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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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)

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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