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.

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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)
Ryan Salame leaving a New York courthouse on Sept. 7, 2023. (Sam Kessler/CoinDesk)
Ex-FTX Executive Ryan Salame Could Forfeit $1.5B as Part of Guilty Plea
Salame admitted to being a "straw donor” to secretly funnel millions of dollars to Republican political candidates while Bankman-Fried donated to Democrats.
Ryan Salame leaving a New York courthouse on Sept. 7, 2023. (Sam Kessler/CoinDesk)
Air traffic controller (Beckett P/Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)
‘Sequencers’ Are Blockchain’s Air Traffic Control. Here’s Why They’re Misunderstood
Leading rollup operators are criticized for using "centralized sequencers" to package transactions and pass them down to Ethereum, but the real risks may lie elsewhere.
Air traffic controller (Beckett P/Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)
U.S. Supreme Court (Al Drago/Getty Images)
‘Ethereum Supreme Court’ Mooted by Blockchain Executive as Alternative to ‘Code Is Law’
A proposal from Matter Labs co-founder Alex Gluchowski would see a “hierarchical system of on-chain courts” arbitrate on-chain disputes.
U.S. Supreme Court (Al Drago/Getty Images)