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 SBF was arrested in December 2022, and his bail was revoked due to alleged witness tampering.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.

Podcasts

SBF TRIAL PODCAST 10/12: Caroline Ellison Testimony Day 3

By CoinDeskOct 12, 2023, 1:00 p.m. EDT

SBF TRIAL Podcast 11/03: Sam Bankman-Fried Guilty on All 7 Counts in FTX Fraud Trial

Videos

Bitcoin Extends Decline for a Fifth Day; Reddit's Fortnite Token BRICK Surges

"CoinDesk Daily" host Jennifer Sanasie breaks down the hottest crypto headlines today, including the emotional testimony from former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison in the trial against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried. New details emerge surrounding the 2022 FTX hack. And, Bricks (BRICK), the native token of Reddit's Fortnite community, surges.

Oct 12, 2023, 11:31 a.m. EDT

Videos

Sam Bankman-Fried Taking the Stand Could be a 'Nightmare,' Attorney Says

Bragança Law attorney and former SEC enforcement branch chief Lisa Bragança discusses whether Sam Bankman-Fried should take the stand at his trial. "The only way to really get Sam Bankman-Fried's state of mind across to the jury is for him to talk to the jury and that's a nightmare," Bragança said. "He might sow enough doubt in the minds of the jurors to get an acquittal."

Oct 12, 2023, 10:33 a.m. EDT

Videos

Likelihood of Sam Bankman-Fried Getting an Acquittal Is a 'Hail Mary,' Lawyer Predicts

Former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison testified during FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried's trial that she was in a "constant state of dread" as assets took a hit from the crypto slump. Lisa Bragança, Bragança Law attorney and former SEC enforcement branch chief, discusses what to make of Ellison's testimony and her outlook for the trial. "The crux of this case is [Sam Bankman-Fried's] state of mind," Bragança said.

Oct 12, 2023, 10:31 a.m. EDT

Videos

The SBF Trial: Ex-Alameda Research CEO Says She Was in a 'Constant State of Dread'

Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of hedge fund Alameda Research and star witness in the government’s criminal fraud case against Sam Bankman-Fried, will take the stand for a third day of testimony. CoinDesk's executive director of global content Emily Parker, who was in the courtroom when Ellison spoke Wednesday, shares some key takeaways.

Oct 12, 2023, 10:30 a.m. EDT

Policy