Sam Bankman-Fried

Sam Bankman-Fried, once a pivotal figure in the cryptocurrency industry, was convicted in November 2023 of committing fraud and conspiracy for stealing billions of dollars of money belonging to customers of his FTX crypto exchange, funneling the money to Alameda Research, his hedge fund. FTX had been one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges before its demise, a major player in derivatives trading including perpetual futures. The company's undoing was spurred by a CoinDesk scoop in November 2022 showing Alameda's balance sheet was mysteriously full of the FTT token issued by FTX – calling into question both Alameda and FTX's financial stability. The Bahamas-based company filed for bankruptcy nine days after the story. Before his downfall, SBF (as the former billionaire is commonly known as) had been a leading figure in crypto, pushing for regulation of the industry in the U.S. He was a major political donor and the public face of effective altruism, a movement geared toward maximizing the amount of good done by philanthropy. SBF was arrested in December 2022, and his bail was revoked due to alleged witness tampering. His trial began in October 2023, and he was convicted on Nov. 2, 2023, a year to the day after the CoinDesk story that caused his crypto empire to crumble.

Videos

FTX Giving Away Free Bitcoin as Part of Super Bowl Commercial

Sam Bankman-Fried's crypto exchange FTX is launching a bitcoin giveaway tied to its first Super Bowl ad campaign. The amount of bitcoin given away depends on the time FTX’s spot airs during the game. "The Hash" hosts discuss FTX's latest bets in the world of sports marketing.

Feb 8, 2022, 5:57 p.m. EST

Videos

Crypto Exchange FTX Reaches $32B Valuation With $400M Fundraise

Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX raised $400 million in a Series C funding round, valuing the crypto exchange at a total $32 billion valuation. It now has about the same market cap as Germany’s Deutsche Börse and more than the Nasdaq exchange or Twitter. “The Hash” hosts discuss what’s next for FTX.

Jan 31, 2022, 2:45 p.m. EST

Finance

FTX US Attains $8B Valuation in $400M Fundraise Including SoftBank, Temasek

The cryptocurrency exchange intends to use the funds to launch new business lines and explore strategic investments and acquisitions.

By Jamie Crawley, Danny NelsonJan 26, 2022, 3:43 a.m. EST

FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried. (CoinDesk TV)

Videos

What Crypto Startups Is FTX Planning to Invest In With New $2B Venture Fund?

Crypto derivatives exchange FTX has set up FTX Ventures, a $2 billion fund to invest in crypto-industry startups. The full funding came from FTX and its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried. Amy Wu shares insights into FTX Ventures and what investment opportunities she’s continuing to watch.

Jan 18, 2022, 3:04 p.m. EST

Videos

Sam Bankman-Fried: Stablecoin Regulation Coming in 2022

The richest person in crypto, CEO of crypto exchange FTX Sam Bankman-Fried, shares his regulatory predictions for 2022 and how his company plans to manage potential digital asset policies in the new year. Plus, Bankman-Fried discusses the possibilities of an IPO and why The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is leading the world in cryptocurrency framework.

Dec 22, 2021, 12:40 p.m. EST

Finance

FTX US Joins International Swaps and Derivatives Association

The crypto exchange plans to work with the association to build up crypto derivatives markets in the U.S. and around the world, CEO Sam Bankman-Fried tweeted.

By Michael BellusciDec 9, 2021, 1:22 p.m. EST

Videos

Crypto CEOS Testifying at Landmark Hearing

Amidst regulatory uncertainty, FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried, Bitfury’s Brian Brooks, and Circle’s Jeremy Allaire are among the six executives speaking at today’s House Financial Services Committee hearing. CoinDesk’s Nikhilesh De discusses the potential outcomes. Plus, the Senate Banking Committee will reconvene next Tuesday to discuss stablecoins.

Dec 8, 2021, 12:37 p.m. EST

Layer 2

Most Influential 2021: Sam Bankman-Fried

His FTX juggernaut is naming sports stadiums and placing ads at the World Series. But the entrepreneur is remaining humble.

By Jeff WilserDec 7, 2021, 5:14 p.m. EST

Videos

FTX Proposes Changes to US Crypto Regulation

Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX is the latest crypto firm to publish a policy proposal ahead of Wednesday’s House Financial Services Committee hearing. CoinDesk’s Nikhilesh De discusses what we know and why this is a continuing story to watch.

Dec 6, 2021, 3:28 p.m. EST

Finance