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- 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
- Business· Americas
Amazon to Cut USPS Package Shipments by Two-Thirds Amid Contract Negotiation Breakdown
Amazon announced plans to reduce its package shipments through the USPS by at least two-thirds by fall 2026 following a breakdown in contract negotiations. The immediate cause is the USPS's shift to a competitive bidding process under Postmaster General David Steiner, which has left Amazon seeking alternative logistics solutions. This move signals a significant shift in the logistics landscape, potentially impacting USPS's financial stability and Amazon's delivery strategy in the long term.
3 sourcesMar 20Low
- Business· Asia
RedotPay Pursues $150 Million Pre-IPO Funding Ahead of 2026 U.S. Listing
RedotPay has initiated discussions to secure up to $150 million in pre-IPO funding as it prepares for a potential listing on the New York Stock Exchange. This move comes in the wake of the company's rapid growth and previous funding successes, alongside recent executive turnover that raises governance concerns. If successful, this funding round could significantly bolster RedotPay's expansion plans and solidify its position in the stablecoin payment market.
4 sourcesMar 20Low
- Business· Asia
Elliott Investment Management Acquires Major Stake in Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Leading to Share Price Surge
Elliott Investment Management disclosed a significant stake in Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, resulting in a 12% surge in the company's share price. This move is driven by Elliott's belief in MOL's undervaluation and their intent to engage on the company's medium-term management plan. The long-term implication could see enhanced shareholder value and operational efficiency for MOL as it prepares to unveil its strategic plans by the end of March 2026.
4 sourcesMar 20Low
- Business· Asia
BHP Group Appoints Brandon Craig as CEO Effective July 1, 2026
BHP Group has announced the appointment of Brandon Craig as its new CEO, effective July 1, 2026, succeeding Mike Henry. This decision follows a formal succession process aimed at ensuring strategic continuity as the company focuses on copper and potash growth amid rising demand for energy transition minerals. The long-term implication of this leadership change is expected to enhance BHP's operational capabilities in key growth areas, particularly in the Americas, as it targets increased copper production by the mid-2030s.
3 sourcesMar 20Low
- Business· UAE
Josh D’Amaro Becomes Disney CEO Emphasizing Storytelling and Technology Integration
On March 18, 2026, Josh D’Amaro officially assumed the role of CEO at The Walt Disney Company, prioritizing storytelling and creative excellence. This leadership transition follows a planned succession process and aims to address current challenges in streaming and theme park attendance. D’Amaro's focus on technology integration and operational unity suggests a strategic pivot to enhance Disney's competitive edge in the entertainment industry.
3 sourcesMar 20Moderate
- Crypto· Americas
U.S. SEC Approves Nasdaq Rule Change for Tokenized Securities Trading
On March 18, 2026, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved Nasdaq's rule change allowing tokenized versions of select equities to trade alongside traditional shares. This decision follows a pilot program aimed at modernizing post-trade settlement and enhancing efficiency through blockchain technology. The long-term implication is a potential shift in how securities are traded, paving the way for broader adoption of tokenization in financial markets.
7 sourcesMar 20High
- Economy· MENA
WTO Projects Global Merchandise Trade Growth to Slow Amid Middle East Conflict
On March 19, 2026, the World Trade Organization announced a forecast indicating that global merchandise trade growth could decline to 1.4 percent in 2026 due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. This warning comes as the conflict escalated following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, leading to significant disruptions in energy supplies and trade routes. If the conflict persists, it is likely to exacerbate global supply chain pressures and food security challenges, prompting calls for stable trade policies from international leaders.
3 sourcesMar 20Low
- Business· Americas
Eli Lilly's Retatrutide Shows Promising Results in Phase 3 Diabetes Trial
Eli Lilly reported significant topline results from the TRANSCEND-T2D-1 Phase 3 trial, demonstrating a 2.0% reduction in A1C and a 16.8% weight loss in adults with type 2 diabetes. This breakthrough comes as the global obesity and diabetes crisis intensifies, prompting urgent demand for effective treatments. If approved, retatrutide could reshape the cardiometabolic therapy landscape and enhance Eli Lilly's competitive position in the market.
3 sourcesMar 20Moderate
- Business· UAE
Jeff Bezos proposes $100 billion fund to acquire AI-disrupted manufacturing firms
Jeff Bezos is seeking to raise approximately $100 billion for a new investment fund aimed at acquiring and transforming manufacturing companies affected by artificial intelligence. This initiative is triggered by his recent discussions with investors, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and follows earlier fundraising efforts reported in February 2026. The long-term implication is a potential reshaping of the manufacturing sector through AI-driven automation, which could redefine industry standards and practices.
4 sourcesMar 20High
- 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