Sam Kessler

Sam is CoinDesk's deputy managing editor for tech and protocols. His reporting is focused on decentralized technology, infrastructure and governance. Sam holds a computer science degree from Harvard University, where he led the Harvard Political Review. He has a background in the technology industry and owns some ETH and BTC. Sam was part of the team that won a 2023 Gerald Loeb Award for CoinDesk's coverage of Sam Bankman-Fried and the FTX collapse.

Sam Kessler

Latest from Sam Kessler


Policy

Sam Bankman-Fried's Jurors Were Sent Home for the Day, but His Debut on the Stand Was Significant Anyway

Even though jurors weren't there to hear the former crypto mogul, the ex-FTX CEO's first appearance on the witness stand was still remarkable.

Despite claims by right-wing political figures, Sam Bankman-Fried was definitely not a free man when he (right) exited a Manhattan courtroom on July 26, 2023. (Nikhilesh De/CoinDesk)

Finance

Hobbled Crypto Exchange's Creditors Are Suing Its CEO and Want to Claw Back Money From 'Bitcoin Jesus'

CoinFLEX CEO Mark Lamb breached his fiduciary duty when he created a new company, OPNX, with the founders of failed crypto hedge fund Three Arrows Capital, creditors argue. They are also critical of a deal Lamb struck with early BTC evangelist Roger Ver.

Kyle Davies (left) and Su Zhu (middle). (Kyle Davies/X)

Policy

‘Oh, Yes’: Accounting Prof Says Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX Definitely Mishandled Customers' Money

For starters, customer funds were behind a majority of FTX’s investment into Scaramucci’s SkyBridge Capital, Peter Easton testifies.

Sam Bankman-Fried, CEO, FTX and Christine Lee, Lead Anchor, CoinDesk

Policy

(One Part of) Sam Bankman-Fried's Defense Strategy Starts Paying Off

The defense team landed some hits during its cross-examination of a key witness against Sam Bankman-Fried.

SBF Trial Newsletter Graphic

Policy

For Once, Sam Bankman-Fried's Lawyer Lands a Punch at FTX CEO's Criminal Trial

Under questioning from defense attorney Mark Cohen, a former FTX exec and government witness admitted to some hazy memories.

Former FTX exec Nishant Singh leaving court on Oct. 17 (Danny Nelson/CoinDesk)

Policy

SBF Trial: Nishad Singh Felt ‘Suicidal’ in Crypto Exchange’s Final Days

“Five years of blood, sweat, and tears turned out to be for something evil,” Nishad Singh told a jury.

SBF Trial Newsletter Graphic

Policy

Former Top FTX Executive Testifies He Knew $8B of Customer Money Was Missing

Nishad Singh, the latest member of Sam Bankman-Fried’s inner circle to testify, said his admiration for SBF turned to “shame” on discovering FTX execs enriched themselves with customer funds.

Nishad Singh, left, exits a federal courthouse after testifying on Oct. 16, 2023 (Nikhilesh De/CoinDesk)