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
4310 stories- Business· World
Fun secures $72 million in Series A funding to enhance fiat and cryptocurrency payment integration
Fun has raised $72 million to develop unified payment solutions for both fiat and cryptocurrency. This funding round, co-led by Multicoin and SignalFire, is occurring now due to the growing demand for seamless digital payment systems. The long-term implication is that Fun could significantly influence the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency payments across various platforms and industries.
3 sourcesMay 4Low
- Crypto· World
Tether Reports $1.04 Billion Net Profit and Record $8.23 Billion Reserve Buffer for Q1 2026
Tether announced a net profit of $1.04 billion and an excess reserve buffer of $8.23 billion for Q1 2026. This financial performance is attributed to yields from substantial U.S. Treasury holdings amid high interest rates and a diversified asset base. The long-term implication suggests Tether's strengthened position in the stablecoin market, potentially influencing regulatory scrutiny and competitive dynamics in the crypto sector.
6 sourcesMay 4Low - Crypto· World
Bitcoin approaches $80,000 resistance following significant rally
Bitcoin has surged to nearly $79,000, resulting in the liquidation of $120 million in bearish positions. This rally is driven by institutional investors and a growing sentiment in the options market, which indicates a potential short squeeze as traders accumulate calls at the $80,000 mark. If Bitcoin breaks above this threshold, it could trigger substantial buying activity and further price increases in the cryptocurrency market.
3 sourcesMay 4Moderate - Crypto· World
Taiwan proposes investing foreign exchange reserves in Bitcoin amid geopolitical tensions
Taiwan's legislator Ko Ju-Chun has formally proposed converting a portion of the country's foreign exchange reserves into Bitcoin. This initiative arises from increasing tensions with China, prompting a reevaluation of asset strategies. The long-term implication could be a shift in how nations perceive and utilize cryptocurrencies as part of their financial reserves.
3 sourcesMay 4High
- Crypto· World
World Liberty Financial faces scrutiny over undisclosed WLFI token sales
World Liberty Financial has reportedly sold 5.9 billion WLFI tokens privately, resulting in a significant drop in its market value. This event is triggered by revelations of undisclosed transactions that raise serious concerns about transparency and governance in the cryptocurrency sector. The long-term implication may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and demands for greater transparency across cryptocurrency ventures, particularly those with high-profile connections.
3 sourcesMay 4Low
- Crypto· World
Seoul court stays Bithumb's suspension by Financial Intelligence Unit
A Seoul court has temporarily halted a six-month suspension imposed on Bithumb by South Korea's Financial Intelligence Unit. This legal decision follows a similar ruling favoring another exchange, Upbit, indicating a potential shift in the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency firms in South Korea. The outcome may influence future regulatory approaches and enforcement actions against cryptocurrency exchanges in the country.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Business· World
Bakkt completes acquisition of Distributed Technologies Research to enhance stablecoin payment capabilities
Bakkt has finalized its acquisition of Distributed Technologies Research, significantly boosting its stablecoin payment offerings. This strategic move comes as Bakkt aims to modernize global settlement processes and tap into the $44 trillion global payments market. The long-term implication is that Bakkt is positioned to innovate within the payments sector, potentially increasing its market share in digital currencies.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Crypto· MENA
SBI Holdings submits letter of intent to acquire Bitbank in Japan's crypto market
SBI Holdings has submitted a letter of intent to acquire Bitbank, a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange. This acquisition is occurring now due to a trend of consolidation in Japan's crypto sector, driven by improving regulatory conditions. The long-term implication is that SBI Holdings could emerge as a leading force in the cryptocurrency landscape in Asia, potentially leading to further consolidation and innovation in the sector.
5 sourcesMay 4Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin price surge driven by futures trading amid weak spot demand
Bitcoin's price increased by 12.7% in April, primarily due to heightened futures trading activity. This surge is occurring now as analysts highlight the risks associated with low spot demand, which historically precedes price declines. In the long term, this reliance on futures could lead to increased volatility and potential corrections in Bitcoin's value as geopolitical and macroeconomic pressures persist.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Crypto· World
Bitcoin closes April 2026 above $76,000 marking its strongest monthly gain in a year
Bitcoin achieved its highest monthly gain in a year, closing April 2026 above $76,000. This surge occurred alongside the S&P 500 reaching a new all-time high, yet investor sentiment remains cautious as indicated by the Crypto Fear & Greed Index. The future trajectory of Bitcoin will depend on shifts in investor sentiment and potential regulatory developments impacting the cryptocurrency market.
3 sourcesMay 4Moderate - Crypto· MENA
Nobitex Faces Scrutiny Over Sanctions Evasion Tied to Kharrazi Family
Nobitex, Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange, has been implicated in facilitating transactions that evade US sanctions through its connections with the influential Kharrazi family. This scrutiny arises amid heightened investigations into cryptocurrency operations in Iran, particularly following recent military actions and increased sanctions. The long-term implication may involve stricter regulatory measures against Nobitex and similar exchanges, impacting the broader cryptocurrency market in sanctioned countries.
3 sourcesMay 4Moderate - Crypto· World
Bitcoin community prioritizes security of Satoshi Nakamoto's coins amid quantum computing threats
The Bitcoin community is advocating for the preservation of Satoshi Nakamoto's untouched coins as concerns about quantum computing vulnerabilities escalate. This focus on security is triggered by advancements in quantum technology that could jeopardize the integrity of these holdings. In the long term, this may lead to the development of innovative security measures and potential changes in Bitcoin's operational protocols to safeguard against future threats.
3 sourcesMay 4High - Crypto· World
Ripple's CTO Addresses XRP Speculation and Banking Partnerships
Ripple's CTO David Schwartz has clarified misconceptions about XRP's price potential and the company's banking partnerships. This comes as the XRP community engages in heated debates over the token's future value, fueled by speculation and conspiracy theories. The long-term outlook suggests that Ripple's ability to integrate XRP into financial systems will be crucial for its valuation moving forward.
4 sourcesMay 4Low - Crypto· World
Bitcoin Nears $79,000 Amid ETF Inflows and US-Iran Peace Optimism
Bitcoin approached $79,000 on May 3, 2026, positioning for its highest weekly close since January. This surge was triggered by nearly $630 million in inflows into US spot Bitcoin ETFs and growing optimism surrounding potential peace agreements between the US and Iran. If Bitcoin breaks the $79,000 resistance, analysts predict a rally towards $86,000-$88,000, further solidifying its market position.
7 sourcesMay 4Low - Business· World
Founders Fund raises record $6 billion for late-stage investments
Founders Fund has raised $6 billion for its latest investment fund, marking its largest fundraising effort to date. This significant capital influx is driven by strong investor confidence in late-stage companies, with $4.5 billion sourced from limited partners and $1.5 billion from insiders. The successful fundraising is likely to increase investment activity in the late-stage venture capital space, potentially influencing future trends in technology and cryptocurrency sectors.
4 sourcesMay 4Low - Business· World
Riot Platforms reports $167.2 million revenue in Q1 2026 with focus shift to data centers
Riot Platforms announced a revenue of $167.2 million for Q1 2026, marking a strategic pivot from traditional Bitcoin mining to data center operations. This shift is driven by declining Bitcoin mining income and the successful expansion of its partnership with AMD, which contributed $33.2 million to the revenue. The long-term implication suggests that Riot's future growth will increasingly rely on its data center capabilities and artificial intelligence services.
4 sourcesMay 4Low - Economy· World
Japan initiates $2.2 billion loan under $550 billion investment pledge to the U.S.
Japan has signed a $2.2 billion loan as part of its $550 billion investment commitment to U.S. projects. This move is triggered by a trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs on Japanese imports and enhancing economic collaboration. The long-term implication could reshape U.S.-Japan trade relations and strengthen supply chains for strategic minerals.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Economy· World
UK house prices rise 3% year-on-year in April 2026 marking fastest growth in 11 months
House prices in the UK rose by 3% in April 2026 compared to the previous year. This increase is occurring despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the conflict involving Iran. The long-term implication suggests a potential resilience in the UK housing market, which may influence future consumer confidence and spending patterns.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Business· World
AstraZeneca's camizestrant fails to gain FDA advisory committee support
The FDA advisory panel voted six to three against recommending AstraZeneca's camizestrant for breast cancer treatment. This decision was triggered by concerns regarding the study design rather than the drug's safety or efficacy. AstraZeneca's ongoing discussions with the FDA suggest that the company may still pursue approval based on additional data, indicating a potential path forward for the drug's future.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Business· World
Apple reports record sales driven by iPhone 17 as Tim Cook announces retirement
Apple has experienced a significant surge in quarterly revenue attributed to the unprecedented popularity of the iPhone 17. This increase in demand coincides with Tim Cook's announcement of his retirement after 15 years as CEO, prompting questions about the company's future direction. As Apple transitions to new leadership, it will need to navigate strategic challenges in technology and market competition while maintaining its sales momentum.
3 sourcesMay 4Low