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
Ares Management Raises Record $30 Billion in Q1 2026 Amid Private Credit Sector Scrutiny
Ares Management Corporation announced a record $30 billion in fundraising for Q1 2026, driven by strong institutional investor confidence. This surge comes as the private credit sector faces increased scrutiny over lending practices and potential defaults, creating a favorable environment for Ares to capitalize on market dislocations. The long-term implication suggests that Ares is well-positioned for continued growth and could lead to further consolidation in the private credit industry.
6 sourcesMay 4Low - Business· World
Nebius Group acquires Eigen AI for $643 million to enhance AI capabilities
Nebius Group has announced its acquisition of Eigen AI for approximately $643 million. This strategic move is aimed at strengthening Nebius's position in the competitive cloud computing market by leveraging Eigen AI's technology for optimizing chip performance. The long-term implication is that this acquisition may provide Nebius with a competitive edge in delivering more efficient AI solutions to its clients.
4 sourcesMay 4Low - Business· World
ExxonMobil reports strong Q1 2026 earnings amid Middle East conflict
ExxonMobil's Q1 2026 earnings have exceeded analyst expectations despite disruptions from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The company's increased oil production from Guyana and the Permian Basin has helped offset supply losses due to the war. This strong performance suggests potential stability in the oil market, prompting companies to adapt their strategies in response to geopolitical tensions.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Economy· World
Barclays Raises 2026 Brent Crude Oil Price Forecast to $100 per Barrel
Barclays has increased its forecast for Brent crude oil prices to $100 per barrel for 2026. This adjustment is driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which are disrupting oil supply and contributing to a significant daily supply deficit of 6.6 million barrels. If these tensions persist, the oil market may face further volatility, with prices potentially rising to $110 per barrel based on futures contracts.
4 sourcesMay 4Low - Business· World
OpenAI CFO Reports Strong Demand Ahead of Potential IPO
OpenAI's Chief Financial Officer, Sarah Friar, announced a significant surge in demand for the company's products, describing it as a 'vertical wall of demand'. This announcement comes as OpenAI prepares for a potential IPO while facing scrutiny over its internal performance targets. The strong market interest may attract substantial investor confidence, influencing the company's growth trajectory and IPO success.
4 sourcesMay 4Low - Economy· World
Wall Street Energy Sell-Off Contrasts with Oil Majors' Cautious Recovery Outlook Amid Iran Ceasefire Proposal
Wall Street has accelerated the sell-off of energy stocks as crude oil prices fell nearly 3% following Iran's ceasefire proposal. This reaction is driven by contrasting assessments from ExxonMobil and Chevron CEOs, who anticipate a 1-2 month delay in oil flow normalization through the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication suggests ongoing volatility in global energy markets as recovery timelines remain uncertain amidst geopolitical tensions.
6 sourcesMay 4Low - Economy· World
Federal Reserve faces internal dissent over interest rate policies amid inflation concerns
The Federal Reserve's recent meeting revealed significant divisions among officials regarding interest rate strategies due to rising inflation linked to the war in Iran. This discord is occurring now as three regional bank presidents expressed heightened uncertainty about inflation, indicating a critical moment for the Fed's leadership. In the long term, this division may lead to increased challenges in reaching consensus on monetary policy, impacting economic stability.
3 sourcesMay 4Low
- Business· World
Meta announces layoffs amid rising AI infrastructure costs
Meta has announced layoffs, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg attributing the cuts to increasing capital expenditures related to AI infrastructure. This decision comes as the company faces significant financial pressure, marking the first direct communication with employees about layoffs since March. The long-term implication suggests that Meta may continue restructuring and further layoffs as it seeks to balance workforce size with its financial commitments in AI investments.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Business· World
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen Proposes $56 Billion Acquisition of eBay
On May 3, 2026, GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen announced an unsolicited proposal to acquire eBay for approximately $56 billion. The proposal comes as GameStop seeks to leverage its collectibles business and physical stores to enhance eBay's operations amid rising competition. If successful, this acquisition could significantly reshape the e-commerce landscape and position GameStop as a formidable competitor to Amazon.
13 sourcesMay 4Very High - Economy· World
Japanese Yen Weakens Against U.S. Dollar After Currency Intervention
On May 1, 2026, the Japanese yen depreciated against the U.S. dollar following a currency intervention by Tokyo authorities on April 30. This intervention was triggered by the yen's rapid decline after USD/JPY surpassed 160, exacerbated by softer Tokyo CPI data. The long-term implication suggests that without continued intervention, the yen may face further depreciation pressures amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and interest rate differentials.
8 sourcesMay 4Low - Business· World
NatWest faces £140 million hit from geopolitical tensions despite profit beat
NatWest reported a £283 million impairment charge due to reassessing its economic forecast amid ongoing geopolitical risks. The immediate trigger for this financial adjustment is the economic impact of the Iran war, which has led to a conservative revenue outlook. In the long term, investors will closely monitor how these geopolitical tensions continue to affect NatWest's financial performance and stock stability.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Economy· World
Oil prices rise amid escalating Middle East tensions
Oil prices have increased for the second consecutive week, with Brent crude futures reaching $126.41. This rise is primarily driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions related to the conflict involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. As these tensions persist, further fluctuations in oil prices are expected in the coming weeks.
3 sourcesMay 4Moderate - Business· World
U.S. oil companies reassess investments in Venezuela amid geopolitical shifts
Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips are sending technical teams to evaluate investment opportunities in Venezuela. This shift is triggered by a more positive outlook from Exxon CEO Darren Woods on the Venezuelan oil sector, contrasting previous assessments of it being 'uninvestable.' Long-term, this could lead to increased U.S. investment in Venezuela's oil sector, altering the region's oil dynamics significantly.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Economy· World
CEO compensation rises sharply while worker wages decline
In the last 48 hours, a report revealed that CEO pay increased 54% since 2019, while real wages for workers fell by 12%. This disparity is attributed to the accelerating growth of executive compensation outpacing worker pay, highlighting systemic income inequality. The long-term implication may lead to increased public scrutiny and potential legislative reforms aimed at addressing income disparities in corporate pay structures.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Economy· World
U.S. Increases Tariffs on EU Automobiles to 25% Impacting German Economy
On May 1, 2026, the U.S. announced a tariff increase on automobiles imported from the European Union to 25%, effective May 8. This escalation follows claims of EU non-compliance with a trade agreement and is projected to result in nearly $18 billion in short-term output losses for Germany's automotive sector. The long-term implications may lead to further strain in U.S.-EU trade relations and potential retaliatory measures from the EU.
16 sourcesMay 4High - Economy· MENA
OPEC+ Approves Oil Production Quota Increase Amid Ongoing Iran-U.S. Conflict
On May 3, 2026, OPEC+ countries agreed to increase oil production quotas by 188,000 barrels per day effective June 2026. This decision follows the United Arab Emirates' exit from the alliance and is a response to the ongoing Iran-U.S. war that has disrupted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of oil prices and a shift in regional energy dynamics as OPEC+ adapts to reduced membership and geopolitical tensions.
10 sourcesMay 4Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia reports 2.8% GDP growth in Q1 2026 driven by non-oil sector
Saudi Arabia's economy achieved a 2.8% year-on-year growth in GDP during the first quarter of 2026. This growth is primarily attributed to the non-oil sector, despite a quarterly contraction of 1.5% due to a significant decline in oil activities. The ongoing diversification efforts may provide a buffer against future volatility in the oil market, but challenges in the oil sector remain critical for sustained growth.
3 sourcesMay 3Low - Economy· World
Oil prices exceed $126 per barrel amid U.S.-Iran tensions
Brent crude oil prices surged to over $126 per barrel due to escalating fears of a potential conflict between the U.S. and Iran. This spike is driven by concerns over supply disruptions and the possibility of prolonged U.S. sanctions on Iranian ports. The long-term implication is that ongoing geopolitical tensions could lead to further fluctuations in oil prices and instability in global energy markets.
3 sourcesMay 3Low - Business· World
OPEC+ Alliance to Continue Despite UAE Exit
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed that the OPEC+ alliance will persist following the UAE's departure. This assurance comes amid a global oil deficit, which has prompted concerns about potential price wars. The long-term implication is that OPEC+ will play a crucial role in stabilizing oil prices as supply challenges continue to mount.
3 sourcesMay 3Low - Business· UAE
UAE launches digital bank account service for tourists
The Central Bank of the UAE has introduced a new service allowing tourists to open digital bank accounts upon arrival. This initiative is driven by the UAE's goal to enhance financial inclusion and promote digital payments, utilizing advanced technologies like biometrics. In the long term, this could lead to a more integrated financial ecosystem for visitors and further establish the UAE as a leading financial hub.
3 sourcesMay 3Low