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


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SBF Trial: Defense Counsel's Cross-Examination of Star Prosecution Witness Meandered

Mark Cohen bumbled at times, asking Caroline Ellison to repeat much of the same information she told prosecutors in testimony the day before.

Ex-Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison at the federal courthouse in Manhattan (Danny Nelson/CoinDesk)

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Chinese Bribes, Thai Prostitutes and an End to the Lies: Caroline Ellison’s Explosive Second Day of Testimony Against Sam Bankman-Fried

The former Alameda Research CEO wept on the witness stand during her second day of testimony in Sam Bankman-Fried's fraud trial.

Caroline Ellison, the government's star witness in their case against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, leaving court on Tuesday, Oct. 11 following her first day of testimony. (Danny Nelson/CoinDesk)

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Caroline Ellison Was CEO but Sam Bankman-Fried Was Still Boss of Alameda, Her Testimony Suggests

Unforgettable moments from Caroline Ellison’s first day testifying.

SBF Trial Newsletter Graphic

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What to Expect When Caroline Ellison Takes Stand in Sam Bankman-Fried's Trial

The former Alameda CEO will “tell you about how she and the defendant stole money customers entrusted to FTX,” a prosecutor said. Defense’s cross-examination may get personal.

Sam Bankman-Fried (left) and Caroline Ellison (CoinDesk archives, @carolinecapital, modified by CoinDesk)

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Sam Bankman-Fried ‘Lied,’ DOJ Tells Jury; Defense Tries to Pin FTX Collapse on Caroline Ellison

“He poured money – other people’s money – into investments to make himself even richer,” the prosecutor said in opening arguments.

Sam Bankman-Fried  (Liz Napolitano/CoinDesk)

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No Jury Yet, but We're Getting There

No death penalty either, the judge had to reassure a prospective juror.

SBF Trial Newsletter Graphic

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No Sam Bankman-Fried Jury Yet; Judge Expects to Cull 50 Prospects Quickly on Wednesday

Several prospective jurors revealed that they or loved ones lost money on crypto, including one whose brother was nearly ruined.

Sam Bankman-Fried (Nikhilesh De/CoinDesk)

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EmSam, Jury Questions and Another Denial for Bankman-Fried

Sam Bankman-Fried drafted a set of tweets discussing his use of an antidepressant.

SBF Trial Newsletter Graphic

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Judge Denies Temporary Release For Sam Bankman-Fried, Suggests He Could Face 'Very Long Sentence'

Bankman-Fried’s lawyers had requested that he be released for the duration of his trial to ensure that he is able to review material and speak with his counsel.

FTX's Sam Bankman-Fried exiting a federal courthouse in New York last year. (Nikhilesh De/CoinDesk)