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- Business· World
Lawsuit Filed Against BDO USA for Negligence in First Brands Bankruptcy Case
A hedge fund has sued BDO USA P.C. for failing to identify critical issues that contributed to First Brands Corp.'s bankruptcy. The lawsuit, claiming at least $70 million in damages, highlights alleged inadequacies in BDO's auditing practices. This case may lead to significant changes in auditing standards and practices within the industry, particularly for high-risk sectors like manufacturing.
3 sourcesMay 1Low - Business· World
Barclays reduces lending to high-risk borrowers after £228 million loss from MFS collapse
Barclays has announced a significant reduction in its lending to high-risk borrowers following a £228 million loss attributed to the collapse of Market Financial Solutions. This shift is prompted by the ongoing investigations into MFS's alleged fraud and the bank's need to reassess its risk exposure. In the long term, Barclays is likely to enhance its risk management strategies to prevent similar financial setbacks in the future.
3 sourcesMay 1Low - Economy· World
Iran's oil storage crisis intensifies amid U.S. naval blockades
Iran is facing a critical oil storage situation as U.S. blockades limit its export capabilities. The country has less than a month of oil storage left, prompting concerns about potential production cuts. If the blockade continues, Iran may have to make significant adjustments to its oil production, impacting both its economy and global oil markets.
3 sourcesMay 1Moderate - Business· World
Air France-KLM Lowers Capacity Growth Forecast Amid Rising Fuel Costs Linked to Iran Conflict
Air France-KLM has cut its capacity growth forecast for 2026 due to escalating fuel costs driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran. The airline anticipates a $2.4 billion increase in fuel expenses this year, prompting budget airlines to also reduce flights. This trend suggests that the airline industry may face prolonged challenges as geopolitical tensions continue to impact operational costs and capacity.
3 sourcesMay 1Low - Economy· World
Bank of England Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns Linked to Iran Conflict
The Bank of England has decided to maintain interest rates at 3.75% as it evaluates the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict in Iran. This decision is prompted by rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions that are contributing to inflationary pressures in the UK. In the long term, the central bank may need to implement rate hikes later this year to address these economic challenges.
3 sourcesMay 1Moderate - Economy· World
Trump Lifts Tariffs on UK Whisky Products Following King Charles III's Visit
President Trump has announced the removal of tariffs on whisky products from the United Kingdom. This decision comes after King Charles III's recent visit, which reportedly influenced Trump's choice to lift the levies. The long-term implication is a potential strengthening of trade relations between the US and UK, particularly benefiting the whisky industry and related sectors.
5 sourcesMay 1High - Business· UAE
UAE Withdraws from OPEC and OPEC+ to Enhance Production Flexibility
The United Arab Emirates announced its withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+ on April 28, 2026, effective May 1, 2026. This decision follows a comprehensive review of production policies aimed at increasing flexibility and aligning with national interests amid ongoing market dynamics. The long-term implication is a potential shift in global oil supply control, as the UAE plans to ramp up production independently while maintaining commitments to energy stability.
105 sourcesMay 1High
- Economy· MENA
UAE Exits OPEC Amid Rising Tensions from Iran Conflict
The UAE has officially left OPEC as tensions in the Gulf escalate due to the Iran war. This decision coincides with U.S. crude oil prices surpassing $100 per barrel for the first time since April, indicating significant market volatility. The long-term implication may lead to further fluctuations in global oil prices and a reevaluation of cooperation among oil-producing nations.
3 sourcesMay 1Very High
- Economy· World
Federal Reserve Maintains Interest Rates Amid Inflation and Political Pressure
On April 29, 2026, the Federal Reserve held its federal funds rate steady at 3.5%–3.75% during Jerome Powell's final meeting as chair. This decision comes as inflation surges due to a 50% increase in oil prices linked to the ongoing U.S.-Iran war, conflicting with President Trump's calls for immediate rate cuts. The Fed's stance suggests a cautious approach to monetary policy, potentially leading to further scrutiny of Warsh's nomination and the Fed's independence in the future.
32 sourcesMay 1High
- Economy· World
Jerome Powell concludes tenure as Federal Reserve Chair while remaining on Board
Jerome Powell held his final press conference as Chair of the Federal Reserve, confirming he will continue as a Governor. This decision comes amid speculation about the future direction of the Fed under new leadership and potential political implications for former President Trump. Powell's ongoing presence is likely to influence U.S. monetary policy as the Federal Reserve navigates complex economic conditions ahead.
3 sourcesMay 1High - Economy· World
U.S. Gasoline Prices Surge to Highest Level Since Start of Iran War
On April 28, 2026, U.S. gasoline prices reached a national average of $4.18 per gallon, marking the highest level since the onset of the Iran War. This increase is driven by stalled peace talks between the U.S. and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear restrictions, which have disrupted a significant portion of global oil supply. The long-term implication is a sustained period of elevated fuel prices and continued geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets.
7 sourcesMay 1High
- Economy· World
Brent Crude Oil Price Surges Beyond $125 per Barrel Amid Escalation Fears in US-Iran War
On April 30, 2026, Brent crude oil prices surged past $125 per barrel due to heightened investor concerns over stalled US-Iran peace talks and the ongoing war. The immediate trigger for this spike was the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting around 20 percent of global oil supplies. Long-term implications include potential military actions by the US to reopen the Strait and continued volatility in global oil markets, risking stagflation if disruptions persist.
18 sourcesMay 1Moderate
- Business· World
Blue Owl Capital sells half of its SpaceX stake amid IPO discussions
Blue Owl Capital has sold half of its stake in SpaceX at a valuation of $1.2 trillion. This sale reflects strong investor confidence as the company approaches a potential IPO. The long-term implication is an expected increase in investor interest and market dynamics surrounding the aerospace sector as SpaceX prepares for public offering.
3 sourcesApr 30Low - Crypto· World
North Korean hackers responsible for 76% of cryptocurrency thefts in 2026
North Korean hackers have stolen approximately $577 million in cryptocurrency this year, accounting for 76% of all crypto thefts. This surge in thefts is attributed to two major hacks targeting KelpDAO and Drift Protocol that occurred in April 2026. The long-term implication is a pressing need for enhanced security measures within the cryptocurrency sector to combat state-sponsored cyber threats.
3 sourcesApr 30Moderate - Crypto· World
Polymarket partners with Chainalysis to enhance crypto market oversight
Polymarket has announced a partnership with Chainalysis to implement on-chain surveillance tools aimed at preventing insider trading and market manipulation. This collaboration comes in response to significant trading volumes of $7 billion monthly and increasing regulatory scrutiny of prediction markets. The long-term implication is that this partnership may set a precedent for enhanced regulatory compliance across the crypto prediction market space.
5 sourcesApr 30High
- Crypto· World
Gemini Secures CFTC DCO License for Derivatives Trading
Gemini has obtained a Derivatives Clearing Organization license from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, allowing it to manage its own clearing for derivatives products. This approval comes as the cryptocurrency exchange seeks to expand its offerings in regulated derivatives and prediction markets. In the long term, this move is expected to enhance Gemini's competitiveness and attract more institutional interest in the cryptocurrency sector.
4 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Business· World
MARA Holdings acquires Long Ridge Energy for $1.5 billion to enhance AI data center capabilities
MARA Holdings has announced a $1.5 billion acquisition of Long Ridge Energy, which includes a gas plant and land in Ohio. This strategic move is driven by the company's need to bolster its energy resources to support the expansion of its AI data centers. The long-term implication is that this integration of energy and AI could set a new precedent for collaboration in the tech and energy sectors.
4 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Crypto· World
Coinbase launches CUSHY fund targeting stablecoin investors with tokenized credit strategy
Coinbase Asset Management has introduced the CUSHY fund, designed to provide stablecoin investors with access to on-chain lending and private credit opportunities. This launch is driven by the growing demand for innovative financial products in the cryptocurrency market. In the long term, CUSHY may attract more institutional interest, potentially reshaping investment strategies in the digital asset space.
4 sourcesApr 30Low
- Business· MENA
UAE announces exit from OPEC after 60 years
The UAE is quitting OPEC in May 2026. This decision comes amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly with Iran, which has created an opportunity for the UAE to pursue independent oil strategies. The departure could lead to increased competition in the oil market and significant shifts in global energy dynamics.
6 sourcesApr 30Very High
- Business· World
DAZN acquires ViewLift for $100 million to enhance U.S. sports streaming capabilities
DAZN has announced its acquisition of ViewLift for approximately $100 million. This strategic move is aimed at strengthening DAZN's presence in the competitive U.S. sports market, leveraging ViewLift's technology solutions used by professional sports teams. The long-term implication is that DAZN is positioning itself to better compete and expand its audience in the evolving landscape of sports streaming services.
3 sourcesApr 30Low