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
8765 stories- Economy· MENA
Record High Oil Prices Amid Ongoing U.S.-Israeli Conflict with Iran
On March 19, 2026, oil and fuel cargo prices reached unprecedented levels due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026. The conflict has severely disrupted Middle East energy supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a significant reduction in global crude flows. This escalation in prices is likely to prompt further strategic moves by global energy producers and consumers as they seek to stabilize supply chains and mitigate economic impacts.
3 sourcesMar 20High
- Business· Europe
Bentley Motors to Cut 275 Jobs Following Significant Profit Decline
On 17 March 2026, Bentley Motors announced the elimination of up to 275 positions at its Crewe headquarters due to a 42% decline in operating profits. This restructuring is triggered by various factors including US tariffs, reduced demand in China, and a slowdown in electric vehicle interest. The long-term implication may involve further shifts in the luxury automotive sector as companies adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences.
3 sourcesMar 20Low
- Business· Americas
Delaware Court Rules Krafton Breached Acquisition Agreement with Unknown Worlds
The Delaware Court of Chancery ruled that Krafton Inc. breached its acquisition agreement with Unknown Worlds Entertainment by unlawfully terminating key executives to evade a $250 million earnout payment. This ruling was triggered by Krafton CEO Changhan Kim's consultation of ChatGPT for strategies to dismiss the executives, despite legal warnings against such actions. The long-term implication suggests increased scrutiny on the use of AI in corporate governance and potential regulatory changes in executive decision-making processes within the tech industry.
3 sourcesMar 20Low
- Business· MENA
Global Airfares Rise Sharply Due to Jet Fuel Price Surge Following U.S.-Israeli Strikes on Iran
Airfares worldwide escalated sharply as of March 18, 2026, propelled by jet fuel price increases exceeding 40% in key markets like Los Angeles. This surge is triggered by U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran in late February, which disrupted oil supplies and flight paths. Long-term implications include sustained fare increases and potential service cuts as airlines adjust to ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising operational costs.
3 sourcesMar 20Moderate
- Economy· Americas
US Eases Sanctions on Venezuela's PDVSA to Boost Oil Supply Amid Iran Conflict
On March 18, 2026, the U.S. Treasury Department authorized transactions with Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), allowing U.S. companies to purchase Venezuelan oil. This decision comes as a response to the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, which has disrupted global oil supplies. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of oil markets as Venezuela ramps up production, although immediate impacts on prices remain uncertain.
3 sourcesMar 20Low
- Economy· Americas
Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation and Geopolitical Tensions
The Federal Reserve decided to maintain the federal funds rate target at 3.5 to 3.75 percent on March 18, 2026. This decision was influenced by solid economic growth, low job gains, and elevated inflation risks exacerbated by the ongoing war in Iran. In the long term, the Fed's projections suggest a potential rate cut later in 2026, reflecting a cautious approach to managing inflation and employment amid geopolitical uncertainties.
8 sourcesMar 20High
- Economy· MENA
Iran War Impacts Federal Reserve's Interest Rate Strategy Amid Trump Pressure
The ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has constrained the Federal Reserve's ability to lower interest rates due to rising energy prices and inflation concerns. This situation is exacerbated by President Trump's demands for immediate rate cuts, criticizing the Fed's current stance. In the long term, the Fed may face increasing pressure to navigate economic instability while managing geopolitical risks and inflationary pressures.
6 sourcesMar 20High
- Business· Americas
Nexstar Media Group Completes $6.2 Billion Acquisition of TEGNA Inc.
On March 19, 2026, Nexstar Media Group finalized its $6.2 billion acquisition of TEGNA Inc., creating the largest U.S. local television station owner with 265 outlets reaching approximately 80% of American households. This acquisition proceeded despite a federal lawsuit filed by attorneys general from eight states seeking to block the transaction, highlighting ongoing regulatory scrutiny. The long-term implication is a potential shift in local news dynamics and increased negotiating power for Nexstar with pay-TV providers amid ongoing media consolidation.
7 sourcesMar 20Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Egypt's Telecom Authority Denies 30% Price Increase Rumors Ahead of Eid al-Fitr
On March 17, 2026, Egypt's National Telecom Regulatory Authority denied rumors of a 30% increase in telecommunications prices. This denial comes in response to public anxiety fueled by recent fuel price hikes and speculation about potential tariff adjustments by telecom operators. The long-term implication is a continued focus on regulatory stability and consumer protection in the telecommunications sector amid economic pressures.
3 sourcesMar 19Low
- Crypto· Asia
Vietnam Shortlists Firms for First Regulated Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Vietnam's Ministry of Finance has shortlisted five firms to create the country's first regulated cryptocurrency exchanges as part of a pilot program. This initiative is driven by the need to regulate a booming crypto market and curb capital outflows to foreign exchanges. In the long term, this could solidify Vietnam's position in the global crypto landscape and enhance domestic investment opportunities.
5 sourcesMar 19Moderate
- Crypto· Americas
Phantom Technologies Inc. Secures CFTC No-Action Relief for Non-Custodial Trading Software
Phantom Technologies Inc. received a No-Action Letter from the CFTC, allowing it to operate a non-custodial software interface for trading regulated derivatives. This regulatory relief is a response to the evolving landscape of U.S. cryptocurrency regulations, which now differentiate between custodial and non-custodial services. The long-term implication is a potential increase in institutional participation in derivatives markets through self-custodial wallets, fostering innovation in compliance and market access.
3 sourcesMar 19High
- 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