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Criminal Procedure: Was Sam Bankman-Fried's conviction and $11B fine for fraud associated with #FTX fundamentally unfair? - Argued: Tue, 04 Nov 2025 8:52:59 EDT
SummaryIn this conversation Adam Back, and Matt Odell discuss the critical importance of self-custody in Bitcoin management, especially in light of past events like FTX. They explore the nuances of custody solutions for both individuals and businesses, emphasizing the need for secure practices and the balance between self-custody and third-party risks. The discussion also touches on treasury management for large companies and the emerging demand for proof of reserves to enhance operational security.TakeawaysSelf-custody is essential for protecting assets.The phrase 'not your keys, not your coins' highlights the importance of ownership.Small businesses can benefit from adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset.Multi-sig solutions provide enhanced security for large organizations.Proof of reserves can increase confidence in custodial services.Operational security is a significant concern for companies managing Bitcoin.Single sig custody is sufficient for many individuals.Backup strategies should include fireproof and offsite storage.The recovery process for Bitcoin can be user-friendly.The industry is evolving towards better custody solutions.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Community Engagement00:56 The Importance of Self-Custody09:12 Custody Solutions for Businesses14:57 Prover Reserves and Industry Standards17:02 bp-introoutro_v2.mp4
This Day in Legal History: Saddam Hussein Sentenced to DeathOn November 5, 2006, Saddam Hussein, the former President of Iraq, was sentenced to death by hanging for crimes against humanity. The charges stemmed from the 1982 massacre of 148 Shiite men and boys in the town of Dujail, an act of collective punishment after an assassination attempt on Hussein. The verdict came after a year-long trial before the Iraqi High Tribunal, a special court established to prosecute former members of Saddam's regime. The proceedings were highly controversial, drawing criticism for their fairness, security lapses, and political interference.Saddam's defense team faced threats and attacks, with several lawyers murdered during the trial. International human rights organizations expressed concern over the tribunal's procedures, noting a lack of due process protections. Despite these criticisms, the court found Hussein guilty and sentenced him to death. His co-defendants, including his half-brother Barzan al-Tikriti and former judge Awad al-Bandar, also received death sentences. Saddam remained defiant throughout the trial, refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the court and accusing it of being a tool of occupation.The sentence was upheld on appeal and carried out swiftly, with Saddam Hussein executed on December 30, 2006. His execution, filmed and leaked online, sparked outrage and deepened sectarian tensions in Iraq. Many saw the trial and its aftermath as exacerbating divisions rather than promoting justice and reconciliation. The event marked a pivotal moment in Iraq's post-invasion legal and political reconstruction, highlighting both the possibilities and limits of transitional justice in a conflict-ridden environment.The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on whether President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a 1977 law not originally intended for such use. The case stems from lawsuits by affected businesses and 12 mostly Democratic-led states, claiming Trump's application of IEEPA to impose tariffs violated constitutional limits, as Congress—not the president—holds the power to levy taxes and tariffs. The law has traditionally been used to freeze assets or impose sanctions during national emergencies, not to regulate routine trade.Trump's administration has defended the tariffs as a national security measure and emphasized their economic impact, having generated nearly $90 billion in revenue. The president has pressured the Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, to uphold his interpretation of IEEPA, warning that overturning the tariffs would leave the nation vulnerable. If struck down, the administration intends to pursue the tariffs through other legal avenues.Critics argue the case reflects broader concerns about Trump's expansion of executive power, as IEEPA does not explicitly mention tariffs. The Federal Circuit Court ruled against Trump, stating that Congress likely did not intend to hand the president such broad trade authority and invoking the “major questions” doctrine, which limits executive power absent clear congressional approval. The justices' decision will test their willingness to check presidential overreach and could reshape the boundaries of executive authority in economic policy.Supreme Court weighs legality of tariffs in major test of Trump's power | ReutersSupreme Court Confronts Trump's Power to Disrupt World Trade (1)The U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald Trump's nominee, Joshua Dunlap, to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, marking a significant shift for the Boston-based court that had, until now, consisted solely of judges appointed by Democratic presidents. The confirmation vote was 52-46, largely along party lines. This is Trump's first successful appointment to the 1st Circuit, long viewed as a legal roadblock to many of his policies due to its liberal composition.Dunlap, a conservative litigator from Maine, has a background in challenging progressive state laws, including Maine's ranked-choice voting system and paid family leave policies. He previously interned with the conservative legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom and has expressed personal views critical of abortion and same-sex marriage in past public writings. During his confirmation hearing, he maintained that his personal beliefs would not influence his judicial decisions.The vacancy Dunlap fills opened when Judge William Kayatta, an Obama appointee, assumed senior status in late 2024. President Biden had nominated Julia Lipez for the seat, but her confirmation stalled before the end of his term. With this appointment, Trump gains a foothold in a court that has played a central role in legal challenges against his administration, and which could now shift incrementally rightward.Senate confirms Trump's pick to join liberal-majority US appeals court | ReutersA federal appeals court appeared doubtful of Sam Bankman-Fried's bid to overturn his fraud conviction and 25-year prison sentence tied to the collapse of his FTX cryptocurrency exchange. During oral arguments, judges on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals questioned whether the trial judge's exclusion of certain defense evidence truly compromised the fairness of the proceedings. One judge asked if, by not disputing the strength of the evidence, Bankman-Fried was effectively conceding its sufficiency.Bankman-Fried's legal team argued that even if the jury had enough evidence to convict, the judge's decisions about what evidence to allow still denied him a fair trial. Specifically, they claimed the jury never saw key materials that could have supported Bankman-Fried's belief that FTX had the funds to honor customer withdrawals.Prosecutors pushed back, emphasizing that the government's case was overwhelming. They noted that three insiders testified they conspired with Bankman-Fried to misappropriate customer funds, and documents corroborated their accounts. Bankman-Fried, once a billionaire and crypto industry figurehead, was convicted in 2023 on seven counts, including fraud and conspiracy, for stealing $8 billion from users.At sentencing, the judge said Bankman-Fried knowingly acted illegally but underestimated the risk of being caught. Though some close to him have reportedly sought a presidential pardon, Trump has not commented. Bankman-Fried is currently incarcerated in a low-security facility in California and is eligible for release in 2044.Appeals court skeptical of Sam Bankman-Fried's bid to toss crypto fraud conviction | ReutersGoogle and Epic Games announced a settlement in their years-long legal dispute over app distribution and payment systems on Android devices. While the full terms were not made public, the agreement follows a 2023 jury verdict in favor of Epic, which found that Google had engaged in anticompetitive behavior by securing exclusivity deals with phone makers and app developers to lock them into its Play Store.The settlement arrives as Google was already under a court order to restructure aspects of its app store. U.S. District Judge James Donato had previously mandated that Google stop favoring its own services and allow developers more freedom, including steering users to cheaper payment options outside the Play Store. He also required Google to provide app catalog access to rivals to support competition.Under the new agreement, many of Donato's requirements remain, but with modifications. Instead of full catalog access, “registered app stores” will now receive equal treatment to the Play Store, and commission fees for off-store purchases are capped at either 9% or 20%, depending on the transaction. Both companies told the court that negotiations involved top executives and were prompted by the court's pressure.The settlement also resolves Epic's related litigation against Samsung. Executives from both companies described the agreement as a step toward greater developer freedom and a more open Android ecosystem. Google emphasized user safety and developer flexibility, while Epic praised the deal as a return to Android's open platform roots.Google, Epic Games Settle Yearslong Legal Fight Over App Store This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
International Bankruptcy, Restructuring, True Crime and Appeals - Court Audio Recording Podcast
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Sam Bankman-Fried BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Sam Bankman-Fried, once hailed as the genius founder behind the meteoric rise of FTX, has made headlines again this week as he battles for his future from inside a federal prison cell. He's now two years into a 25-year sentence after a spectacular fall from crypto grace, convicted on sweeping fraud charges tied to billions in vanished customer assets. The stakes could not be higher: according to SFist, Bankman-Fried is not just appealing his conviction but, through his parents—still big names on the Stanford campus—he's trying to secure a pardon from President Donald Trump, especially after Trump pardoned competing crypto tycoon Changpeng Zhao of Binance. According to Bloomberg, Bankman-Fried has lawyered up with appellate star Alexandra Shapiro, who also represents Sean Diddy Combs in his own high-profile appeals fight, a casting twist that's pure modern irony since SBF and Diddy reportedly shared time in the same jail unit.Monday's appeal hearing in Manhattan was anything but routine, with Shapiro arguing that Judge Lewis Kaplan stacked the original trial against Bankman-Fried—purportedly ridiculing him on the stand and curtly rejecting arguments crucial to the defense, such as the role lawyers played in drafting key documents at FTX. But AP and ABC News report the three-judge panel seemed unconvinced, grilling Shapiro on whether Bankman-Fried's version of events could have meaningfully swayed the jury given what Circuit Judge Barrington Parker called "very substantial evidence" of guilt. Still, the appeal claims that the jury only heard one side of the story and that Bankman-Fried was not permitted to explain himself or present crucial context, especially when it came to differentiating between criminal intent and a temporary liquidity crisis.Even as prosecutors reminded the court that several FTX insiders—some former confidantes and even a romantic partner—testified he personally directed the cover-ups, Shapiro maintained that the picture painted by the government was misleading. She even cited data showing 98 percent of creditors have already received more than their original investment, arguing FTX's bankruptcy was not the investor-annihilating catastrophe the DOJ described.Meanwhile on social media, controversy surrounding crypto pardons continues to swirl, with Ron Filipkowski's viral post about Trump's deals and SBF's reported ideological pivot serving up a fresh round of digital outrage. Adding to the circus, podcast hosts and legal analysts are dissecting every twist in SBF's story, from his media calls from jail to the role of his parents, hoping for a Trump lifeline.For now, there's no ruling on the appeal and no official word on potential clemency. The consensus among major outlets is that Bankman-Fried's chances are slim, but as with anything in crypto's wild world, surprise headlines could drop at any moment.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Crypto's most controversial trading product might be Wall Street's next obsession. In this interview, Brett Harrison, former president of FTX.US and founder of Architect Financial Technologies, joins to explain how he's aiming to take perpetual futures — crypto's 24/7 leveraged trading engine — to traditional markets like stocks, commodities, and FX. Will this be the next big shift in global finance? Thank you to our sponsors! Mantle Guest: Brett Harrison, Founder & CEO of Architect Financial Technologies Links: The Defiant: Former FTX US President Brett Harrison to Launch Perpetuals Exchange Timestamps:
This Day in Legal History: Massachusetts Institutes Death Penalty for HeresyOn November 4, 1646, the Massachusetts General Court enacted a law that imposed the death penalty for heresy, marking one of the most extreme expressions of religious intolerance in early American colonial history. The law required all members of the colony to affirm the Bible as the true and authoritative Word of God. Failure to do so was not merely frowned upon—it was made a capital offense. This legislation reflected the theocratic underpinnings of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, which had been established by Puritans seeking religious freedom for themselves but not necessarily for others.The Puritan leadership equated dissent with disorder, and heresy with treason against divine authority. The law was aimed particularly at groups such as Quakers, Baptists, and others who challenged orthodox Puritan theology. While it is unclear whether anyone was actually executed under this specific statute, it laid the foundation for later persecution, including the execution of Mary Dyer, a Quaker, in 1660. The law exemplifies how early colonial governments wielded both civil and religious authority in tandem.It also foreshadows the centuries-long struggle in American legal and cultural history to define the boundaries between church and state. Though the U.S. Constitution would later enshrine religious freedom in the First Amendment, this 1646 law demonstrates how precarious that freedom was in earlier periods. The harshness of the law also underscores the broader context of 17th-century Europe and its colonies, where religious uniformity was often enforced through state power. Massachusetts would gradually shift away from such punishments, but not without considerable resistance.Sam Bankman-Fried's legal team will argue before the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that his conviction for defrauding FTX customers should be overturned. The 33-year-old former crypto executive is currently serving a 25-year sentence after being found guilty in 2023 of stealing $8 billion from FTX users. His lawyers claim the trial judge unfairly excluded key evidence—specifically, information supporting Bankman-Fried's belief that FTX had sufficient assets to cover customer withdrawals. Prosecutors counter that the evidence against him, including internal records and testimony from former associates, was overwhelming.Bankman-Fried was once considered a leading figure in the crypto space, known for his high-profile donations and media presence before his downfall. During the trial, former executives at FTX and Alameda Research testified that he instructed them to misuse customer funds to cover hedge fund losses. He was convicted of two fraud counts and five conspiracy charges. Judge Lewis Kaplan, who sentenced him in March 2024, said Bankman-Fried knowingly acted criminally but underestimated the risk of detection. There are also unconfirmed reports that some in his circle are lobbying Donald Trump for a pardon, though Trump has not commented. Bankman-Fried is currently incarcerated at a low-security facility in California and is expected to be released in 2044.Sam Bankman-Fried's lawyers to argue for new fraud trial for FTX founder | ReutersGetty Images has largely lost its high-profile UK lawsuit against Stability AI, the company behind the image-generating tool Stable Diffusion. Getty had accused Stability AI of copyright infringement, claiming the AI system was trained on millions of its images without permission. However, Getty dropped the core part of the case mid-trial due to insufficient evidence about where and how the AI was trained, leaving that central legal question unresolved. The remaining claims focused on trademark infringement and secondary copyright violations.The High Court ruled that Getty partially succeeded on the trademark issue, noting Stable Diffusion sometimes generated images that included Getty's watermark. But the judge emphasized that this finding was historically narrow and of limited scope. Getty's broader copyright claim was dismissed, with the court finding that Stable Diffusion does not store or directly reproduce copyrighted works. Legal experts called the ruling disappointing for copyright holders and warned it exposed gaps in UK intellectual property protections regarding AI.Both companies claimed aspects of victory: Getty pointed to the trademark ruling and the recognition that AI models can be subject to IP laws, while Stability AI emphasized that the decision effectively cleared the core copyright concerns. Getty warned the decision highlights the difficulty even well-funded companies face in protecting creative works and urged governments to strengthen transparency rules around AI training data. Legal analysts say the ruling leaves a major legal question unresolved—whether training AI on copyrighted content without consent constitutes infringement under UK law.Getty Images largely loses landmark UK lawsuit over AI image generator | ReutersPennsylvania lawmakers are advancing a regulatory and fee-based proposal targeting “skill games”—arcade-style gambling machines—without first resolving the legal and oversight framework surrounding them. Senate Bill 1079, introduced by Senators Gene Yaw and Anthony Williams, proposes a $500 monthly fee per machine, capped at 50,000 terminals, potentially raising $300 million annually. However, I argue that this revenue-driven approach puts fiscal goals ahead of sound regulation. The bill includes some regulatory provisions like machine limits, ID checks, and a centralized monitoring system, but these appear to have been crafted after the fee structure, not as foundational policy.Skill games have operated in a legal gray area since a 2023 court ruling found they don't meet the state's definition of gambling devices. That ambiguity has persisted, leaving the machines largely unregulated but widespread. Instead of clarifying the legal status of these machines and building a regulatory framework first, lawmakers now seem focused on monetizing them quickly—potentially to preempt a stricter tax plan proposed by Governor Shapiro. The bill notably keeps enforcement under the Department of Revenue rather than the more experienced Gaming Control Board, raising questions about effective oversight.This structure may incentivize the rapid deployment of machines to meet revenue goals, risking poor compliance and ineffective safeguards. In sum, I go on to say the proposal uses regulation to justify revenue collection, rather than using revenue to support a robust regulatory system. Without a clear legal definition, licensing process, and proper enforcement authority, the current plan prioritizes money over governance.Pennsylvania Skill Game Fee Regulations Have Questionable Timing This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
Sam Bankman-Fried, founder and former CEO of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, is serving 25 years in federal prison for fraud. His company collapsed and went bankrupt in 2022. Investigators found that billions of dollars in customer funds had been borrowed without permission to help shore up Bankman-Fried's other firm, Alameda Research. But throughout the last three years, Bankman-Fried has maintained his innocence, and he's filed an appeal. A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4.Marketplace's Nova Safo spoke with Jonathan Jones, a reporter and producer for the investigative podcast “Reveal,” who spent hours talking to the former CEO, FTX insiders and customers.
Sam Bankman-Fried, founder and former CEO of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, is serving 25 years in federal prison for fraud. His company collapsed and went bankrupt in 2022. Investigators found that billions of dollars in customer funds had been borrowed without permission to help shore up Bankman-Fried's other firm, Alameda Research. But throughout the last three years, Bankman-Fried has maintained his innocence, and he's filed an appeal. A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4.Marketplace's Nova Safo spoke with Jonathan Jones, a reporter and producer for the investigative podcast “Reveal,” who spent hours talking to the former CEO, FTX insiders and customers.
Reports have revealed that Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced founder of FTX, and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell both employed the same private investigator, former NYPD detective Jimmy Harkins. Harkins, known in elite legal circles for his aggressive and discreet methods, reportedly worked for Maxwell during her criminal proceedings and later joined Bankman-Fried's defense team as part of his effort to counter damaging press and investigate witnesses. His involvement with both cases sparked interest because of the striking contrast between the two clients — one a fallen crypto mogul, the other convicted for aiding Jeffrey Epstein's child-sex trafficking operation — yet both navigating reputational crises at the highest levels of notoriety.The overlap underscores how a small, interconnected network of private operatives often serves powerful defendants across radically different scandals. Harkins's reputation as a “fixer” for the wealthy adds to skepticism about whether such investigators simply gather facts or operate to intimidate, discredit, and manage narratives. Given the secrecy around his methods and the lack of clarity about what work he performed for Maxwell and Bankman-Fried, the connection raises uncomfortable questions about how much of elite crisis management exists in the shadows — and how the same professionals keep resurfacing when the stakes involve power, money, and scandal.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
Sam Bankman-Fried BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Sam Bankman-Fried has been back at the center of crypto headlines over the past few days, sparking fresh controversy and chatter far beyond the courtroom. On his X account, Sam has published a new statement—alongside a longer 14 to 15-page document—boldly claiming that FTX was never actually insolvent. He insists the real issue was a liquidity crunch triggered by a classic bank run, not fraud or financial mismanagement. According to Sam, when FTX collapsed in November 2022, the exchange held $25 billion in assets against $8 billion in withdrawal demands, and if the panic had been weathered, customers and creditors could have been made whole. He blames his legal and bankruptcy teams led by John J. Ray III for forcing FTX into Chapter 11, mishandling and prematurely liquidating assets, and burning as much as $138 billion in value through discounted sales and legal fees. The estate's actions, he says, decimated the business and have been misrepresented to the public. Coinpaper notes that Sam repeats claims he was barred from fully presenting in court, arguing his prosecution ignored these key points.This narrative is not just coming from Sam directly—his mother, Barbara Fried, a Stanford Law professor, has gone public as well, circulating a 64-page “liquidity crisis” manifesto and attacking the trial judge and the Department of Justice for bias, all in a sprawling PR-and-legal campaign ahead of his upcoming November 4 appeal. CoinEdition frames this as a well-coordinated push to rebrand Sam from a disgraced CEO to a misunderstood financial whiz, with his family's media offensive suggesting the collapse was engineered by external parties for profit and reputational damage control.This new round of public statements and legal maneuvering comes on the eve of the Second Circuit appeal, which has attracted extensive media coverage, live podcast panels, and debate across both mainstream financial outlets and crypto Twitter. The move has reignited polarizing community debates—on X, critics and blockchain sleuths like ZachXBT are already blasting Sam for repeating what they see as discredited excuses and shifting central blame onto others. According to AInvest, the FTX bankruptcy estate continues to dispute Sam's calculations, pointing out that even after repayment efforts, many creditors are dealing with substantial losses, and that the physical value of repayments—despite some headlines citing “120% returns”—depends on semantics and market valuation.Headlines this weekend revolve around themes of “Was FTX Ever Insolvent?”, “SBF's PR Blitz Before His Make-or-Break Appeal,” and “$138 Billion Lost: SBF Blames Lawyers, Not Fraud.” Nothing in recent filings or public records supports his assertion that customer funds could have been entirely restored, and the bankruptcy court, along with the Justice Department, maintains its view that FTX's undoing was the result of secret backdoor maneuvering, extensive fraud, and reckless self-dealing—a view that led directly to Sam's 25-year prison sentence. For now he remains in prison, with his mother and legal team orchestrating this last-ditch campaign, and the crypto world watching what happens in court on November 4. The social and biographical impact of these latest events could be significant if the appeal gains traction, but as of now, even as Sam dominates headlines and drives debate, the legal establishment isn't budging.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Reports have revealed that Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced founder of FTX, and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell both employed the same private investigator, former NYPD detective Jimmy Harkins. Harkins, known in elite legal circles for his aggressive and discreet methods, reportedly worked for Maxwell during her criminal proceedings and later joined Bankman-Fried's defense team as part of his effort to counter damaging press and investigate witnesses. His involvement with both cases sparked interest because of the striking contrast between the two clients — one a fallen crypto mogul, the other convicted for aiding Jeffrey Epstein's child-sex trafficking operation — yet both navigating reputational crises at the highest levels of notoriety.The overlap underscores how a small, interconnected network of private operatives often serves powerful defendants across radically different scandals. Harkins's reputation as a “fixer” for the wealthy adds to skepticism about whether such investigators simply gather facts or operate to intimidate, discredit, and manage narratives. Given the secrecy around his methods and the lack of clarity about what work he performed for Maxwell and Bankman-Fried, the connection raises uncomfortable questions about how much of elite crisis management exists in the shadows — and how the same professionals keep resurfacing when the stakes involve power, money, and scandal.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com
Sam Bankman-Fried claims FTX was never insolvent. Sam Bankman-Fried claims FTX was never insolvent and blames bankruptcy lawyers for the company's collapse. The X post is an effort from Bankman-Fried's broader campaign to reframe his conviction and win political sympathy. Will he be pardoned by the President? CoinDesk's Jennifer Sanasie hosts "CoinDesk Daily." - Break the cycle of exploitation. Break down the barriers to truth. Break into the next generation of privacy. Break Free. Free to scroll without being monetized. Free from censorship. Freedom without fear. We deserve more when it comes to privacy. Experience the next generation of blockchain that is private and inclusive by design. Break free with Midnight, visit midnight.network/break-free - Bridge simplifies global money movement. As the leading stablecoin issuance and orchestration platform, Bridge abstracts away blockchain complexity so businesses can seamlessly move between fiat and stablecoins. From payroll providers and remittance companies to neobanks and treasury teams, Bridge powers payments, savings, and stablecoin issuance for thousands – like Shopify, Metamask, Remitly, and more. URL: https://hubs.ly/Q03KGbRK0 - OwlTing (Nasdaq: OWLS) is building invisible rails for global payments. With OwlPay, businesses and users can bridge fiat and stablecoins, send money instantly across borders, and access stablecoin checkout at lower costs. Licensed worldwide, OwlTing delivers secure, compliant, and regulated infrastructure for the digital economy. Learn more at owlting.com. - This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie. “CoinDesk Daily” is produced by Jennifer Sanasie and edited by Taylor Fleming.
Sam Bankman-Fried BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.The crypto world has been buzzing about Sam Bankman-Fried in the wake of Donald Trump's surprise pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao on October 23. While CZ's white-collar convictions were for compliance failures, Sam Bankman-Fried's crimes—found guilty on seven felony counts related to his orchestration of one of the largest frauds in crypto history—are in another league entirely, involving the misappropriation of about eight billion dollars in customer funds through FTX and Alameda Research as well as massive political donations and a 25-year prison sentence, according to widespread reporting by sources like TheStreet and Bitcoinist.Following the CZ pardon, speculation exploded that SBF could be next. Within hours, betting platforms like Polymarket saw the odds of Bankman-Fried earning a presidential pardon leap from just 4% up to 16%. CoinDesk and Crypto News both report that these shifts were driven purely by market speculation, social media frenzy, and a few viral tweets—not any official statement from Trump's team or the White House. Some prominent crypto voices on X, like investigator Coffeezilla, have promised to “quit” if SBF is pardoned, while Polymarket fueled the meme with a post titled “Sam Bankman-Freed,” a post that SBF's own X account retweeted—though the account is still marked as “SBF's words, shared by a friend,” meaning it is run by someone in his circle rather than the man himself.The possibility of a pardon has also been embraced by SBF's family. As reported by Crypto Patel, his parents have been quietly lobbying for months, connecting with Republican insiders and pitching the notion that their son was unfairly targeted. In fact, SBF's mother recently published a detailed essay defending him, hoping to tip public opinion. Meanwhile, Bankman-Fried continues to maintain—in recent interviews from FCI-Terminal Island prison and a long-form piece with Mother Jones—that his real mistake was ceding control of FTX to a new CEO during bankruptcy, not fraud, and that he could have saved the firm if left in charge.Though the chatter is loud, credible legal experts quoted by sources like TheStreet and Variant Fund remain deeply skeptical that SBF could ever receive the same treatment as CZ, since his actions caused direct losses to millions and left an ugly scar on the crypto industry's reputation. As for breaking news, prediction markets have cooled off a bit, with Polymarket and Kalshi dropping odds to the 12% range as reality, for now, sets in. SBF's formal appeal is set for November 4, but legal watchers doubt it will yield any sudden change. For now, Sam Bankman-Fried remains crypto's ultimate cautionary tale, back in the headlines as a symbol of what happens when ambition, politics, and money collide.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Front Run The Week — Free SignalsGet early signals before they hit headlines. Subscribe free — or upgrade for member rewards — at https://tokentrust.substack.comNow that the NBA gambling scandal has come to light, I'm thinking less about the bets and more about the setup. The rim's still ten feet high — even when players like Victor Wembanyama could use it as a footstool. It's not about cheating; it's about advantage.Same thing in crypto. The giants — the exchanges, the funds, the insiders — are playing above the rim. The rest of us are trying to touch net while pretending it's a fair game.This week on The Chip Mahoney Show, I'm connecting the dots between the NBA's gambling mess, FTX's arena deal, and the way markets keep pretending the floor and ceiling are the same height. Because the truth is simple: the rim never moved — the players just got taller. Signals — 7-Day Free TrialGet early market signals, macro indicators, and the projects I'm tracking before they trend. Start your free 7-day trial at https://tokentrust.substack.com
Reports have revealed that Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced founder of FTX, and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell both employed the same private investigator, former NYPD detective Jimmy Harkins. Harkins, known in elite legal circles for his aggressive and discreet methods, reportedly worked for Maxwell during her criminal proceedings and later joined Bankman-Fried's defense team as part of his effort to counter damaging press and investigate witnesses. His involvement with both cases sparked interest because of the striking contrast between the two clients — one a fallen crypto mogul, the other convicted for aiding Jeffrey Epstein's child-sex trafficking operation — yet both navigating reputational crises at the highest levels of notoriety.The overlap underscores how a small, interconnected network of private operatives often serves powerful defendants across radically different scandals. Harkins's reputation as a “fixer” for the wealthy adds to skepticism about whether such investigators simply gather facts or operate to intimidate, discredit, and manage narratives. Given the secrecy around his methods and the lack of clarity about what work he performed for Maxwell and Bankman-Fried, the connection raises uncomfortable questions about how much of elite crisis management exists in the shadows — and how the same professionals keep resurfacing when the stakes involve power, money, and scandal.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Can Sun, Co-founder of Backpack and former General Counsel at FTX, unpacks the hard lessons of the FTX collapse, and how Backpack is rebuilding a compliance-first, trust-minimized global crypto exchange with transparent proof-of-reserves and regulatory ambition spanning MiFID II, MiCA, and beyond.
Sam Bankman-Fried BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Sam Bankman-Fried remains behind bars, serving a 25-year sentence after being convicted last fall on seven counts including fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering in one of the largest financial crimes in U.S. history, according to CBS News. The collapse of FTX, which prosecutors say resulted in more than $8 billion in customer losses, continues to define his legacy, with the exchange only now beginning to repay victims almost two years after its implosion. While Bankman-Fried's legal team has mounted an appeal, arguing that he was the victim of a public rush to judgment, there have been no major judicial developments in the past few days—the case is still in the post-conviction phase, with no indication of imminent breakthroughs.However, speculation about his future has absolutely dominated crypto circles and beyond, following President Donald Trump's surprise pardon this past week of Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the Binance founder. This move sent shockwaves through prediction markets and social media, where chatter about a potential “SBF pardon” exploded overnight. Polymarket, the crypto prediction platform, saw odds for a Trump pardon of Bankman-Fried spike from under 6% to as high as 17% in under 12 hours, according to CoinCentral and TheStreet, with hundreds of thousands of dollars now riding on the bet. A separate Polymarket contract asking whether he will be released from custody this year briefly hit 19% before stabilizing around 15%. But here's the thing: this is pure speculation, fueled by wishful thinking, online memes, and a flurry of headlines—there's zero credible evidence that Trump is considering such a move, and legal analysts like Jake Chervinsky of Variant Fund, quoted by CoinCentral, are openly skeptical, noting Bankman-Fried's Democratic mega-donor past and the gravity of his convictions.Still, the buzz is loud enough that Bankman-Fried's mother and associates have reportedly been quietly seeking allies in Trump's orbit, and his social media presence—ostensibly operated by a friend—has playfully retweeted memes about the pardon odds, according to TheStreet, sparking further online chatter. Meanwhile, Caroline Ellison, his former colleague and ex-girlfriend, was just sentenced to 24 months in prison for her role in the FTX fraud, according to CBS News, a development that serves as another reminder of the scope of the scandal.In the broader culture, the paperback edition of Michael Lewis's “Going Infinite,” which chronicled Bankman-Fried's rise and fall, is about to hit shelves with a new afterword—likely stirring fresh debate about his true character and culpability. While Bankman-Fried himself remains in FCI-Terminal Island prison, the narrative around him is anything but static: a mix of serious legal consequences, feverish prediction market action, and the occasional ironic meme, all reflecting a cultural obsession with one of crypto's most infamous figures. No public appearances, no major business moves—just the ongoing saga of a fallen billionaire, a presidential pardon rumor mill, and a public still trying to make sense of it all.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Jupiter controls 15-20% of all onchain crypto users. Now they're launching their own stablecoin.In this episode of Stabled Up, we sit down with Kash Dhanda, founder of Jupiter, to discuss how they survived the FTX collapse, why every protocol is launching stablecoins, and what Jupiter's super app strategy means for Solana.We discuss:- How Jupiter survived the FTX collapse- The $2.1B JLP token strategy- Why every protocol is launching stablecoins now- JUP USD's Athena partnership details- Jupiter's new ICO platform dropping in November- Why stablecoins are the next evolution for DeFi protocolsTimestamps:00:00 Intro00:06 Why Calling Market Tops Is a Fool's Game01:32 Liquidity Environment & Trump's Fed Plans03:35 Gold vs Bitcoin: The Correlation Nobody Expected05:08 Gold's Historical Performance (The 30-Year Underperformance)06:38 Mean Reversion Trade Analysis08:35 Relay Ad, Enso Ad, Talus Ad09:20 Government Debt Strategy (How They'll Print Their Way Out)10:30 Bitcoin-Gold Ratio Discussion 12:39 Coinbase's Echo Acquisition16:36 Crowdsourced Fundraising Future 17:19 Fed Payments Innovation Conference (What's Actually Happening)18:04 Maple & Aave Partnership (Institutional DeFi Is Starting)21:49 Alvara Ad, Hibachi Ad22:10 Wall Street Meets DeFi Finally Happening24:50 Bitcoin As Portfolio Collateral (The Institutional Use Case)27:16 Money Multiplier & Credit Extension 28:06 Stablecoin Fed Access Plans (Trump's Administration Wildcard)31:25 Closing ThoughtsWebsite: https://therollup.co/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1P6ZeYd...Podcast: https://therollup.co/category/podcastFollow us on X: https://www.x.com/therollupcoFollow Rob on X: https://www.x.com/robbie_rollupFollow Andy on X: https://www.x.com/ayyyeandyJoin our TG group: https://t.me/+TsM1CRpWFgk1NGZhThe Rollup Disclosures: https://therollup.co/the-rollup-discl
FTX's bankruptcy left hundreds of thousands of customers waiting for money while nearly $1 billion goes to legal fees. Inside the convoluted process of the FTX Bankruptcy. Investigative reporters Jonathan & Sophie dive much deeper into what happened *after* SBF was ousted. Hundreds of thousands of individual customers became creditors, getting paid in dollar values from the bankruptcy filing date when the market bottomed out (Meanwhile, nearly $1 billion in fees went to the bankruptcy process expenses) When you're waiting for money and told you won't get it back while watching massive fee statements pile up, something feels really wrong. Subscribe to the newsletter! https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com Notes: • FTX had hundreds of thousands of individual creditors • Creditors repaid in bankruptcy filing at market low • Nearly $1 billion total in bankruptcy fees • Sullivan and Cromwell among multiple firms paid Timestamps: 00:00 Start 02:56 Beginning the investigation 05:37 Interviewing SBF 08:21 Beginning bankruptcy 10:23 The bankruptcy claim experience 13:30 Who handled the bankruptcy? 16:08 What were the FTX assets? 17:35 A complicated portfolio 20:07 Bankruptcy firm double dipping? 22:50 Customer questions 27:56 Are these fees normal? 33:19 Reimbursements to date 35:33 BTC go up 36:58 What's next? 39:35 Next step for journalists? -
Sam Bankman-Fried BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Sam Bankman-Fried has surged back into the headlines this week, despite being nearly two years into his 25-year federal prison sentence following one of the most catastrophic financial implosions in recent memory. According to a number of reports — including a detailed breakdown from Mitrade, Coinpedia, and Phemex — the former FTX CEO has broken his silence from behind bars, publishing a lengthy statement via GETTR that squarely blames the Biden administration for his dramatic 2022 arrest. Bankman-Fried paints his downfall as an act of political retribution, claiming that a shift in his campaign donations from Democrats to Republicans triggered regulators to move against him at a pivotal moment. He asserts his arrest was orchestrated to prevent him from testifying before Congress and to sabotage a major crypto regulation bill he had helped draft. While Bankman-Fried's bombshell accusations are making waves — with House Republicans demanding that SEC Chair Gary Gensler release internal communications about the arrest's timing — officials maintain the data from Gensler's government phone covering late 2022 into 2023 was deleted due to IT policy, deepening the intrigue and fueling partisan divides.He's also reignited the debate over his reputation, as outlets like CoinShares note a new PR push and a stream of public posts where he claims he now possesses only $100,000 and lost around $20 billion, adding a note of personal drama to the financial chaos that followed FTX's spectacular collapse. The tales of lost billions and politics have returned to the crypto zeitgeist, spreading quickly among influencers such as @AltcoinDaily and igniting renewed trader anxiety about the effects FTX's estate liquidations could have on markets like Solana and FTX's own FTT token.On the legal front, Good Morning America and Cryptonews confirm Bankman-Fried's appeal is advancing, with his next hearing slated for early November. In the meantime, his notoriety endures, with stories surfacing about his fellow inmates — a recent headline highlighted rapper Sean ‘Diddy' Combs, his former cellmate, now making his own headlines with an appeal of his conviction. Meanwhile, the Bankman-Fried name stays visible at industry events, as his father Joe Bankman appeared at the White Collar Conference just last week, delivering a candid interview about the family's ongoing pain and resilience.In summary, while Bankman-Fried remains incarcerated at Mendota federal prison in California, his relentless campaign to reframe his legacy keeps him firmly in the limelight, fueling ongoing debates about crypto regulation, political power, and the blurred boundaries between finance and politics in America.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
I have some claim to be an “old hand” EA:[1] I was in the room when the creation Giving What We Can was announced (although I vacillated about joining for quite a while) I first went to EA Global in 2015 I worked on a not-very successful EA project for a while But I have not really been much involved in the community since about 2020. The interesting thing about this is that my withdrawal from the community has nothing to do with disagreements, personal conflicts, or FTX. I still pretty much agree with most “orthodox EA” positions, and I think that both the idea of EA and the movement remain straightforwardly good and relevant. Hence why I describe the process as “senescence”: intellectually and philosophically I am still on board and I still donate, I just… don't particularly want to participate beyond that. Boredom I won't sugar-coat [...] ---Outline:(01:00) Boredom(04:05) What do I have to offer?--- First published: October 19th, 2025 Source: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/rJqQGD2z2DaupCbZE/my-ea-senescence --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.
Sam Bankman-Fried raised eyebrows when he hired Mark Cohen, the same attorney who represented Ghislaine Maxwell during her high-profile sex-trafficking trial. Cohen, a former federal prosecutor and co-founder of the law firm Cohen & Gresser, was part of Maxwell's defense team that argued she was being scapegoated for Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. Bankman-Fried brought Cohen on to lead his defense following his arrest in late 2022, a move that immediately sparked comparisons between the two notorious cases — both involving allegations of manipulation, power, and privilege shielding elites from accountability.The decision was strategic, not coincidental. Cohen's expertise lies in navigating complex federal prosecutions involving massive evidence and global attention — precisely what Bankman-Fried faced in his FTX fraud case. His partner, Christian Everdell, another veteran of the Maxwell defense, also joined the SBF legal team. The pairing signaled that Bankman-Fried's defense would mirror Maxwell's in tone and sophistication, emphasizing procedural scrutiny and reasonable-doubt tactics over moral argument — a calculated legal strategy to counter the government's sweeping narrative.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
What happens when your son builds one of the largest crypto empires in history—and then it all comes crashing down?On this episode of Nightmare Success In and Out, Brent Cassity sits down with Joe Bankman, Stanford law professor and father of Sam Bankman-Fried, the convicted founder of FTX. In a candid and emotional conversation, Joe shares what it was like to watch the meteoric rise of FTX, the devastating collapse, and the personal toll it has taken on his family.This is not just a story about crypto or courtroom drama—it's about fatherhood, resilience, and what it means to survive when your worst nightmare becomes your reality. Joe opens up about the weight of public scrutiny, the heartbreak of watching his son fall, and how he and his family are finding a path forward in the shadow of a global scandal.If you've ever wondered how families endure when the spotlight turns harsh, this episode is one you won't forget.Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They'll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"
De cryptomarkt heeft een zware week achter de rug. De koers van Bitcoin zakte tot 111.000 dollar, bijna 9 procent lager dan een week eerder. De markt kampt nog steeds met de naschok van de grote crash van vrijdag, die werd veroorzaakt door een reeks felle tweets van Donald Trump richting China. Na het sluiten van de Amerikaanse aandelenbeurzen zette de cryptomarkt een vrije val in. Op sommige handelsplatforms tikte Bitcoin zelfs de grens van 100.000 dollar aan. Verschillende altcoins verloren nog veel meer waarde. In enkele orderboeken droogde het aanbod volledig op, waardoor koersen met 90 procent daalden. Sommige tokens gingen zelfs voor minder dan een cent over de toonbank, terwijl ze daarvoor nog enkele dollars waard waren. Het toont opnieuw aan hoe kwetsbaar en onvolwassen delen van de cryptohandel nog altijd zijn. De klap kwam op de cryptomarkt veel harder aan dan op de aandelenbeurzen. Dat heeft meerdere oorzaken. De belangrijkste is dat cryptomarkten nu eenmaal minder diep zijn dan traditionele beurzen. Maar er speelde meer. Wanneer de Amerikaanse markten sluiten, neemt ook de liquiditeit in de cryptowereld sterk af. Op de derivatenmarkten werden handelaren uit hun posities geduwd, waardoor ze ook hun fysieke cryptobezittingen moesten verkopen om verliezen te dekken. Zo ontstond een kettingreactie van verkooporders, die het dalingsproces verder versterkte. In combinatie met de lage liquiditeit leverde dat vrijdagavond een ongekend bloedbad op. Ondertussen probeert Binance de schade te beperken met een opvallend plan. De beurs richt het ‘Together Initiative’ op, een compensatieprogramma van 400 miljoen dollar voor handelaren die zwaar zijn getroffen. Slachtoffers die minstens 30 procent van hun portefeuille verloren, krijgen tussen de 4000 en 6000 dollar uitgekeerd. Daarnaast stelt Binance een fonds van 100 miljoen dollar beschikbaar voor goedkope leningen, bedoeld om handelaren weer aan het werk te krijgen. De inzet lijkt duidelijk: loyale, risicovolle klanten behouden. En er is nieuws over Sam Bankman-Fried, de voormalige topman van het omgevallen FTX. Vanuit de gevangenis laat hij weten dat hij slachtoffer zou zijn van een politiek proces. Hij zegt miljoenen te hebben gedoneerd aan Republikeinen nadat de regering-Biden strengere cryptoregels invoerde. Kort daarna zou hij zijn opgepakt. Of zijn verhaal hout snijdt, is onduidelijk, maar volgens hem zijn relevante documenten bij toezichthouder SEC inmiddels spoorloos verdwenen. Deze week in de CryptocastIn de Cryptocast deze week: een gesprek met Bram van Roelen, head of product bij durfinvesteerder Maven11. Met hem praten we over voorspellingsmarkten zoals Polymarket, waar gebruikers kunnen inzetten op de uitkomst van verkiezingen, rentebesluiten of sportuitslagen. Co-host is Bert Slagter. Met Daniël Mol bespreken we elke week de stand van de cryptomarkt. Luister live donderdagochtend rond 8:50 in De Ochtendspits, of wanneer je wilt via bnr.nl/podcast/cryptocastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam Bankman-Fried BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Sam Bankman-Fried, the once high-flying founder of FTX now serving a 25-year sentence, has been back in the news in a very big way. Over the past few days, he has dominated headlines with a dramatic new narrative, claiming his 2022 arrest was orchestrated by the Biden administration as political retaliation for shifting his donations from Democrats to Republicans. According to him, the DOJ and SEC pounced on him shortly after he quietly donated tens of millions to GOP causes, alleging regulators were motivated by anti-crypto sentiment and worries about legislation he was slated to champion in Congress. He insists his arrest was timed just before he could testify before lawmakers and help steer a crucial crypto regulatory bill. Bankman-Fried relayed all of this in fiery posts on the social media platform GETTR, stating he cannot post directly from prison and instead dictates statements to a friend via monitored lines. These comments went viral, porting his story straight back into political and financial debate as reported by Benzinga and DLNews.His accusations added fuel to the ongoing uproar about how former SEC Chair Gary Gensler's government-issued phone was wiped—deleting messages from the very dates overlapping FTX's collapse, his arrest, and other landmark crypto enforcement actions. The Chief Inspector of the SEC confirmed the enterprise wipe was due to automated IT protocols, but conspiracy theories are swirling, with Bankman-Fried suggesting this lost trove contained vital evidence about the government's true motives. House Republicans have latched onto this story, demanding disclosures and transparency from regulators.Perhaps even more attention-grabbing is the whirlwind of speculation about a possible pardon. Conservative commentator Laura Loomer took to X to warn of a “massive and well-funded” campaign now lobbying Donald Trump to let SBF walk free. Loomer's allegations triggered fierce debate — some Republicans see it as the height of cynicism, while others mock the idea as Democratic deflection. Still, there's no hard evidence or official filing for a clemency push, and the Justice Department's list of 2025 pardon candidates does not mention Bankman-Fried. Prediction market Polymarket rates his chances at just three percent, underscoring the gap between social media drama and real political likelihood. This whole media storm coincides, perhaps not coincidentally, with a key November 3 hearing on his appeal.Through it all, Bankman-Fried has kept up a steady cadence of denial, framing himself as the ultimate political scapegoat while never wavering in his belief that FTX's failure was mismanagement — not fraud. His story remains a lightning rod, dividing crypto and political circles, and no doubt shaping his legacy as both a cautionary tale and, to some, a martyr.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Morgan Stanley zet voorzichtig een stap richting crypto. Een interne commissie van de Amerikaanse bank adviseert vermogende klanten om een klein deel van hun portefeuille in digitale activa te beleggen. Daarmee laat Morgan Stanley de voorzichtige houding van de afgelopen jaren los: tot nu toe gold crypto als te risicovol voor traditionele beleggers. De bank versoepelt de beperkingen voor deelname aan cryptofondsen, maar het gaat nadrukkelijk om een beperkte blootstelling, bedoeld als spreiding. Ook Deutsche Bank liet zich uit over de toekomst van Bitcoin. In een nieuw rapport verwacht de bank dat centrale banken tegen 2030 een deel van hun reserves in Bitcoin kunnen aanhouden, naast goud en dollars. Dat zou een fundamentele verschuiving betekenen in de manier waarop monetaire reserves worden opgebouwd. Volgens de analisten groeit de rol van Bitcoin als waardeopslag en zou het een aanvulling kunnen vormen op traditionele activa. Samen laten beide rapporten zien dat de financiële sector Bitcoin steeds minder als curiositeit beschouwt, en meer als onderdeel van het reguliere systeem. Toch was de stemming op de markt deze week allesbehalve rustig. Wat begon als een gewone vrijdag eindigde in een van de heftigste correcties sinds de FTX-crash in 2022. Toen Donald Trump nieuwe importheffingen tegen China aankondigde, zakten de aandelenmarkten licht in. Maar pas na sluiting van Wall Street ging het echt mis: de cryptomarkt stortte plots in. Vooral altcoins kregen zware klappen, met verliezen van 80 tot zelfs 99 procent. Coins als Atom zagen hun waarde in minuten verdampen volledig verdampen, als gevolg van lege orderboeken. Bitcoin zelf hield beter stand. De koers daalde kortstondig, maar veerde snel terug tot rond de 110.000 dollar. Het herstel kwam net zo snel als de val, wat erop wijst dat er nog steeds sterke vraag is. De vergelijking met FTX dringt zich op, maar er zijn duidelijke verschillen. Waar de klap in 2022 voortkwam uit wanbeheer en fraude, was dit eerder het gevolg van disfunctionele markten, waar vraag- en aanbod niet langer op elkaar aansloten. De vraag is nu: is de bullmarkt, of stijgende trend waar de cryptomarkt zich in bevond, nog intact? Co-host is Bert Slagter. Gasten Bert Slagter Links Host Daniël Mol Redactie Daniël Mol Matthijs DamsteegSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam Bankman-Fried BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Sam Bankman-Fried's story continues to reverberate through crypto, finance, legal circles, and even pop culture. Sentenced to 25 years in federal prison back in March 2024 after being found guilty in late 2023 of a multitude of criminal charges related to defrauding FTX customers, he remains incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where prison conditions are reported as miserable and sometimes chaotic, according to sources described in Business Insider and the New York Post. Bankman-Fried, now 32, sits alongside other notorious inmates such as Sean "Diddy" Combs and faces a daily existence far removed from his days as a billionaire crypto prodigy. According to AOL, though sentenced to 25 years, federal Bureau of Prisons projections show he'll likely be released just under 21 years from now, in December 2044.Recent headlines have turned intermittently toward speculation and rumor about potential relaunch attempts of FTX. Toktimes.com has commented on “whispers and sometimes shouts about FTX 3.0,” with debate swirling among industry insiders and internet commentators over whether any new version is actually serious business or just meme-fueled fantasy. The reality is that, since early 2025, the FTX bankruptcy estate moved forward with court-approved creditor distributions. Rather than a phoenix rising, the focus is squarely on accountable repayment and complex asset recovery, providing partial restitution and moving the operational dead shell of FTX further away from any comeback narrative—the comeback talk is more speculative than practical.Meanwhile, the scandal's epicenter has expanded to encompass Bankman-Fried's family. His parents, Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried, renowned Stanford Law School professors, are weathering scrutiny over a reported $26.4 million in gifts and property received from FTX. While they insist they had no executive role or knowledge of fraud, court documents and Signal chat evidence suggest Joseph played an advisory role during key moments in FTX's saga, notably the relocation to the Bahamas and the company's final meltdown. The bankruptcy estate's ongoing suits against the couple have pulled Stanford University into the fray, challenging both its reputation and its creditor role. Coin World and Coinpaper are sources repeatedly discussing how federal prosecutors may be weighing charges against Bankman-Fried's parents as part of tightening legal nooses around those who carried the aura—or the benefits—of the FTX empire.In the wider financial and pop culture sphere, Sam Bankman-Fried remains a reference point for conversations on high-flying fintech disasters and the perils of unchecked investing. The NBA's own Aspiration sponsorship drama was recently compared in Front Office Sports to FTX, as league officials and journalists debated how such deals pass muster after the fallout of crypto's boom and bust. AI and market commentators also use his downfall as shorthand for how governance failures can tank revolutionary promises, as evidenced in Yale Insights.No verified social media activity has come from Bankman-Fried personally, but his name trends routinely in crypto Twitter spaces, TikTok finance jokes, and Subreddits dissecting everything from legal minutiae to prison folklore. For now, the biographical significance is clear: Bankman-Fried has gone from crypto's brightest to its most cautionary tale, with the legal and financial fallout reshaping not only his life, but the culture, governance, and trust mechanisms at the center of digital markets.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
What happens when you give 3,000 Magic the Gathering nerds billions in capital, a dream, and a poorly regulated options market? Crime. This episode is about Jane Street. Edited and thumbnail by Noah JOIN US ON PATREON FOR EARLY EPISODE RELEASES, BONUS CONTENT, AND MORE: www.patreon.com/desperateactsofcapitalism BIG THINGS ARE COMING Sources: Why Jane Street, a US trading giant, is in trouble in India https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y0zgrevl1o Jane Street invested in start-up turning China's noodle shop sales into securities https://www-ft-com.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu/content/112bd653-35c0-4d12-b9af-2c1d38d0e90d Jane Street Strategy and Product Internship, May-August https://www.janestreet.com/join-jane-street/position/7828490002/ How the hell did Jane Street alumni end up creating FTX? https://www.ft.com/content/679d0fa9-8491-44f5-8336-f390d6c877fe Jane Street: the top Wall Street firm ‘no one's heard of' https://www.ft.com/content/81811f27-4a8f-4941-99b3-2762cae76542 Jane Street is big. Like, really, really big https://www.ft.com/content/54671865-4c7f-4692-a879-867ef68f0bde Wealthy Wall Street recluse claims he was duped by Harvard fellow into funding weapons for alleged coup in South Sudan https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/south-sudan-coup-peter-ajak-b2777162.html
In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop speaks with Paul Sztorc, CEO of Layer2 Labs, about Bitcoin's evolution, the limitations of the Lightning Network, and how his ideas for drivechains and merge-mined sidechains could transform scalability and privacy on the Bitcoin network. They cover everything from Zcash's zero-knowledge proofs and “moon math” to the block size wars, sound money, and the economic realities behind crypto hype cycles. Paul also explains his projects like Zside and Thunder, which aim to bring features like Zcash-style privacy and high-speed transactions to Bitcoin. Listeners can try Layer2 Labs' software or learn more at layer2labs.com/download.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:00 Stewart Alsop opens with Paul Sztorc from Layer2 Labs, discussing the connection between Bitcoin and Zcash and how privacy could be added through zero-knowledge proofs.05:00 Paul critiques early Layer 2s like Rootstock and Lightning, calling many “not real” or custodial, and compares the current scene to the .com bubble.10:00 They explore media hype, Silicon Valley culture, and crypto's cycles of optimism and collapse, mentioning Theranos, FTX, and fake-it-till-you-make-it culture.15:00 Conversation shifts to sound money, government spending, and how Bitcoin could improve fiscal responsibility, referencing Milton Friedman's ideas.20:00 Paul questions Bitcoin treasury companies like MicroStrategy, explaining flawed incentives and better direct ownership logic.25:00 They move into geopolitics and The Sovereign Individual, discussing borders, state control, and the future of digital sovereignty.30:00 Paul explains zero-knowledge proofs, Zcash's “moon math,” and the evolution from sapling to Halo 2 for better privacy.35:00 The topic turns to drivechains, BIP300, and Layer2 Labs' projects like Zside and Thunder, built for real Bitcoin scalability.40:00 Paul explains why Lightning fails, liquidity limits, and why true scaling requires optional L2s with large block capacity.45:00 They discuss the block size war, merge mining, and how miners and nodes interact in Bitcoin's structure.50:00 Paul breaks down the Merkle tree, block headers, and SHA-256 puzzles miners race to solve for proof-of-work.55:00 The episode closes with how L1–L2 coordination works, the mechanics of slow withdrawals, and secondary markets in drivechains.Key InsightsBitcoin's privacy gap and Zcash's influence: Paul Sztorc begins by explaining how Bitcoin lacks true privacy since senders, receivers, and amounts are visible on-chain. He describes Zcash as a model for achieving anonymity through zero-knowledge proofs and explains how Layer2 Labs aims to bring that same level of privacy to Bitcoin without introducing a new altcoin or token.The failure of current Layer 2 solutions: Paul argues that existing Bitcoin Layer 2s like Lightning and Rootstock are flawed—either custodial, inefficient, or deceptive. He compares today's crypto landscape to the dot-com bubble, full of overhyped projects and scams that will collapse before the genuine solutions survive.Sound money and political accountability: The discussion expands beyond technology to economics, as Paul highlights how unsustainable government debt and spending distort incentives. He believes Bitcoin could restore discipline to fiscal systems by forcing real accounting and limiting the political capacity to inflate or borrow endlessly.Corporate Bitcoin strategies are often misguided: Paul criticizes companies like MicroStrategy for treating Bitcoin as a speculative treasury asset instead of using it for real utility. He argues that investors should just buy Bitcoin directly rather than buy shares in companies that hold it, since intermediaries introduce unnecessary risk, fees, and opacity.Drivechains as Bitcoin's missing scalability link: Sztorc presents drivechains, outlined in his proposal BIP300, as the practical way to scale Bitcoin. Drivechains allow multiple Layer 2s to exist simultaneously, each optimized for specific features like privacy, larger blocks, or smart contracts, all while using the same 21 million BTC.Lightning Network's structural limitations: Paul dismantles Lightning's core assumptions, pointing out that it cannot scale globally because each channel requires on-chain transactions and constant liquidity maintenance. He calls Lightning a “Theranos of Bitcoin,” arguing that it distracts the community from genuine, scalable innovation.Merge mining and the path to Bitcoin's future: The episode concludes with Paul describing merge mining as the mechanism that unites L1 and L2 securely, letting miners earn more revenue without extra work. He envisions a Bitcoin ecosystem where optional, diverse L2s provide privacy, speed, and flexibility—anchored by a lean, reliable L1 base.
What is the future of Bitcoin wealth? This week on The Index, Alex Kehaya sits down with Joe Kelly, CEO of Unchained, to explore the rise of a Bitcoin-focused financial services company built on self-sovereignty.From pioneering Bitcoin-backed loans to securing over 100,000 BTC as a full-suite wealth management platform, Kelly shares how Unchained grew into a 140-person team while staying true to core Bitcoin values.At the heart of their model is collaborative custody. Unlike traditional custodians, Unchained's multi-signature approach gives clients two keys, while the company holds just one—allowing access to loans and IRAs without giving up control. After the collapse of FTX, this model gained serious traction as a safer, more aligned alternative.Kelly opens up about balancing Bitcoin ideals with business realities, building products that satisfy both regulators and sovereignty-minded clients. The conversation also dives into Unchained's Bitcoin IRA, which blends tax compliance with key control—something never before possible in retirement accounts.You'll also hear about Unchained's Legacy Project, which supports education, development, and philanthropy in the Bitcoin ecosystem. As ETFs and institutions move in, Unchained keeps its sights set on empowering individual holders to truly own their financial future.Learn more at https://www.unchained.com/Show LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube
Are government shutdowns good for Bitcoin?FEATURING:Vlad Costea (https://x.com/thevladcostea)Dan Eve (https://x.com/cryptopoly)Thomas Hunt (https://twitter.com/MadBitcoins)THIS WEEK: ———Bitcoin is getting a shutdown boost. More money could rotate into the crypto and out of goldhttps://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/01/bitcoin-is-getting-a-shutdown-boost-more-money-could-rotate-into-the-crypto-and-out-of-gold.htmlSource: CNBCDow rallies 500 points to record as Wall Street looks past shutdown fears: Live updateshttps://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/02/stock-market-today-live-updates.htmlSource: CNBCWalmart-backed fintech OnePay is bringing crypto to its banking app, sources sayhttps://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/03/walmart-onepay-is-rolling-out-crypto-to-mobile-banking-app.htmlSource: CNBCBitcoin Price Prediction: Could BTC Price Reach $10,000,000 By 2040https://coincentral.com/bitcoin-price-prediction-could-btc-price-reach-10000000-by-2040/Source: Coincentral—-BlackRock Files for Bitcoin Yield ETF as IBIT Sequelhttps://bitbo.io/news/blackrock-bitcoin-yield-etf/Source: Bit BoICE raids bitcoin mine in Pyote, Texashttps://blockspace.media/insight/ice-raids-bitcoin-mine-in-pyote-texas/Source: BlockspaceToday over $1.4B has been returned to more than 100K people from the FTX estate, with @krakenfx helping to make that possible.https://twitter.com/arjunsethi/status/1973113239602139513?s=46Source: Twitter | @arjunsethiJUST IN: Bitcoin Core has undeprecated the datacarrier and datacarriersize config options.This means node operators retain precise control over OP_RETURN transactions, deciding whether to relay them and how much data they can carry.https://twitter.com/bitcoinnewscom/status/1973168217763074555?s=46Source: Twitter | @BitcoinNewsCom________________________________________________________________World Crypto Networkhttps://www.worldcryptonetwork.com/On This Day in World Crypto Network Historyhttps://www.worldcryptonetwork.com/onthisday/---------------------------------------------------------------------------Please Subscribe to our Youtube Channelhttps://m.youtube.com/channel/UCR9gdpWisRwnk_k23GsHf
SummaryIn this conversation, Adam Back, and Matt Odell discuss the critical importance of self-custody in Bitcoin management, especially in light of past events like FTX. They explore the nuances of custody solutions for both individuals and businesses, emphasizing the need for secure practices and the balance between self-custody and third-party risks. The discussion also touches on treasury management for large companies and the emerging demand for proof of reserves to enhance operational security.TakeawaysSelf-custody is essential for protecting assets.The phrase 'not your keys, not your coins' highlights the importance of ownership.Small businesses can benefit from adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset.Multi-sig solutions provide enhanced security for large organizations.Proof of reserves can increase confidence in custodial services.Operational security is a significant concern for companies managing Bitcoin.Single sig custody is sufficient for many individuals.Backup strategies should include fireproof and offsite storage.The recovery process for Bitcoin can be user-friendly.The industry is evolving towards better custody solutions.KeywordsBitcoin, self-custody, asset protection, treasury management, proof of reserves, multi-sig, custody solutions, small business, large companies, operational security
Gaius, CEO of The Vault and founder of The Library, joins the show to discuss why long-term thinking beats trading in crypto. We dive into community validators, surviving the post-FTX downturn, why Solana's developer culture is its secret weapon, and the case for staking over speculation. Plus: token economics that actually reward holders, the maturation of the Solana ecosystem, and why ignoring the noise might be your best strategy.All the links: linktr.ee/solanaweeklyConnect with Gaius:The VaultThe LibraryTwitter Get full access to The Dramas of Thomas Bahamas at thomasbahamas.substack.com/subscribe
When the cryptocurrency exchange FTX imploded, customers around the world lost access to their money. Founder Sam Bankman-Fried was convicted of fraud and sent to prison. But the story didn't stop there. For the past three years, FTX has been in bankruptcy, a legal process that determines who will be paid back and how much they'll receive. From the start, some customers and FTX insiders have criticized the bankruptcy. Legal experts and a bipartisan group of senators objected to the law firm tapped to run it, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. But the bankruptcy court and an independent examiner signed off on the firm's appointment as lead counsel. This year, customers are receiving compensation for their losses, but many say they're being shortchanged. Instead of being paid in cryptocurrency, they're receiving cash, with their claims pegged to the value of crypto when the market was at an all-time low. “Under this plan, my contractual rights and my ownership rights have been trampled; my property rights have been disregarded,” says Lidia Favario, an Italian artist who argued in court that customers should be repaid in crypto, not cash.This week on Reveal, in the second part of our series on FTX, we examine the decisions that shaped what's become one of the most expensive bankruptcies in US history. Read the FTX bankruptcy estate's on-the-record statement to Reveal. Support Reveal's journalism at Revealnews.org/donatenow Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the scoop on new episodes at Revealnews.org/weekly Connect with us on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
My guest today is Max Kei, former private banker and founder of Debifi, the world's largest non-custodial Bitcoin-backed lending platform for institutions. With over a decade in private banking and deep experience building peer-to-peer Bitcoin infrastructure at Hodl Hodl and launching the Baltic Honeybadger conference, Max has become a leading voice on how Bitcoin will reshape global finance. In this episode, he explains why banks will adapt to Bitcoin rather than be destroyed by it, how Switzerland is quietly becoming the prototype for Bitcoin-banking integration, and why non-custodial finance is essential to prevent the next FTX-style collapse. We explore the tradeoffs between custodial and non-custodial systems, the security advantages of three-of-four multisig for institutional loans, and why stablecoins act as both a lifeline in emerging markets and a gateway to a full Bitcoin standard. ► If you got value, please like, comment, share, follow and support my work. Thank you!-- SPONSORS --→ Get your TREZOR wallet & accessories, with a 5% discount, using my code at checkout (get my discount code from the episode - yep, you'll have to watch it): https://affil.trezor.io/SHUn → Shield your bitcoin with time-delayed transactions over multisig with BitVault: https://bit.ly/bitvault_efrat → Have you tried mining bitcoin? Stack sats directly to your wallet while saving on taxes with Abundant Mines: https://abundantmines.com/efrat/ – AFFILIATES –→ Get 10% off on Augmented NAC, with the code YCXKQDK2 via this link: https://store.augmentednac.com/?via=efrat (Note, this is not medical advice and you should consult your MD)→ Watch “New Totalitarian Order” conference with Prof. Mattias Desmet & Efrat - code EFRAT for 10% off: https://efenigson.gumroad.com/l/desmet_efrat → Get a second citizenship and a plan B to relocate to another country with Expat Money, leave your details for a follow up: https://expatmoney.com/efrat → Join me in any of these upcoming events: https://www.efrat.blog/p/upcoming-events -- LINKS –Max's Twitter: https://x.com/keidunm Efrat's Twitter: https://twitter.com/efenigsonEfrat's Channels: https://linktr.ee/efenigsonWatch/listen on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/yourethevoiceSupport Efrat's work: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/efenigson Support Efrat with Bitcoin: https://geyser.fund/project/efenigson-- CHAPTERS –00:00 - Coming Up01:20 - Introduction to Max Kai: Bitcoin Pioneer04:50 - Baltic Honey Badger Conference Origins10:27 - Ad Break: Trezor & BitVault11:50 - Bitcoin's Community Ethos, Mission & Conferences19:00 - Max' Intro to Bitcoin Through A Client 20:50 - Gradually Moving From Fiat To Bitcoin30:40 - When Will Banking Join Bitcoin?32:53 - Switzerland's Role in Bitcoin Banking38:03 - Rehypothication, Non-Custodial, Multisig Solutions42:01 - Flexible Lending Platforms & Security Measures56:13 - Max's Take On Stablecoins: A Bridge to Bitcoin1:08:18 - Max Motivations, Aspiration & Hope
More To The Story: The growth of crypto—decentralized digital currency that doesn't rely on the backing of a bank or government—is one of the most transformative financial developments of the 21st century. And yet cryptocurrencies still baffle so many. How risky of an investment is it? Where do I buy it? And, wait, what is crypto again? On this week's More To The Story, host Al Letson sits down with independent journalist Molly White for some answers. She examines the growth of cryptocurrency in the US, how digital currencies have begun permeating American politics, and the extreme risks and rewards of investing in crypto as the Trump administration is deregulating the industry. White also recounts the epic rise and fall of FTX, the cryptocurrency exchange started by Sam Bankman-Fried, who was convicted of fraud in 2023. FTX's collapse and ensuing bankruptcy is the focus of Reveal's new two-part series, The Secret Story of FTX's Rise and Ruin.Producer: Josh Sanburn | Editor: Kara McGuirk-Allison | Theme music: Fernando Arruda and Jim Briggs | Copy editor: Nikki Frick | Deputy executive producer: Taki Telonidis | Executive producer: Brett Myers | Executive editor: James West | Host: Al Letson Donate today at Revealnews.org/more Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at Revealnews.org/weekly Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky Listen: The Secret Story of FTX's Rise and Ruin Part 1 (Reveal)Read: Hodl Be Thy Name: My Adventures With Bitcoin's True Believers (Mother Jones)Learn more: Follow the CryptoRead: Crypto: The Currency of the (Uninhabitable) Future (Mother Jones) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Visa's quietly building its stablecoin moat Hopium from Wicked UK govt's 61000 BTC dilemma FTX repayment begins, what does this mean for bitcoin?Actual Bitcoin Treasuries: https://permissibles.com/Bitcoin Rights Bill? Coldcards New feature 5 dollar wrench attacks getting harderKYC free VPN paid in lightning ✔️ Sources: ► https://investor.visa.com/news/news-details/2025/Visa-Direct-Taps-Stablecoins-to-Unlock-Faster-Funding-for-Businesses/default.aspx► https://x.com/w_s_bitcoin/status/1972964871865286849?s=52&t=CKH2brGypO5fEYTgQ-EFhQ► https://x.com/bitcoinnewscom/status/1973004908941959240?s=52&t=CKH2brGypO5fEYTgQ-EFhQ► https://x.com/SaniExp/status/1972987893460459636► https://x.com/btc_archive/status/1973017566894329943?s=52&t=CKH2brGypO5fEYTgQ-EFhQ► https://x.com/lewis_brackpool/status/1973069094241927551?s=52&t=CKH2brGypO5fEYTgQ-EFhQ► https://x.com/btc_archive/status/1973124933468197237?s=52&t=CKH2brGypO5fEYTgQ-EFhQ► https://x.com/btc_archive/status/1973045880023310714?s=52&t=CKH2brGypO5fEYTgQ-EFhQ► https://x.com/jack/status/1973044697930285406?s=52&t=CKH2brGypO5fEYTgQ-EFhQ► https://x.com/COLDCARDwallet/status/1972996189625659603►TABCONF TICKETS HERE: https://7.tabconf.com/✔️ Check out Our Bitcoin Only Sponsors!► https://archemp.co/Discover the pinnacle of precision engineering. Our very first product, the bitcoin logo wall clock, is meticulously machined in Maine from a solid block of aerospace-grade aluminum, ensuring unparalleled durability and performance. We don't compromise on quality – no castings, just solid, high-grade material. Our state-of-the-art CNC machining center achieves tolerances of 1/1000th of an inch, guaranteeing a perfect fit and finish every time. Invest in a product built to last, with the exacting standards you deserve.► Join Our telegram: https://t.me/theplebunderground#Bitcoin #crypto #cryptocurrency #dailybitcoinnews #memecoins The information provided by Pleb Underground ("we," "us," or "our") on Youtube.com (the "Site") our show is for general informational purposes only. All information on the show is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL WE HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THE SHOW OR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SHOW. YOUR USE OF THE SHOW AND YOUR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION ON THE SHOW IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
In this episode of the Crypto 101 Rundown, Brendan and Tevo discuss the current state of the crypto market, highlighting a recent rally in prices and the transition from a historically poor performance in September to a more favorable outlook for October and November. They analyze Bitcoin's technical indicators, market sentiment, and the performance of altcoins, while also delving into the implications of upcoming ETF approvals and institutional interest from firms like BlackRock and Tether. The conversation wraps up with insights on the FTX bankruptcy and its potential impact on market liquidity.Efani Sim Swap Protection: Get $99 Off: http://efani.com/crypto101Check out Plus500: https://plus500.comCheck out Gemini Exchange: https://gemini.com/cardThe Gemini Credit Card is issued by WebBank. In order to qualify for the $200 crypto intro bonus, you must spend $3,000 in your first 90 days. Terms Apply. Some exclusions apply to instant rewards in which rewards are deposited when the transaction posts. This content is not investment advice and trading crypto involves risk. For more details on rates, fees, and other cost information, see Rates & Fees. The Gemini Credit Card may not be used to make gambling-related purchases.Get immediate access to my entire crypto portfolio for just $1.00 today! https://www.crypto101insider.com/cryptnation-directm6pypcy1?utm_source=Internal&utm_medium=YouTube&utm_content=Podcast&utm_term=DescriptionGet your FREE copy of "Crypto Revolution" and start making big profits from buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrency today: http://www.cryptorevolution.com/free?utm_source=Internal&utm_medium=YouTube&utm_content=Podcast&utm_term=DescriptionChapters0:00 Intro16:45 M2 Money Supply19:00 ETF Update from Bloomberg Intelligence23:00 Crypto is the SEC Number 1 priority25:00 Stable Coin Update from Coinbase CEO26:00 Aero DEX rolls out on Coinbase29:00 Tether Buys Bitcoin32:00 Blackrock Moves Bitcoin and Ethereum34:00 FTX Creditors to distribute $5 BILLION MERCH STOREhttps://cryptorevolutionmerch.com/Subscribe to YouTube for Exclusive Content:https://www.youtube.com/@crypto101podcast?sub_confirmation=1Follow us on social media for leading-edge crypto updates and trade alerts:https://twitter.com/Crypto101Podhttps://instagram.com/crypto_101*This is NOT financial, tax, or legal advice*Boardwalk Flock LLC. All Rights Reserved ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Fog by DIZARO https://soundcloud.com/dizarofrCreative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0 Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/Fog-DIZAROMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/lAfbjt_rmE8▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
FTX victims finally get some relief! The question is whether this is going straight into bitcoin or completely leaving the market?► Bitcoin Well: bitcoinwell.com/simplybtc► Ledn: https://learn.ledn.io/simplySimply Bitcoin clients get 0.25% off their first loan► SAT123: https://sat123.com/simplybitcoinUse code SIMPLY for 15% off► Stamp Seed: www.stampseed.comPROMO CODE: SIMPLY for a 15% discount► HIVE Digital Technologies: hivedigitaltech.com► Casa: casa.io/simplyPROMO CODE: SIMPLY for 5% OFF your first year of Casa Standard or Premium ► BitcoinBen: bitcoinben.ioFOLLOW US► https://twitter.com/SimplyBitcoinTV► https://twitter.com/bitvolt► https://twitter.com/Optimistfields► Nostr: npub1vzjukpr2vrxqg2m9q3a996gpzx8qktg82vnl9jlxp7a9yawnwxfsqnx9gcJOIN OUR TELEGRAM, GIVE US A MEME TO REVIEW!► https://t.me/SimplyBitcoinTVSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE► https://bit.ly/3QbgqTQSUPPORT US► On-Chain: bc1qpm5j7wsnk46l2ukgpm7w3deesx2mdrzcgun6ms► Lightning: simplybitcoin@walletofsatoshi.com#bitcoin #bitcoinnews #simplybitcoinDISCLAIMER: All views in this episode are our own and DO NOT reflect the views of any of our guests or sponsors.Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. If you are or represent the copyright owner of materials used in this video and have a problem with the use of said material, please contact Simply Bitcoin.
John, VP of Product at Horizen Labs, breaks down how Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) shift us from “trust” to “zero doubt.” We cover what ZK is (with an intuitive cave/password analogy), why ZK rollups matter, and how ZK Verify aims to be a dedicated, hyper-efficient proof-verification blockchain (think “B2B chain” living behind apps). We discuss tradeoffs (security/decentralization/throughput), SNARKs vs STARKs, real use cases (logins, proof of personhood, high-frequency trading privacy), why some things are over-hyped (prediction markets), and what's next (mainnet, grants, API tools, and massive proof scalability). If you care about scaling Web3 without sacrificing trustlessness, this one's for you.Timestamps[00:00] John's path from banking product to ZK & Horizen Labs[00:03] What Horizen Labs builds; the through-line of ZK across products[00:05] ZK explained: proving without revealing (the cave & secret door)[00:08] Why ZK rollups: decongesting Ethereum and lowering gas[00:10] ZK Verify: a dedicated chain for proof verification (Celestia-style specialization)[00:13] Product vision: mainnet, throughput, efficiency; exploring more of the ZK stack[00:14] Who uses it: “B2B blockchain” for high-volume proofs (DEX/HFT, logins, identity)[00:16] The trilemma still exists; where ZK helps and where tradeoffs remain[00:18] SNARKs vs STARKs; trusted setups & security nuance[00:21] Scaling challenges: fast-moving ZK landscape; substrate upgrades; mainstream timing[00:24] Adoption: UX, stablecoins, institutions, and avoiding another FTX moment[00:31] “Zero doubt” > “trust”: why ZK removes the need to trust[00:32] Most over-hyped now? Prediction markets (and a caveat)[00:36] Roadmap: capacity, aggregation, sample apps, grants, dev onboarding[00:40] Ask: builders, followers, grant applicants, API usersConnecthttps://horizenlabs.io/https://www.linkedin.com/company/horizenlabs/https://x.com/horizenlabshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/johncamardo/https://x.com/john_camardoDisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/
How much of the mania is inherent to crypto and how much is just SBF? Cryptomania: Hype, Hope, and the Fall of FTX's Billion-Dollar Fintech Empire By: Andrew R. Chow Published: 2024 416 Pages Briefly, what is this book about? The 2020-2022 crypto boom. Three groups stand out. The scammers, as represented by Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF). The idealists, as represented by Vitalik Buterin and the victims as represented by African NFT artist Owo Anieti. What's the author's angle? Chow definitely thinks that there was a crypto bubble that popped in 2022 with the implosion of FTX. Whether he thinks crypto is a bubble in its entirety is less clear. He's definitely not a crypto booster. Who should read this book? I mostly read it to partake in some schadenfreude at SBF's expense. It delivered on that. If you have similar desires I would recommend it, but it also did a great job of outlining the craziness of that era. What Black Swans does it reveal? The collapse of FTX played out over a much shorter time period than the collapse of, say, Enron or Lehman Brothers. If crypto gets more entrenched into the world's financial system while maintaining this quality of rapid volatility, that would be bad. Specific thoughts: Owo vs. SBF
Sam Bankman-Fried was once called the “crypto king.” But in November 2022, his company, FTX, imploded within a matter of days. All around the world, customers of the cryptocurrency exchange were suddenly cut off from their money. “I tried to withdraw an amount, you know, and it would spin and say, your, your withdrawal is pending,” says Tareq Morad, an investor from Canada. “I remember myself doing that around 7, 8 o'clock at night, checking back, going to look: Okay, did it go through? Did it go through? No. No. No.”Meanwhile, inside the company, employees were panicking. “All that we were told was there's been a run on the bank and, somehow, money is missing and we don't know who to trust,” remembers Caroline Papadopoulos, part of FTX's accounting leadership at the time. This week on Reveal, through prison interviews with Bankman-Fried, his parents, FTX insiders, and customers, we take you through the frantic week of FTX's collapse and the controversial and less well-known bankruptcy that followed. At a cost of nearly $1 billion, it has become one of the most expensive in history. Support Reveal's journalism at Revealnews.org/donatenow Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the scoop on new episodes at Revealnews.org/weekly Connect with us on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Crypto News: XRP and DOGE ETFs Smash Records with $54.7M combined Day-One volume. The first XRP backed Stablecoin launched by Enosys, a friendly fork of Liquity V2 by Liquity Protocol, deployed on the Flare Networks.Show Sponsor - ✅ VeChain is a versatile enterprise-grade L1 smart contract platform https://www.vechain.org/
Want the 9 investment principles guide? Get it here: https://clickhubspot.com/rhs Episode 747: Shaan Puri ( https://x.com/ShaanVP ) and Shaan Puri ( https://x.com/ShaanVP ) talk to Thomas Braziel ( https://x.com/thomasbraziel ) about distress investing. — Show Notes: (0:00) Distressed investing 101 (6:06) FTX deal details (25:59) First, Best, Worst, Weirdest (33:27) Shop Madison not Canal (34:27) Your first decade is tuition (38:25) Where Tom puts his cash (41:46) A position well bought is already half sold (43:35) The ugly side (46:24) How to handle public controversy (55:42) Recommended reading (59:33) E.P. Taylor — Check Out Shaan's Stuff: • Shaan's weekly email - https://www.shaanpuri.com • Visit https://www.somewhere.com/mfm to hire worldwide talent like Shaan and get $500 off for being an MFM listener. Hire developers, assistants, marketing pros, sales teams and more for 80% less than US equivalents. • Mercury - Need a bank for your company? Go check out Mercury (mercury.com). Shaan uses it for all of his companies! Mercury is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Column, N.A., and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC — Check Out Sam's Stuff: • Hampton - https://www.joinhampton.com/ • Ideation Bootcamp - https://www.ideationbootcamp.co/ • Copy That - https://copythat.com • Hampton Wealth Survey - https://joinhampton.com/wealth • Sam's List - http://samslist.co/ My First Million is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by HubSpot Media // Production by Arie Desormeaux // Editing by Ezra Bakker Trupiano
** Tuesday evening, Bob will join our weekly online gathering where we'll listen to the podcast together and discuss. Bring your questions for him. September 9 at 8pm ET/5pm PT. Use this link to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1HA3nd_5QFSFzBe_cGiHpw This is Bob Hockett's 12th visit to Macro N Cheese. Back in 2022, in an episode discussing the collapse of the major crypto exchange platform FTX, Bob gave us a useful rule of thumb: “The irony is that in every one of these cases there is a clue in the name of the product in question that ought to warn you. If it's called a junk bond, there's a reason for that word “junk” being used. And if it's called a subprime mortgage loan... there's a reason for that “subprime” term. Similarly with cryptocurrency or crypto assets, one of the most ironical names ever conceived for this kind of product. If the word “crypto” comes into it, then that's a pretty good tip-off that there's something non-transparent about it, that there's something opaque and occluded and difficult to understand.” Hmmm... today's topic is the GENIUS Act. What meaning should we take from that name? In this episode, Bob and Steve talk about the newly-passed GENIUS Act whose stated purpose is regulation of the stablecoin industry, bringing the shadow banking industry into the light and out of the, um, shadows. The discussion looks at the flawed premise of private stablecoins and the real motives behind the push. Far from preventing instability and fraud, promotion of stablecoin aligns with a libertarian ideology (a la Hayek) that seeks to denationalize currency and privatize money. From a Modern Monetary Theory perspective, the implications are alarming. It merits a discussion of the role of the state. The GENIUS Act is a dangerous distraction. A Trojan Horse. Robert C. Hockett is the Edward Cornell Professor of Law at Cornell Law School. His principal teaching, research, and writing interests lie in the fields of organizational, financial, and monetary law and economics His forthcoming and recent books are: World Money (Yale 2026); A Republic of Producers (Yale 2025); Making Capital Democratic (Polity 2025); Spread the Fed (Palgrave 2025); The Citizens' Ledger (Palgrave 2022); Democratizing Finance (Verso 2022); Money from Nothing (Melville House 2020); Financing the Green New Deal (Palgrave 2020). @rch371 on X
Get ready for an unmissable episode of Joe Untamed today! We're sitting down with Bradley Birkenfeld, the world's most famous financial whistleblower and author of Lucifer's Banker UNCENSORED. Bradley blew the lid off UBS, exposing how the world's biggest bank helped the ultra-wealthy commit billions in tax fraud and shattered Swiss banking secrecy. Today, he brings his insider knowledge straight to you, showing how the same patterns of corruption could still exist in today's banking and crypto worlds. We'll dive deep into Wall Street, Washington, and the modern financial frontier—crypto. Bradley will break down how banks and government officials may still shield corruption, why whistleblowers often face the brunt of the system, and whether exchanges like FTX are repeating history in new digital forms. His expert insights will give you a rare behind-the-scenes look at finance, uncovering risks and revealing what ordinary Americans need to know to protect themselves. And it's not just finance—Joe Untamed will also cover the breaking news shaking the nation, including the shocking Minneapolis church shooting. This episode is packed with eye-opening analysis, urgent issues, and actionable knowledge that you won't hear anywhere else. Tune in today to stay informed, understand the hidden forces shaping our world, and hear it straight from the experts!
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