landscape.
3 sourcesMar 19Low
- Crypto· Europe
Mastercard to acquire BVNK for up to $1.8 billion to enhance stablecoin payment capabilities
Mastercard has announced a definitive agreement to acquire BVNK, a stablecoin infrastructure provider, for up to $1.8 billion. This acquisition is driven by Mastercard's strategy to expand its digital assets portfolio amid increasing stablecoin adoption and regulatory clarity. The long-term implication is a potential transformation in cross-border payment systems, integrating stablecoins into Mastercard's global network across over 130 countries.
8 sourcesMar 19High
- Business· Americas
Amazon to Cut USPS Package Shipments by Two-Thirds Amid Contract Dispute
Amazon announced plans to reduce its package shipments through the United States Postal Service by at least two-thirds by fall 2026. This decision follows the collapse of contract negotiations due to USPS's shift to a competitive bidding process. The long-term implication is a significant financial strain on USPS, which is already facing a $9 billion net loss, potentially leading to further operational challenges and restructuring.
3 sourcesMar 19Low
- Business· Asia
RedotPay Seeks $150 Million Pre-IPO Funding at $4 Billion Valuation Ahead of US Listing
RedotPay has initiated discussions to secure up to $150 million in pre-IPO funding, aiming for a valuation exceeding $4 billion as it prepares for a potential US initial public offering. This move comes amid a surge in stablecoin adoption and the company's rapid growth, having reached 6 million users and $10 billion in annualized payment volume. Long-term, this funding could solidify RedotPay's position in the competitive fintech landscape and facilitate its expansion into the US market.
4 sourcesMar 19Low
- Business· Asia
BHP Group Appoints Brandon Craig as CEO Effective July 2026
BHP Group has announced the appointment of Brandon Craig as Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2026, succeeding Mike Henry. This decision follows a formal succession process and reflects the company's strategic focus on future-facing commodities amid ongoing transformations in the mining sector. The long-term implication is expected to be a continued emphasis on copper production and organic growth in the Americas, aligning with the industry's shift towards sustainable resources.
3 sourcesMar 19Low
- Business· Asia
Elliott Investment Management Takes Major Stake in Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
Elliott Investment Management has acquired a significant stake in Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, signaling a push for enhanced shareholder value. This move comes as the Japanese shipping company is perceived to be undervalued despite its robust asset base and market position. In the long term, Elliott's involvement may lead to strategic shifts in capital allocation and operational efficiency within the shipping sector.
4 sourcesMar 19Low
- Crypto· Americas
U.S. SEC Approves Nasdaq to Trade Tokenized Securities on National Exchange
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has approved Nasdaq's proposal to allow trading of tokenized securities, including those in the Russell 1000 Index. This decision comes as part of a broader regulatory shift towards integrating blockchain technology into traditional finance. The long-term implication is the potential for enhanced market efficiency and accessibility, paving the way for a new era of trading practices in the U.S. equity markets.
4 sourcesMar 19High
- Business· Americas
Josh D'Amaro Becomes Disney CEO Emphasizing Storytelling and Creativity
On March 18, 2026, Josh D'Amaro officially took over as CEO of The Walt Disney Company, succeeding Bob Iger and prioritizing storytelling and creativity. This leadership transition comes amid ongoing challenges in the entertainment industry, including streaming profitability and competition, prompting a strategic focus on unified, technology-enhanced narratives. The long-term implication is a potential revitalization of Disney's brand and market position as it seeks to integrate its diverse franchises and experiences under D'Amaro's vision.
3 sourcesMar 19Low - Business· Europe
Bentley Motors to Cut 275 Jobs at Crewe Plant Following Significant Profit Decline
Bentley Motors announced up to 275 job redundancies at its Crewe plant as part of efficiency measures in response to a 42% drop in operating profits. This decision comes amid ongoing challenges in the US and China markets, including tariffs and delays in the transition to electric vehicles. The long-term implication may involve further restructuring within the luxury automotive sector as companies adapt to changing market conditions and consumer demands.
3 sourcesMar 19Low
- Business· Americas
Bank of America Settles Class-Action Lawsuit with Jeffrey Epstein Victims
Bank of America has reached a tentative settlement in a class-action lawsuit filed by victims of Jeffrey Epstein, addressing allegations of the bank's facilitation of Epstein's sex-trafficking operations. This settlement comes in the wake of previous high-profile settlements by other banks, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of financial institutions' roles in enabling such activities. The long-term implication may involve increased regulatory oversight and accountability for banks in relation to suspicious financial transactions linked to criminal activities.
3 sourcesMar 19Low
- Business· Americas
Delaware Court Rules Krafton Breached Contract with Unknown Worlds Over AI-Driven Terminations
On March 16, 2026, the Delaware Court of Chancery ruled that Krafton, Inc. breached its acquisition agreement with Unknown Worlds Entertainment by unlawfully terminating key executives. This ruling was triggered by Krafton CEO Changhan Kim's reliance on ChatGPT to create a strategy aimed at evading substantial earnout payments. The long-term implication is a heightened scrutiny on the use of AI in corporate governance and potential regulatory changes in the gaming industry.
5 sourcesMar 19Low
- Economy· Americas
United States Eases Sanctions on Venezuelan Oil Amid Iran Conflict
On March 18, 2026, the United States Treasury Department issued a general license partially easing sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil company Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. to facilitate limited oil transactions. This policy shift is a response to acute global oil supply shortages caused by Iran's disruption of the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict. The long-term implication is a potential increase in Venezuelan oil production, which could stabilize global oil prices but raises concerns about reliance on U.S. firms for investment.
3 sourcesMar 19Moderate