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
8384 stories- Business· World
Apple Implements New Commission Structure for EU App Store Compliance with DMA
Apple has announced a reduction in App Store commissions and the replacement of the Core Technology Fee with a 5% commission for developers in the European Union. This change is driven by the need to comply with the Digital Markets Act, which mandates fair competition practices in digital markets. The long-term implication is that Apple may face increased scrutiny and pressure to adapt its business practices globally as regulatory frameworks evolve.
4 sourcesAug 21Low
- Crypto· World
Kraken Enables Direct U.S. Stock Trading for EEA Customers Integrating Traditional and Tokenized Assets
Kraken has launched direct trading for over 7,000 U.S.-listed stocks for eligible customers in the European Economic Area. This initiative is driven by the need to simplify access to U.S. capital markets for European investors, addressing previous fragmentation and complexity. The long-term implication is a potential shift towards more integrated trading platforms that combine traditional finance and cryptocurrency, enhancing competition in the financial services sector.
3 sourcesAug 21Low
- Crypto· World
BitBox Releases Critical Firmware Update to Address Severe Vulnerabilities in BitBox02 Wallets
On August 17, 2026, BitBox announced a firmware update to patch severe vulnerabilities in its BitBox02 wallets, preventing potential exploitation. The immediate trigger for this update was the discovery of a bootloader flaw and a memory corruption issue during internal audits, following a recent incident involving significant losses in another wallet brand. This proactive measure underscores the increasing importance of firmware security in the cryptocurrency industry, especially in light of recent vulnerabilities that have led to substantial financial losses.
3 sourcesAug 21Low
- Crypto· World
Cypherpunk Technologies acquires 18% of Zcash network hashrate through $33.33 million deal
Cypherpunk Technologies has secured approximately 18% of the Zcash network hashrate by acquiring a U.S.-based mining fleet for $33.33 million. This strategic move is driven by the company's aim to enhance its ZEC treasury strategy and capitalize on the profitability of Zcash mining compared to Bitcoin. In the long term, this positions Cypherpunk as a leading player in the privacy-coin mining sector, potentially influencing market dynamics and Zcash's value.
4 sourcesAug 21Moderate
- Business· World
Apple Implements New Commission Structure for EU App Distribution
On August 18, 2026, Apple announced the removal of select fees for app developers distributing in the European Union. This change is a direct response to regulatory pressures and aims to simplify compliance with the Digital Markets Act. In the long term, this move is likely to enhance competition in app distribution and payment processing within the EU market.
4 sourcesAug 21Low
- Crypto· MENA
Ripple Partners with Jeonbuk Bank for Cross-Border Payments in South Korea
Ripple has announced a partnership with Jeonbuk Bank to implement Ripple Payments for cross-border remittances, marking a significant shift in the Korean banking landscape. This partnership is triggered by Ripple's ongoing strategy to expand its institutional presence in South Korea, following previous collaborations with other financial institutions. The long-term implication is that this move could enhance the efficiency of cross-border transactions in the region, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape for traditional banking services.
5 sourcesAug 21Low
- Economy· World
People's Bank of China Expands e-CNY Operator Network to 30 Institutions
On August 17, 2026, the People's Bank of China added eight commercial banks to its authorized e-CNY operator list, increasing the total from 22 to 30. This expansion is part of the PBOC's ongoing efforts to enhance service inclusivity and support regional SMEs amid the digital currency rollout. The long-term implication is a more robust digital currency ecosystem that could facilitate increased cross-border trade and financial inclusion in China.
3 sourcesAug 21Moderate
- Crypto· World
SEC Proposes New Regulatory Framework for Crypto Asset Capital Raises
On August 18, 2026, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission proposed Regulation Crypto Assets, establishing tailored exemptions for capital raises in the crypto sector. This initiative is driven by the need to provide clear domestic pathways for crypto projects and reduce the incentive for offshore structuring. Long-term, this regulatory clarity may reshape the landscape of crypto fundraising and enhance investor protections in the U.S. market.
4 sourcesAug 21Low
- Business· World
Anthropic Increases Pre-IPO Credit Facility to Over $10 Billion
Anthropic has expanded its pre-IPO revolving credit facility to exceed $10 billion, up from a previous $2.5 billion. This significant increase is driven by strong institutional confidence as the company gears up for its anticipated initial public offering later in 2026. The move is likely to enhance Anthropic's financial positioning and attract further interest from investors in the competitive AI sector.
3 sourcesAug 21Low
- Crypto· World
Arthur Hayes Launches Flop Labs for AI Agent Economy with Planned Airdrop
Arthur Hayes has announced the launch of Flop Labs, aiming to create an infrastructure for an autonomous AI agent economy. This initiative is triggered by the rapid growth in AI capabilities and the need for decentralized resources, with Hayes returning as CEO to lead the project. The long-term implication is the potential for a significant shift in how AI agents operate independently, supported by a fair-launch model and a major airdrop scheduled for Q4 2026.
3 sourcesAug 21High
- Crypto· World
Edward Zimbardi Deported to Face Charges in $165 Million Crypto Ponzi Scheme
On August 14, 2026, Edward Zimbardi was deported from Fiji to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges related to an alleged cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme. This event follows a coordinated international manhunt by U.S. authorities after Zimbardi fled to Fiji in 2025 upon learning of the FBI investigation into his fraudulent activities. The long-term implication of this case highlights the increasing international cooperation in prosecuting crypto fraud, potentially leading to stricter regulations in the cryptocurrency space.
3 sourcesAug 21Low
- Crypto· World
Metaplanet Launches US Bitcoin Treasury Arm via Super League Acquisition
On August 18, 2026, Metaplanet announced a definitive agreement to contribute 2,100 BTC and $2.5 million in cash to Nasdaq-listed Super League Enterprise. This strategic move is driven by Metaplanet's goal to expand its Bitcoin treasury strategy from Japan into US capital markets, leveraging a listed vehicle for financing. The long-term implication is the potential for Metaplanet to access significant non-dilutive financing options while solidifying its position as a major corporate Bitcoin holder.
5 sourcesAug 21High
- Crypto· World
Citi Investor Services Launches Custody+ Platform with Bitcoin Custody Integration Planned for 2026
Citi Investor Services has launched its Custody+ platform, which features real-time asset servicing and is set to integrate Bitcoin custody later in 2026. This launch follows the completion of the U.S. Single Event Processing technology rollout, which has significantly improved processing times for asset servicing. The long-term implication is that this move positions Citi as a competitive player in the evolving landscape of digital asset custody and integrated financial services for institutional clients.
4 sourcesAug 21Low
- Crypto· World
Dormant Bitcoin Wallets Transfer $86 Million After 11 Years
On August 19-20, 2026, a group of Bitcoin wallets dormant since 2014 transferred 1,214.42 BTC valued at approximately $86 million. This movement was triggered by the coordinated activation of 28 long-inactive wallets, with no links to centralized exchanges identified. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny on dormant wallets and potential regulatory responses as similar activations have occurred throughout 2026.
3 sourcesAug 21Low
- Business· World
Google to Relocate Pixel Production from China to India and Vietnam by 2027
Google has announced plans to cease all Pixel production in China by 2027, shifting manufacturing to India and Vietnam. This decision is driven by ongoing U.S.-China geopolitical tensions and follows successful trial production of the Pixel 11 series in Vietnam. The long-term implication is a significant shift in the global smartphone supply chain, positioning Google alongside other major brands moving away from China.
5 sourcesAug 21Moderate
- Business· World
Home Depot Reports Q2 2026 Sales Growth Driven by Smaller DIY Projects Amid Persistent U.S. Housing Affordability Challenges
Home Depot reported a revenue increase to $47.86 billion for Q2 2026, driven by a shift towards smaller home improvement projects as homeowners face high mortgage rates and home prices. This trend is occurring as existing home sales remain suppressed since 2022 due to elevated borrowing costs, prompting consumers to opt for modest DIY repairs. The long-term implication suggests a continued focus on smaller projects, potentially reshaping consumer spending patterns in the home improvement sector.
5 sourcesAug 21Low
- Business· World
Goldman Sachs to Acquire LCN Capital Partners for Up to $410 Million
Goldman Sachs announced an agreement to acquire LCN Capital Partners for up to $410 million, significantly expanding its commercial real estate assets under management. This strategic move is driven by increasing institutional demand for private real estate strategies and follows a recent acquisition of NEOS Investments. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for Goldman Sachs in the alternatives market, enhancing its offerings to institutional and wealth clients.
3 sourcesAug 21Low
- Business· World
Xiaomi Reports 42.6% Decline in Q2 2026 Adjusted Net Profit Amid Rising Memory Costs
Xiaomi Corporation announced a 42.6% drop in adjusted net profit for Q2 2026, attributed to increased memory chip costs and heightened competition in the consumer electronics market. The immediate trigger for this decline is the global memory chip shortage, which has driven up component prices and affected smartphone margins. In the long term, Xiaomi may need to adapt its strategies to sustain profitability, particularly as it continues to expand into the electric vehicle sector amidst these challenges.
3 sourcesAug 21Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Whales Accumulate 43,000 BTC Over 60 Days Ending Net Selling Trend
Large Bitcoin holders have accumulated approximately 43,000 BTC valued at around $2.75 billion over the last 60 days, marking a significant shift from previous net selling. This accumulation began after Bitcoin's price fell to about $60,000 and coincided with reduced market liquidity and participation from mid-tier holders. The long-term implication suggests that continued buying pressure could stabilize Bitcoin prices and potentially lead to upward momentum in the market.
3 sourcesAug 21Low
- Business· World
Anthropic Introduces Dual-Class Share Structure for Supervoting Rights Ahead of IPO
Anthropic has announced plans to implement a dual-class share structure that grants CEO Dario Amodei and co-founders supervoting rights as part of its preparations for an initial public offering. This decision is driven by the need to maintain founder control amid significant equity dilution as the company approaches a potential mega-IPO. In the long term, this move may set a precedent for governance structures in the tech industry, particularly among AI firms seeking to balance founder influence with investor interests.
4 sourcesAug 21Low