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
8425 stories- Economy· UAE
UAE banks report significant profits for H1 2026
Several financial institutions in the UAE have reported strong profits for the first half of 2026, with the Arab Bank achieving nearly $571 million in net profits. This surge in profitability is attributed to a robust economic environment and increased investor confidence in the banking sector. The long-term implication suggests that the UAE banking sector may continue to experience growth, potentially leading to increased investments and economic expansion in the coming months.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Business· World
Disney CEO announces overhaul of Disney+ to enhance competitiveness
Disney's CEO Josh D'Amaro has unveiled plans to revamp the Disney+ streaming service to better compete with rivals like Netflix and YouTube. This strategic shift is driven by stagnant subscriber growth, necessitating a transformation into a 'super app' that integrates additional services. If successful, this overhaul could significantly redefine the streaming landscape and improve Disney+'s market position over the long term.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Business· World
Netflix secures $500 million deal for 'The Walking Dead' streaming rights but loses U.S. exclusivity
Netflix has announced a five-year, $500 million deal to stream all episodes of 'The Walking Dead' and its spinoffs, losing exclusive streaming rights in the U.S. This shift follows AMC Global Media's disappointing second-quarter earnings, which resulted in a 6% drop in its stock price. The long-term implication suggests increased competition among streaming platforms for popular content as they reassess their strategies to attract subscribers.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Business· World
Microsoft's stock rises 8% following AI spending announcement
Microsoft's stock surged 8% after the company announced it would continue generating cash flow while managing its AI spending. This positive market reaction is attributed to Wall Street's approval of Microsoft's balanced approach to capital expenditures. In the long term, this strategy may influence other tech companies to adopt similar spending practices to meet investor expectations.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Crypto· World
Luno announces 20% workforce reduction amid ongoing crypto market challenges
Luno has revealed a 20% reduction in its global workforce as part of a strategic shift towards automation following a downturn in retail trading activity. This decision comes after a previous layoff of 35% earlier in 2023, indicating persistent difficulties in the cryptocurrency sector. The long-term implication suggests that Luno's restructuring efforts will be critical for its future viability in an increasingly automated trading environment.
4 sourcesAug 2
- Crypto· World
Gumi and SBI Financial Services launch $18.3 million crypto fund in Japan
Gumi and SBI Financial Services have announced the launch of a ¥3 billion ($18.3 million) private crypto fund focused on Bitcoin and altcoins. This initiative is driven by a surge in institutional interest in cryptocurrency in Japan, particularly in staking yields and active asset management. The long-term implication could be a shift towards more innovative financial products and regulatory advancements in Japan's crypto market.
4 sourcesAug 2
- Crypto· World
BitRiver Founder Igor Runets Charged with Fraud in Russia
Igor Runets, founder of the cryptocurrency mining firm BitRiver, has been charged with fraud related to a $12.5 million mining equipment deal. The immediate cause for his detention is the serious allegations of failing to fulfill the contract, compounded by concerns of witness tampering. This case is likely to undermine investor confidence in Russia's cryptocurrency mining sector and prompt increased scrutiny of the industry.
5 sourcesAug 2
- Business· World
Nscale acquires Anyscale for $1.65 billion to enhance AI computing capabilities
Nscale has announced its acquisition of Anyscale for approximately $1.65 billion. This strategic move is driven by Nscale's goal to build a vertically integrated AI compute stack, enhancing its service offerings. The long-term implication is that this acquisition could reshape industry standards for AI computing solutions and strengthen Nscale's competitive position in the market.
4 sourcesAug 2
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin extortion scam targets companies using China Business Journal impersonation
Fraudsters have impersonated the China Business Journal to extort Bitcoin from companies by threatening negative coverage. This scam has emerged as digital impersonation tactics become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent. In the long term, companies will need to enhance cybersecurity measures and public awareness to combat such fraudulent activities effectively.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Crypto· MENA
Samsung SDS partners with Dunamu to enhance stablecoin infrastructure in South Korea
Samsung SDS has announced a collaboration with Dunamu to expand its stablecoin infrastructure. This partnership is driven by the growing importance of digital assets in South Korea, particularly as the market evolves towards integrating blockchain and AI technologies. Long-term, this initiative is likely to influence the broader cryptocurrency landscape and payment systems in the region.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Crypto· World
Institutional Investors Dominate Cryptocurrency Market with 72% of Spot OTC Flow
Institutional investors accounted for 72% of Wintermute's spot OTC trading in the first half of 2026. This surge in institutional trading is reshaping the cryptocurrency landscape, leading to a concentration of liquidity in fewer tokens. The long-term implication suggests a more structured and less volatile trading environment, potentially attracting further institutional interest and investment in the crypto market.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Crypto· World
U.S. Treasury Secretary calls for Senate vote on CLARITY Act to regulate cryptocurrency
Scott Bessent has urged the Senate to vote on the CLARITY Act, which aims to establish a unified regulatory framework for digital assets. This push comes as over one million Americans express their support for the legislation, highlighting a growing demand for regulatory clarity in the cryptocurrency market. If passed, the CLARITY Act could significantly reshape the landscape of cryptocurrency regulation and institutional investment in the United States.
4 sourcesAug 2
- Crypto· World
BIS Project Agorá completes successful trials for tokenized cross-border payments
Twenty-eight financial institutions, including major banks like JPMorgan and Citi, have successfully completed trials for tokenized cross-border payments under BIS Project Agorá. The immediate trigger for this development is the growing interest in blockchain technology to enhance the efficiency and security of international financial transactions. In the long term, this success may lead to broader adoption of tokenized currencies in global finance, transforming the landscape of cross-border payments.
4 sourcesAug 2
- Crypto· World
South Korea confirms 22% tax on cryptocurrency gains effective January 1, 2027
South Korea has officially announced the implementation of a 22% tax on cryptocurrency gains, set to take effect on January 1, 2027. This decision comes after prolonged political debates and delays regarding the regulation of digital assets, signaling a shift in the government's approach to investor protection. The new tax is expected to reshape the cryptocurrency investment landscape in South Korea and may influence regulatory frameworks in other countries.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Crypto· World
Ondo Finance considers acquisition valued up to $500 million amid crypto consolidation
Ondo Finance is exploring a significant acquisition valued between $250 million and $500 million. This strategic move follows the company's recent clearance of an SEC probe and the growing market for tokenized securities, which has surpassed $36 billion. The acquisition could position Ondo Finance as a leader in the rapidly evolving tokenized securities market and enhance its operational capabilities.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Business· World
Space-Eyes to Go Public via SPAC Merger Valued at $638 Million Amid Political Scrutiny
Space-Eyes has agreed to merge with McKinley Acquisition Corp to become publicly traded. This move is driven by the company's ambition to expand its AI-powered defense technology offerings, coinciding with Eric Trump's involvement that has sparked ethical concerns. The long-term implication may see increased scrutiny and regulatory responses regarding political ties in defense technology investments.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Crypto· World
Aave governance proposes closure of six low-adoption V3 markets
Aave has proposed to wind down six blockchain markets and offboard 96 reserves due to significant declines in usage and revenue. This decision is driven by the need to optimize operations and mitigate financial risks associated with underperforming assets. If approved, this move could enhance Aave's operational efficiency and set a precedent for other DeFi platforms facing similar challenges.
4 sourcesAug 2
- Crypto· World
Coldcard wallet security breach results in theft of $38 million in Bitcoin
A significant security flaw in Coldcard wallets has led to the theft of approximately 594 BTC, valued at over $38 million. This breach was triggered by a five-year-old software vulnerability that allowed attackers to reconstruct private keys. In the long term, this incident is likely to prompt enhanced firmware testing and the integration of AI in cybersecurity protocols across the cryptocurrency industry.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Business· World
Zhongji Innolight's IPO falters on Hong Kong Stock Exchange amid AI market decline
Zhongji Innolight's shares closed 2% below their IPO price on debut, marking a disappointing entry into the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This decline is attributed to a broader downturn in investor confidence in AI stocks, coinciding with the company's $6.8 billion capital raise. The ongoing volatility in the AI sector may influence future IPOs and overall market sentiment towards technology stocks.
5 sourcesAug 2
- Business· World
Samsung Electronics reports record Q2 2026 profit driven by AI demand for memory chips
Samsung Electronics has achieved a record profit of 89.2 trillion won in Q2 2026, primarily due to a 250-fold increase in its semiconductor division's earnings. This surge is triggered by a significant rise in demand for memory chips, fueled by advancements in AI technology amidst ongoing shortages. Looking ahead, the persistent memory-chip shortage is expected to solidify Samsung's dominance in the semiconductor market through 2028.
4 sourcesAug 2