CoinDesk Podcast Network

Defense lawyer Sam Enzer says Sam Bankman-Fried’s testimony had evasive answers and non-sequiturs—but that the defense may now have a good argument for appeal.

Sam Enzer, a partner at the law firm Cahill Gordon & Reindel, told Laura that former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried did about as well as he could in his testimony Friday but that he was unlikely “to withstand the scrutiny” of what prosecutors have already said will be a robust cross-examination when he takes the stand Monday. 

Enzer noted that Bankman-Fried’s attempts to explain why he thought his trading shop, Alameda Research, could borrow billions in dollars of FTX customer assets “defies common sense,” and that the company’s own terms of agreement or any other communications offered no justification for this belief. A Thursday hearing without the jury present, in which the defense gave a preview of some arguments it wanted to make, ended up giving the government answers from SBF that it can now use against him. Enzer also said that Bankman-Fried’s contention that his biggest mistake – a failure to implement proper risk management – did not constitute criminal fraud, did not address the core of the government’s case; namely, that he lied about how FTX was handling customer deposits. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Show highlights:

Thank you to our sponsors! | Crypto.com | Arbitrum Foundation | LayerZero | Popcorn Network

Guest | 

Sam Enzer, partner at Cahill Gordon & Reindel.

Previous appearances on Unchained: 

Another Bad Week for Sam Bankman-Fried in His Criminal Trial – Ep. 558

Why These Lawyers Say It's Over for SBF-But His Only Hail Mary Is to Testify

SBF Trial: How Sam Bankman-Fried’s Lawyers Might Try and Win His Case

SBF’s Lawyers Could Be Annoying the Judge. How Might That Impact the Trial?

Links | 

Previous coverage by Unchained on the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried:

How Heated Sidebars During the SBF Trial Could Impact the Jury’s Decision

SBF Trial, Day 1: Possible Witnesses Include FTX Insiders, Big Names in Crypto, and SBF’s Family

SBF Trial, Day 2: DOJ Says Sam Bankman-Fried ‘Lied’ While Defense Claims His Actions Were ‘Reasonable’

SBF Trial, Day 3: Why a True Believer in FTX Flipped Once He Learned One Fact

SBF Trial, Day 4: SBF’s Lawyers Annoy Judge Kaplan, While Wang Reveals Alameda’s Special Privileges

Sam Bankman-Fried Trial: Here's Everything That Happened So Far

SBF Trial, Day 5: SBF's Defense Finally Found Its Legs, But Can It Counter Caroline Ellison?

SBF Trial, Day 6: Caroline Ellison Recalls 'The Worst Week of My Life'

SBF Trial, Day 7: In SBF Trial, Did the Defense Lose Its Opportunity With the Star Witness?

SBF Trial, Day 8: Former BlockFi CEO Adds Credibility to Fraud Charges 

SBF Trial, Day 9: Nishad Singh Describes Former FTX CEO as a Bully and Big Spender

SBF Trial, Day 10: Defense Struggles to Discredit Nishad Singh's Testimony

SBF Trial, Day 11: How Alameda Got FTX Into a $9 Billion Hole

SBF Trial, Day 12: Former FTX General Counsel Speaks Out Against SBF

SBF Trial, Day 13: Before Judge, Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried Gives Few Straight Answers

SBF Trial, Day 14: Sam Bankman-Fried Casts Blame on Others for Key Decisions at FTX

Did Sam Bankman-Fried Have Intent to Defraud FTX Investors?

Good Morning America: FTX's Sam Bankman-Fried on crypto giant's collapse: 'A lot of people got hurt. And that's on me'

Unchained Podcast is Produced by Laura Shin Media, LLC. Distributed by CoinDesk. Senior Producer is Michele Musso and Executive Producer is Jared Schwartz. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Noelle Acheson, the mind behind the Crypto Is Macro Now newsletter, explores crypto funds, crypto integrating with finance outside the U.S. and some big-name hedge fund support.

Today's episode is sponsored by CME Group.

To get the show every day, follow the podcast here.

Today’s Stories:

Digital Asset Fund Flows | October 30th 2023 

Crypto Funds See Largest Inflow in 15 Months, With Bitcoin, Solana Leading Rally: CoinShares 

Thailand’s Kasikorn Bank Buys Majority Stake in Satang Crypto Exchange for $103M 

Thailand's KBank Starts $100M Fund Targeting AI and Web3 

Robin Hood NYC 2023 Fireside Chat Stan Druckenmiller and Paul Tudor Jones 

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From our sponsors:

CME Group Cryptocurrency futures and options provide market-leading liquidity for bitcoin and ether trading. These cash-settled contracts give full exposure to crypto performance without the hassle of holding the physical position. No digital wallet? No problem. Trade nearly 24/7 in a transparent, CFTC-regulated market. Visit cmegroup.com/crypto to learn more.

Disclaimer:

This communication is not directed to investors located in any particular jurisdiction and is not intended to be accessed by recipients based in jurisdictions in which distribution is not permitted. The information herein should not be considered investment advice or the results of actual market experience. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Trading derivatives products involves the risk of loss. Please consider carefully whether futures or options are appropriate to your financial situation.

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This episode was hosted by Noelle Acheson. “Markets Daily” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl. All original music by Doc Blust and Colin Mealey.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon relentlessly cross-examined Bankman-Fried, highlighting his inconsistencies and evoking exasperated responses as she aimed to prove him an unreliable narrator.

Link to story: Sam Bankman-Fried Grilled by Prosecutor, Who Points Out Contradictions in His Testimony

Sign up for The SBF Trial Newsletter

Credits: Danny Nelson, Marc Hochstein, Nikhilesh De and Wondercraft AI Voice

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Ron Friedman, VP of Mattel Future Lab, joins us to share how Mattel is bringing iconic toy brands into the digital future through a human-centered approach to innovation.

Today's episode is sponsored by Chainalysis.

Ron Friedman of Mattel Future Lab shares his perspective on the importance of brand authenticity, mainstream accessibility and leveraging Web3 tech to reimagine play. He shares Mattel's vision for pioneering the future while staying true to their mission of connecting people. We talk about iconic brands like Hot Wheels and Barbie and how the brand is continuously looking to evolve these beloved entities.

Links mentioned from the podcast: 

Follow us on Twitter: 

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From our sponsor:

Chainalysis is the blockchain data platform. We provide data, software, services, and research to government agencies, web3 companies, financial institutions, and insurance and cybersecurity companies. Our data powers investigation, compliance, and business intelligence software that has been used to solve some of the world’s most high-profile criminal cases. For more information, visit www.chainalysis.com.

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"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Uyen Truong. Our theme music is "1882” by omgkirby x Channel Tres with editing by Doc Blust. Artwork by Nicole Marie Rincon.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Noelle Acheson, the mind behind the Crypto Is Macro Now newsletter, explores market moves, consumer expectations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and more.

Today's episode is sponsored by CME Group.

Today’s Stories:

Overdue: Statement of Dissent on LBRY 

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From our sponsors:

CME Group Cryptocurrency futures and options provide market-leading liquidity for bitcoin and ether trading. These cash-settled contracts give full exposure to crypto performance without the hassle of holding the physical position. No digital wallet? No problem. Trade nearly 24/7 in a transparent, CFTC-regulated market. Visit cmegroup.com/crypto to learn more.

Disclaimer:

This communication is not directed to investors located in any particular jurisdiction and is not intended to be accessed by recipients based in jurisdictions in which distribution is not permitted. The information herein should not be considered investment advice or the results of actual market experience. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Trading derivatives products involves the risk of loss. Please consider carefully whether futures or options are appropriate to your financial situation.

-

This episode was hosted by Noelle Acheson. “Markets Daily” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl. All original music by Doc Blust and Colin Mealey.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sam Bankman-Fried took the stand in his criminal trial to present his case, emphasizing that FTX and Alameda Research's problems stemmed from errors, a lack of dedicated risk management, and mistakes made by key lieutenants rather than deliberate fraud on his part. During the testimony, Bankman-Fried questioned the accuracy of key witnesses' statements and described misunderstandings and differences in interpretation regarding certain events and financial practices related to the case.

Link to story: Sam Bankman-Fried Throws Caroline Ellison Under Bus in Testimony

Sign up for The SBF Trial Newsletter

Credits: Kevin Reynolds, Nikhilesh De and Wondercraft AI Voice

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Even comprehensive crypto legislation won’t stop people from making bad investment decisions, says EY's blockchain leader Paul Brody.

Today's episode is sponsored by CME Group.

To get the show every day, follow the podcast here.

Today’s featured story is an opinion piece from Paul Brody, titled: “Regulatory Clarity Won’t Bring an End to Crypto Risk.”

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From our sponsors:

CME Group Cryptocurrency futures and options provide market-leading liquidity for bitcoin and

ether trading. These cash-settled contracts give full exposure to crypto performance without the

hassle of holding the physical position. No digital wallet? No problem. Trade nearly 24/7 in a

transparent, CFTC-regulated market. Visit cmegroup.com/crypto to learn more.

Disclaimer:

This communication is not directed to investors located in any particular jurisdiction and is not

intended to be accessed by recipients based in jurisdictions in which distribution is not

permitted. The information herein should not be considered investment advice or the results of

actual market experience. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance.

Trading derivatives products involves the risk of loss. Please consider carefully whether futures

or options are appropriate to your financial situation.

-

This episode was hosted by Noelle Acheson. “Markets Daily” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl. All original music by Doc Blust and Colin Mealey. This episode used WondercraftAI voice.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CoinDesk Indices presents three notable market movement highlights from last week and additional commentary. 

Today's episode is sponsored by CME Group.

To get the show every day, follow the podcast here.

The CoinDesk Market Index (CMI) functions as a benchmark for the performance of the digital asset market, delivering institutional quality information to digital asset investors. Today’s takeaways are provided by Tracy Stephens of CoinDesk Indices with additional analysis from David Attermann Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Omnichain Capital.

For more on the CMI, you can visit: http://coindeskmarkets.com/

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From our sponsors:

CME Group Cryptocurrency futures and options provide market-leading liquidity for bitcoin and ether trading. These cash-settled contracts give full exposure to crypto performance without the hassle of holding the physical position. No digital wallet? No problem. Trade nearly 24/7 in a transparent, CFTC-regulated market. Visit cmegroup.com/crypto to learn more.

Disclaimer:

This communication is not directed to investors located in any particular jurisdiction and is not intended to be accessed by recipients based in jurisdictions in which distribution is not permitted. The information herein should not be considered investment advice or the results of actual market experience. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Trading derivatives products involves the risk of loss. Please consider carefully whether futures or options are appropriate to your financial situation.

-

This episode was hosted by Noelle Acheson. “Markets Daily” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Michele Musso. All original music by Doc Blust and Colin Mealey.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alex Thorn, head of research at Galaxy, sees inflows to spot bitcoin ETFs reaching more than $14 billion in the first year after a potential SEC approval and the price of bitcoin spiking to $47,000. He also sees approval of these products possibly occurring this year. 

In a recent report, Alex Thorn, head of research at Galaxy, predicted that inflows to spot bitcoin ETFs would rise above $14 billion in the first year following the potential approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission of multiple applications the agency is considering. Thorn called the availability of this product significant because it will give financial advisors and wealth managers accessibility to digital assets in a way that will be acceptable to clients seeking exposure to crypto. He also believes approval of a spot BTC ETF could occur this year before the holidays and draws comparisons between Bitcoin and gold as investment products. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Show highlights | 

Thank you to our sponsors!  Crypto.com  | Arbitrum Foundation | Popcorn Network

Guest | 

Alex Thorn, head of firmwide research at Galaxy

Links | 

Previous coverage of Unchained on spot Bitcoin ETFs:

Why a Spot Bitcoin ETF Will Probably Launch No Later Than January 10

Why It Looks Like BlackRock Could Win America’s First Spot Bitcoin ETF

The Chopping Block: Are We Back? The 'Low IQ' Response to the Potential Spot Bitcoin ETF

Unchained: 

Bitcoin Soars Past $35,000 Amid Spot ETF Optimism

Bitcoin ETFs Explained: What Are They & How Do They Work?

CoinDesk:

 BlackRock Bitcoin ETF in August Got on DTCC Site That Just Belatedly Moved Markets

12 spot bitcoin ETFs in consideration by the SEC

Galaxy: 

Sizing the Market for a Bitcoin ETF

Alex’s thread drawing out highlights from the report

Alex’s thread on the potential for a “gamma squeeze”

CoinShares Digital Asset Funds Flow Weekly

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Unchained Podcast is Produced by Laura Shin Media, LLC.  Distributed by CoinDesk. Senior Producer is Michele Musso and Executive Producer is Jared Schwartz. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Noelle Acheson, the mind behind the Crypto Is Macro Now newsletter, explores crypto performance, US GDP, and the market impact of the ongoing trial….you know the one.

Today's episode is sponsored by CME Group.

To get the show every day, follow the podcast here.

Today’s Stories:

Bitcoin Surges to All-Time Highs in Turkey and Nigeria

Bitcoin (BTC) - USDT - Money flow, trading volume by exchange and total volume over time.

LIVE: Sam Bankman-Fried Tells Jurors: I Made 'Mistakes' at FTX, and 'a Lot of People Got Hurt'

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From our sponsors:

CME Group Cryptocurrency futures and options provide market-leading liquidity for bitcoin and ether trading. These cash-settled contracts give full exposure to crypto performance without the hassle of holding the physical position. No digital wallet? No problem. Trade nearly 24/7 in a transparent, CFTC-regulated market. Visit cmegroup.com/crypto to learn more.

Disclaimer:

This communication is not directed to investors located in any particular jurisdiction and is not intended to be accessed by recipients based in jurisdictions in which distribution is not permitted. The information herein should not be considered investment advice or the results of actual market experience. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Trading derivatives products involves the risk of loss. Please consider carefully whether futures or options are appropriate to your financial situation.

-

This episode was hosted by Noelle Acheson. “Markets Daily” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Michele Musso. All original music by Doc Blust and Colin Mealey.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.