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
8899 stories- 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
- 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