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 SBF was arrested in December 2022, and his bail was revoked due to alleged witness tampering.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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finance

FTX to Seek $1.5B in New Funding Round at $32B Valuation: Report

The company’s CEO Sam Bankman-Fried will ask investors to purchase shares in its U.S. affiliate, FTX.US, at an $8 billion valuation.

By James RubinDec 4, 2021

Finance

FTX Looks to Expand Globally Through Local Partners, Bankman-Fried Says

The CEO said on CoinDesk TV the crypto exchange could spend over $1 billion in a buying spree next year.

By Helene BraunOct 27, 2021

FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried discusses the derivatives exchange's roadmap on CoinDesk TV. (CoinDesk TV)

Finance

FTX Scores Another Sports Sponsorship With Super Bowl Ad

The crypto exchange is buying into one of the biggest sporting events of the year. Of course it is.

By Eli TanOct 27, 2021

FTX ambassador Tom Brady (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Videos

FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried on $420M Raise, LedgerX Acquisition

Bahamas-based crypto exchange FTX has finalized acquiring regulated futures exchange LedgerX. This follows last week’s meme-friendly raise of over $420 million from 69 investors and a Solana-based NFT marketplace launch earlier this month. FTX founder and CEO Sam Bankman-Fried shares insights into the crypto empire’s latest developments, discussing what lies ahead.

Oct 27, 2021