Sam Bankman-Fried’s Testimony

posted  27 Oct 2023
Photo - Sam Bankman-Fried’s Testimony
SBF took the stand as anticipated, but things took an unexpected turn. Judge Kaplan allowed a witness to be questioned without the jury present.

Bankman-Fried’s testimony drew the largest crowd to the courthouse seen yet.

Here are some key highlights from the trial:
  • Bankman-Fried provided responses but occasionally gave convoluted answers that frustrated the judges.
  • He believed that transferring client funds from FTX to Alameda Research was legal.
  • Sam considered it acceptable for top management at the exchange to borrow funds from Alameda Research.
  • The rules for FTX were developed by lawyers from Fenwick & West. Sam mentioned that he quickly read them, skipping some pages.

Additionally, during his testimony, Bankman-Fried faced scrutiny regarding deleted messages in Signal, a messenger used by FTX employees.