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
4326 stories- Crypto· World
Polymarket partners with Chainalysis to enhance blockchain surveillance against insider trading
Polymarket has formed a partnership with Chainalysis to improve its monitoring capabilities in light of increasing scrutiny over insider trading in prediction markets. This collaboration is driven by the platform's significant trading volume of $7 billion monthly and the need for robust oversight. The long-term implication may lead to stricter regulatory compliance across the cryptocurrency sector, influencing user trust and market integrity.
4 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Business· World
MARA Holdings acquires Long Ridge Energy & Power for $1.5 billion
MARA Holdings has signed a $1.5 billion agreement to acquire Long Ridge Energy & Power, which includes a 505 MW natural gas power plant in Ohio. This acquisition is driven by MARA's strategy to enhance its capabilities in AI and IT infrastructure, reflecting a trend of cryptocurrency companies investing in energy resources. The long-term implication may lead to a reshaping of the cryptocurrency and AI industries by integrating energy production with technological advancements.
4 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Crypto· World
Visa Expands Stablecoin Settlement Pilot to Nine Blockchains
On April 29, 2026, Visa announced the expansion of its global stablecoin settlement pilot to nine blockchains. This move is driven by a 50 percent quarter-over-quarter increase in transaction volume, reaching a $7 billion annualized run rate, as demand for real-time cross-border payment solutions grows. The long-term implication is the positioning of stablecoins as a viable alternative to traditional fiat systems, enhancing global transaction efficiency and liquidity access.
6 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Crypto· World
North Korean hackers dominate crypto thefts with $577 million stolen in April 2026
North Korean hacking groups were responsible for approximately $577 million in crypto thefts during two major hacks in April 2026. This surge in thefts is attributed to the Drift Protocol and KelpDAO incidents, which together accounted for 76% of all crypto losses this year. The ongoing trend of high-value thefts indicates that the crypto industry must urgently enhance security measures to combat sophisticated cyber threats.
5 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin price struggles below $78,000 amid ETF outflows and FOMC uncertainty
Bitcoin's price has remained below $78,000 amid significant ETF outflows and market uncertainty. This is happening as institutional investors appear to be pausing their allocations ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee's decisions. The long-term implication is that Bitcoin's price stability may continue to be tested, with institutional behavior playing a crucial role in determining future support levels.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Crypto· MENA
Ripple Partners with Kbank to Enhance Digital Asset Infrastructure in South Korea
Ripple has formed a partnership with Kbank to develop institutional-grade digital asset wallets in South Korea. This collaboration is driven by the need to boost institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies, particularly XRP, at this critical moment in the evolving digital asset landscape. The long-term implication is a potential increase in institutional investment in cryptocurrencies, reshaping the competitive dynamics of the regional market.
3 sourcesMay 2High
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin ETFs face over $490 million in outflows amid market uncertainty
Bitcoin ETFs have experienced significant outflows exceeding $490 million in the last 48 hours. This shift is triggered by the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates, which has heightened market fears and investor caution. The long-term implication suggests that Bitcoin's price recovery will depend heavily on macroeconomic conditions and investor sentiment moving forward.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· UAE
Ripple Opens New Headquarters in Dubai to Expand Blockchain Operations
Ripple has opened a new regional headquarters in Dubai to enhance its operations in the Middle East and Africa. This expansion is driven by a surge in demand for regulated blockchain payment and custody solutions in the region. As Ripple strengthens its presence, it is poised to significantly influence the blockchain landscape in the Middle East and reshape global financial dynamics.
4 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Crypto· World
XRP price drops below key support levels amid mixed market sentiment
XRP's price has fallen to $1.38 after breaking below the $1.40 mark due to increasing selling pressure from larger entities. This shift is occurring as retail investors accumulate while whales distribute their holdings, creating a conflicting market structure. The long-term implication suggests that XRP may experience further volatility as market dynamics evolve and investor sentiment fluctuates.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Crypto· World
Hyperliquid proposes entry into prediction markets with new system HIP-4
Hyperliquid has launched a proposal for prediction markets and submitted a letter to the CFTC for public input. This initiative is driven by the rapid growth of the $63 billion prediction market sector and aims to simplify event betting for users. If successful, Hyperliquid's HIP-4 could significantly disrupt existing platforms and attract a broader user base in the long term.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin's April price surge driven by futures trading amid declining spot demand
Bitcoin's price increased by 12.7% in April, primarily due to futures trading while spot demand weakened. This shift is occurring now as leverage liquidations are contributing to heightened market volatility and trader uncertainty. Long-term, the cryptocurrency market may require strong bullish catalysts to stabilize and recover from ongoing volatility risks.
3 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Crypto· World
Carrot DeFi Protocol Shuts Down After $285 Million Exploit
Carrot, a decentralized finance yield protocol on Solana, has permanently ceased operations following substantial financial losses from the Drift Protocol exploit. The immediate trigger for this shutdown was the exploit that drained approximately $285 million, leading to a drastic decline in Carrot's total value locked from $28 million to $1.99 million. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in DeFi protocols and may prompt increased scrutiny and calls for improved security measures across the industry.
3 sourcesMay 2High
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Remains Above $77,000 Despite ETF Outflows and Middle East Tensions
Bitcoin has sustained its trading position above $77,000 as of May 1, 2026, amidst significant net outflows from US spot exchange-traded funds. This stability comes in the context of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran, which have driven oil prices to $115 per barrel. The long-term implication suggests that Bitcoin may continue to be viewed as a hedge against regional instability and inflationary pressures in global markets.
8 sourcesMay 2Low
- Crypto· World
SBI Holdings initiates acquisition talks for Bitbank in Japan's crypto market
SBI Holdings has begun discussions to acquire a controlling stake in the Japanese cryptocurrency exchange Bitbank. This move is prompted by a trend of consolidation in Japan's crypto market, fueled by improving regulatory clarity and the expansion of crypto services. The acquisition could enhance SBI's market position and influence, setting the stage for further consolidation and innovation in the sector.
3 sourcesMay 2High
- Crypto· World
Alex Mashinsky Permanently Banned from Cryptocurrency Industry Following FTC Settlement
Alex Mashinsky, founder of Celsius Network, has been permanently banned from the cryptocurrency industry and ordered to pay $10 million as part of a settlement with the FTC. This action comes in the wake of his ongoing 12-year prison sentence for fraud and market manipulation, highlighting the increasing regulatory scrutiny on cryptocurrency founders. The long-term implication is a potential reshaping of the cryptocurrency landscape as other founders may face similar legal challenges and regulatory actions in the future.
5 sourcesMay 2Low
- Crypto· World
World Liberty Financial faces governance crisis as token value drops 70%
World Liberty Financial's WLFI token has experienced a significant decline in value, plummeting approximately 70% following a controversial governance proposal that opened for voting. The immediate trigger for this downturn is the community backlash against the proposal, which includes undisclosed sales of 5.9 billion tokens and a two-year lockup for early investors. The long-term implications could reshape investor confidence and the viability of WLFI as the governance vote progresses towards its conclusion in May 2026.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- 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 fiat and cryptocurrency. This funding round, co-led by Multicoin and SignalFire, is occurring now due to the growing demand for seamless digital transactions. The long-term implication is that Fun's advancements may significantly accelerate the global adoption of cryptocurrency payments in everyday transactions.
3 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Crypto· World
Tether reports $1.04 billion profit in Q1 2026 amid strategic reserve shifts
Tether announced a profit of $1.04 billion for the first quarter of 2026, with total reserves reaching $191.8 billion. This financial performance is driven by Tether's strategic investments in US Treasuries and gold, reflecting a response to increasing scrutiny of stablecoins. In the long term, Tether's diversification may enhance its stability and position it favorably in a changing regulatory environment.
4 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Crypto· MENA
Brazil's Central Bank bans cryptocurrencies for cross-border payments
Brazil's central bank has imposed a ban on the use of cryptocurrencies in regulated cross-border payments. This decision is driven by the rising use of stablecoins in local markets, necessitating tighter regulations on digital currencies. The long-term implication may lead to increased scrutiny and regulation of cryptocurrencies, potentially influencing other countries to adopt similar measures.
3 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Crypto· World
Coinbase launches CUSHY, a tokenized stablecoin credit fund for institutional investors
Coinbase Asset Management has introduced CUSHY, a tokenized stablecoin credit fund designed for qualified institutional investors. This launch is driven by the increasing demand for innovative financial products that integrate traditional credit markets with blockchain technology. The long-term implication is that CUSHY could pave the way for more tokenized financial products, reshaping institutional engagement with digital assets.
4 sourcesMay 2Low