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
8370 stories- Economy· World
Argentina's Poverty Rate Increases to 32.3 Percent Amid Economic Challenges
Argentina's official poverty rate has risen to 32.3 percent in the first half of 2026, marking a significant increase from 28.2 percent in the previous period. This rise is attributed to a rebound in inflation and job insecurity that has outpaced wage growth, affecting nearly 9.7 million people in urban areas. The long-term implication suggests that if current trends continue, poverty rates could escalate further, potentially reaching 35 percent by the end of 2026, complicating the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
3 sourcesSep 27Moderate
- Economy· World
Fury-Joshua Boxing Match Expected to Boost Cardiff's Economy
The Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua heavyweight boxing match is confirmed for 11 December 2026 in Cardiff, projected to attract over 50,000 fans. This surge in attendance is driven by years of negotiations finally culminating in a major international event, supported by financial backing and promotional efforts. Long-term, the event is likely to enhance Cardiff's reputation as a host city for significant sporting events, potentially leading to increased tourism and investment in the region.
3 sourcesSep 27Moderate
- Economy· MENA
US Treasury Yields Exceed 5% Mark Signaling New Rate Regime
US Treasury yields surpassed the 5% threshold on the benchmark 10-year note, marking a significant shift in global borrowing costs. This surge is driven by persistent inflation concerns, elevated oil prices, and large federal budget deficits. The long-term implication suggests a potential reassessment of monetary policy and increased borrowing costs across various sectors, particularly impacting Gulf economies linked to US interest rates.
3 sourcesSep 27Moderate
- Economy· World
US 30-Year Mortgage Rates Surpass 7% Amid Iran Conflict-Induced Inflation
On September 24, 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the US reached 7.03%, the highest since January 2025. This surge is driven by inflation and rising energy prices resulting from the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has disrupted oil shipments and elevated economic uncertainty. The long-term implication is a further tightening of the housing market, as high mortgage rates deter buyers and suppress home sales amid already strained affordability conditions.
3 sourcesSep 27Moderate
- Economy· World
U.S. Stock Indices Rise Amid Treasury Yield Increases and Oil Price Volatility
U.S. equity markets experienced gains on September 25, 2026, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by 479 points to close at 51,829. This upward movement was triggered by fluctuating Treasury yields and oil prices, alongside investor reactions to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. In the long term, these market dynamics may lead to increased volatility as investors continue to navigate inflation concerns and energy market uncertainties.
3 sourcesSep 27Low
- Business· UAE
UAE Sets September 30, 2026 Deadline for Corporate Tax Returns and Payments
The Federal Tax Authority of the UAE has confirmed that September 30, 2026, is the final deadline for corporate tax returns and payments for entities with a tax period ending on December 31, 2025. This announcement follows prior reminders and emphasizes compliance through the EmaraTax platform to avoid penalties. The long-term implication is a reinforced regulatory framework that encourages timely tax compliance among businesses operating in the UAE.
3 sourcesSep 27Low
- Economy· World
AI-Driven Upcoding by U.S. Hospitals Increases Insurer Costs by Nearly $1 Billion
U.S. hospitals' use of artificial intelligence for medical coding has resulted in nearly $1 billion in additional costs for insurers over the past two years. This surge in expenses is driven by hospitals submitting more complex claims without changes in treatment, leading to an ongoing dispute with insurers who are also enhancing their AI systems to combat these practices. The long-term implication is a projected increase in health insurance premiums, potentially reaching double digits in 2027, as both sides continue to leverage AI in their revenue strategies.
4 sourcesSep 27Moderate
- Crypto· World
Block Integrates Bitcoin Lightning Network into x402 Protocol for AI Payments
Block has integrated Bitcoin Lightning Network support into the x402 payment protocol, enabling micropayments for AI agents. This integration is driven by the rising demand for efficient machine-to-machine transactions that traditional payment systems cannot handle effectively. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the payment landscape, favoring Bitcoin over stablecoins like USDC for digital services and APIs.
3 sourcesSep 27Moderate
- Business· World
TD Cowen Raises Akamai Price Target Following Major AI Infrastructure Deal
On September 25, 2026, TD Cowen raised its price target on Akamai Technologies to $149 after the company announced a seven-year, $11.6 billion agreement with Anthropic for cloud infrastructure. This adjustment reflects the growing demand for AI compute capacity and Akamai's strategic positioning in the market. Long-term, the deal is expected to significantly boost Akamai's revenue, although concerns about capital expenditures and revenue realization timelines remain.
3 sourcesSep 27Moderate
- Economy· World
Global Survey Reveals Widespread Public Expectation of AI-Induced Job Losses
A recent Pew Research Center survey indicates that citizens in 34 of 37 countries anticipate a reduction in jobs due to artificial intelligence over the next two decades. This sentiment arises amid rapid AI adoption and heightened concerns particularly in high-income economies and among younger adults. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in labor markets, prompting discussions on policy responses to mitigate job displacement risks.
3 sourcesSep 26Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia Achieves Significant Global Competitiveness Rankings in IMD 2026 Report
On 23 September 2026, Saudi Arabia advanced to third globally in legislative support for business formation, fourth in economic opportunity equality, and seventh in efficiency of large companies according to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook. This progress is attributed to ongoing regulatory reforms and public-private partnerships under the Vision 2030 initiative. The long-term implication is a strengthened business environment that may attract increased foreign investment and enhance regional economic integration within the GCC.
3 sourcesSep 26Low
- Crypto· MENA
Solana's Alpenglow Consensus Upgrade Launches on Public Testnet
On September 22, 2026, the Alpenglow consensus upgrade was activated on Solana's public testnet, introducing the Votor protocol to enhance transaction finality. This deployment follows four months of testing and aims to significantly reduce transaction finality from 13 seconds to 150 milliseconds, coinciding with SOL's price testing the $120 resistance level. The long-term implication is a potential increase in Solana's adoption for decentralized finance applications, particularly benefiting trading desks in regions like Dubai.
3 sourcesSep 26Moderate
- Crypto· World
CFTC Chairman Selig Initiates Development of Crypto Asset Market Structure Rules
On September 23, 2026, CFTC Chairman Michael Selig announced the agency's plan to create a regulatory framework for crypto assets using existing authorities. This initiative is prompted by stalled congressional efforts, particularly the Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act, which has delayed new legislation. The long-term implication is that this move may enhance regulatory clarity and oversight for digital commodities, potentially reshaping the crypto market landscape without waiting for new laws.
3 sourcesSep 26Moderate
- Crypto· World
EU Supervisory Authorities Warn of Quantum Computing Threat to Blockchain Cryptography
On September 23, 2026, the Joint Committee of the European Supervisory Authorities issued a warning that advanced quantum computers could jeopardize the cryptography securing blockchains and transactions. This alert is prompted by the recognition that risks may arise before quantum technology becomes commercially viable, necessitating immediate preparation from financial regulators. In the long term, this could lead to a significant shift in cryptographic practices and the urgent need for post-quantum migration strategies across the EU by the end of 2026.
3 sourcesSep 26Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitwise Launches First Crypto ETP Tracking LIT Token on Deutsche Börse Xetra
On September 23, 2026, Bitwise Europe GmbH launched the Bitwise Lighter Staking ETP on Deutsche Börse Xetra, marking a significant entry into the European crypto market. This launch coincides with a notable 580% rebound of the LIT token, reflecting increased institutional interest in crypto derivatives. The introduction of this ETP is likely to enhance the integration of cryptocurrency with traditional financial markets, paving the way for further product innovations in the sector.
3 sourcesSep 26Low
- Crypto· World
Raiffeisen Bank International and Bitpanda Launch Crypto Services Framework for CEE Customers
Raiffeisen Bank International and Bitpanda have announced a framework agreement to provide crypto services across 11 Central and Eastern European markets. This initiative is driven by the rising demand for digital assets and the implementation of the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation. The long-term implication is a gradual rollout of crypto trading services to approximately 18 million customers, contingent on local regulatory approvals and technical integration.
3 sourcesSep 26Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Dollar Index Reaches Two-Month High Amid Fed Rate Hike Speculation
On September 23, 2026, the U.S. dollar index rose to 101.14, marking its highest level since July 28, 2026. This increase was driven by heightened expectations for further Federal Reserve interest rate hikes following strong economic data and a significant selloff in U.S. Treasury bonds. In the long term, this trend may lead to increased borrowing costs globally and impact international trade dynamics.
3 sourcesSep 26Moderate
- Business· World
BlackRock Restructures $300 Billion Model Portfolios to Focus on AI Adopters
On September 24, 2026, BlackRock announced a restructuring of its approximately $300 billion in model portfolios to rotate AI exposure away from early infrastructure pioneers toward companies adopting or benefiting from the technology. This shift is driven by Q2 2026 earnings data that confirmed returns on AI-related capital expenditures and changing investor preferences, particularly in the EMEA region. The long-term implication is a projected $5-8 trillion in global AI-related capital expenditures by 2030, indicating a strategic pivot towards sectors like energy and healthcare as the market matures.
4 sourcesSep 26Low
- Crypto· World
Blockchain.com and NYSE Group Partner to Explore 24/7 Tokenized U.S. Equity Trading
Blockchain.com and NYSE Group signed a memorandum of understanding to explore global access to tokenized U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs. This partnership is driven by the increasing demand for blockchain integration in traditional finance and the NYSE's plans for a digital alternative trading system. If successful, this initiative could revolutionize trading accessibility and efficiency for international investors, particularly in the context of regulatory advancements in tokenized securities.
4 sourcesSep 26Moderate
- Business· World
SoftBank Raises Record $11.1 Billion in High-Yield Bonds to Fund OpenAI Investment
SoftBank Group Corp has completed the largest junk bond offering on record, raising $11.1 billion to support its investment in OpenAI. This issuance comes amid rising borrowing costs and sector-wide concerns regarding AI-related debt accumulation. The long-term implication is a potential shift in investor sentiment towards AI financing and increased scrutiny of tech sector leverage.
3 sourcesSep 26High