Sam Kessler

Sam Kessler

Sam is CoinDesk's deputy managing editor for tech and protocols. His reporting is focused on decentralized technology, infrastructure and governance. Sam holds a computer science degree from Harvard University and he led the Harvard Political Review. He has a background in the technology industry and owns some ETH and BTC.

Social

Recent

SBF Trial Newsletter Graphic
No Jury Yet, but We're Getting There
No death penalty either, the judge had to reassure a prospective juror.
SBF Trial Newsletter Graphic
Sam Bankman-Fried (left) exiting a New York courthouse earlier in 2023. (Nikhilesh De/CoinDesk)
No Sam Bankman-Fried Jury Yet; Judge Expects to Cull 50 Prospects Quickly on Wednesday
Several prospective jurors revealed that they or loved ones lost money on crypto, including one whose brother was nearly ruined.
Sam Bankman-Fried (left) exiting a New York courthouse earlier in 2023. (Nikhilesh De/CoinDesk)
The Protocol 4:3
Welcome to the Protocol Podcast | Trailer
Founding editor of The Protocol Newsletter Brad Keoun is joined by tech journalists Sam Kessler and Margaux Nijkerk to walk you through the latest news and developments of the incredibly fast-moving space of the blockchain realm.
The Protocol 4:3
SBF Trial Newsletter Graphic
EmSam, Jury Questions and Another Denial for Bankman-Fried
Sam Bankman-Fried drafted a set of tweets discussing his use of an antidepressant.
SBF Trial Newsletter Graphic
The Protocol 4:3
The Protocol
Dive deep into the blockchain realm where we unravel the intricate technologies powering cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Meet your hosts: Brad Keoun, Sam Kessler, and Margaux Nijkerk…and tune in, techies!
The Protocol 4:3
Sam Bankman-Fried exiting a New York courthouse earlier this year. (Nikhilesh De/CoinDesk)
Judge Denies Temporary Release For Sam Bankman-Fried, Suggests He Could Face 'Very Long Sentence'
Bankman-Fried’s lawyers had requested that he be released for the duration of his trial to ensure that he is able to review material and speak with his counsel.
Sam Bankman-Fried exiting a New York courthouse earlier this year. (Nikhilesh De/CoinDesk)
Ethereum (ethereum.org)
The State of Staking: 5 Takeaways a Year After Ethereum's Merge
Ethereum’s switch to proof-of-stake fixed some problems, like environmental damage linked to PoW mining. But it raised new issues, including worries about centralization, MEV and censorship, say Margaux Nijkerk and Sam Kessler.
Ethereum (ethereum.org)
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Messari's Ryan Selkis (Danny Nelson/CoinDesk)
Vivek Ramaswamy Is Drafting a 'Crypto Policy Framework'
The Republican candidate is second only to Donald Trump in some polls.
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Messari's Ryan Selkis (Danny Nelson/CoinDesk)
DYdX founder Antonio Juliano. (dYdX)
'We Can't Build Something Like This on Ethereum,' Says DYdX Founder as Mainnet Nears
In an exclusive interview, Antonio Juliano, founder of dYdX (and a former Coinbase software engineer), discusses his project's move to build a new layer-1 blockchain using Cosmos technology.
DYdX founder Antonio Juliano. (dYdX)
(Héctor J. Rivas/ Unsplash)
The Protocol: The CFTC Is Cracking Down on Crypto
The move marks a contrast to its previously 'lenient' image compared to the SEC.
(Héctor J. Rivas/ Unsplash)