NEW YORK -

A second trial of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried on charges not in the cryptocurrency fraud case presented to a jury that convicted him in November is not necessary, prosecutors told a judge Friday.

Prosecutors told U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan in a letter that evidence at a second trial would duplicate evidence already shown to a jury. They also said it would ignore the "strong public interest in a prompt resolution" of the case, particularly because victims would not benefit from forfeiture or restitution orders if sentencing is delayed.

They said the judge can consider the evidence that would be used at a second trial when he sentences Bankman-Fried on March 28 for defrauding customers and investors of at least US$10 billion.

Bankman-Fried, 31, who has been incarcerated since several weeks before his trial, was convicted in early November of seven counts, including wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy and three conspiracy charges. He could face decades in prison.

Last spring, prosecutors withdrew some charges they had brought against Bankman-Fried because the charges had not been approved as part of his extradition from the Bahamas in December 2022. They said the charges could be brought at a second trial to occur sometime in 2024.

However, prosecutors at the time said that they would still present evidence to the jury at the 2023 trial about the substance of the charges.

The charges that were temporarily dropped included conspiracy to make unlawful campaign contributions, conspiracy to bribe foreign officials and two other conspiracy counts. He also was charged with securities fraud and commodities fraud.

In their letter to Kaplan, prosecutors noted that they introduced evidence about all of the dropped charges during Bankman-Fried's monthlong trial.

They said authorities in the Bahamas still have not responded to their request to bring the additional charges at a second trial.

A lawyer for Bankman-Fried declined comment.

A conviction on the additional charges would not result in a potential for a longer prison sentence for Bankman-Fried, prosecutors said.

"Proceeding with sentencing in March 2024 without the delay that would be caused by a second trial would advance the public's interest in a timely and just resolution of the case," prosecutors wrote. "The interest in avoiding delay weighs particularly heavily here, where the judgment will likely include orders of forfeiture and restitution for the victims of the defendant's crimes."

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Sam Bankman-Fried will not face a second trial - CTV News

SINGAPORE Media OutReach Newswire 29 December 2023 During a crucial period of digital transformation in the cryptocurrency market, BDCTP GLOBAL exchange has emerged as a leader in this era of change. With its innovative technology and forward-thinking ecosystem services, BDCTP GLOBAL is shaping the future of the cryptocurrency market.

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Gavin Antonopoulos said, BDCTP GLOBAL plans to further expand its range of products and services, including integrating DeFi and NFT technologies, to enhance user experience and regulatory compliance. We also aim to obtain more regulatory permissions in key markets and establish partnerships in emerging markets by the end of 2024, achieving global expansion.

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In an era filled with challenges and opportunities for digital transformation, BDCTP GLOBAL, with its continuous innovation and technological advancements, has become a significant force in the transformation of the cryptocurrency market. This visionary trading platform is shaping a more flexible, transparent, and secure cryptocurrency environment and is expected to continue leading the industry towards broader development horizons.

Hashtag: #BDCTP

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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BDCTP GLOBAL Leading the Digital Transformation of the Cryptocurrency Market - Macau Business

Table of Contents

Embarking on the journey of understanding cryptocurrencies can be as thrilling as it is challenging. With the digital currency landscape constantly evolving, keeping pace with the latest trends and innovations is vital for anyone looking to make informed decisions in this arena. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the cryptocurrency world, from the fundamentals of blockchain technology to advanced investment strategies.

It's tailored for both newcomers eager to make their first foray into digital currencies and seasoned investors looking to diversify and deepen their portfolio. Our goal is to demystify the complexities of cryptocurrencies and provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate this exciting digital frontier confidently.

Delving into the world of digital currencies, one encounters a realm where technology and finance converge in the form of cryptocurrency. This innovative form of money operates independently of traditional banking systems, utilizing blockchain technology to ensure secure and decentralized transactions.

Understanding how cryptocurrencies work involves grasping the concepts of cryptography for security, the process of mining for new coins, and the intricate workings of decentralized ledgers. This exploration provides a foundational understanding of not just what cryptocurrencies are, but also how they function in a digital economy, offering a new perspective on money in an increasingly connected and digital world.

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance, identifying the hallmarks of a trendsetting cryptocurrency is key to discerning its potential impact and longevity. Such cryptocurrencies typically exhibit innovative features, robust security protocols, and a strong community support, setting them apart in a crowded market. They often lead the way in integrating advanced technologies like smart contracts, offering improved scalability, or pioneering in areas of sustainability and governance.

Equally important is their adoption in real-world applications, from retail transactions to more niche sectors, exemplifying their versatility and user trust. As these trendsetting cryptocurrencies pave the way for new financial paradigms, their influence extends to various domains, including the burgeoning sector of online digital currency platforms, epitomized by entities like the best cryptocurrency casinos.

Bitcoin, often hailed as the original trendsetter in the cryptocurrency world, stands as a testament to the potential and resilience of digital currencies. Launched in 2009 by an enigmatic figure known as Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin introduced the world to the concept of decentralized finance through blockchain technology. Its revolutionary design eliminated the need for traditional financial intermediaries, offering a peer-to-peer system for secure, transparent transactions.

Over the years, Bitcoin has not only become a household name but has also set the standard for market value, security, and investor interest. Its role as a digital gold and a store of value continues to influence the development of new cryptocurrencies, shaping the future of finance and challenging conventional monetary systems. As Bitcoin maintains its dominance in the market, it serves as a benchmark for innovation and an anchor for stability in the volatile world of cryptocurrencies.

Ethereum, transcending its role as just another digital currency, has established itself as a pivotal platform in the cryptocurrency domain. Launched in 2015, it introduced the concept of smart contracts, self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into lines of code. This innovation expanded the use of blockchain technology far beyond mere financial transactions, enabling decentralized applications (DApps) and paving the way for a vast array of use cases, from decentralized finance (DeFi) to non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Ethereum's ability to facilitate these applications has made it a cornerstone in the blockchain community, fostering a robust ecosystem of developers and projects. As Ethereum continues to evolve with upgrades like Ethereum 2.0, which aims to enhance scalability and energy efficiency, it reinforces its position not just as a cryptocurrency, but as a comprehensive platform driving the future of decentralized technology.

Beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, the cryptocurrency landscape is dotted with a plethora of notable contenders, each carving out their unique niches. Cryptocurrencies like Ripple (XRP) streamline international money transfers, aiming to revolutionize traditional banking networks with faster and more cost-effective solutions. Litecoin, often regarded as the silver to Bitcoin's gold, offers quicker transaction times and a different hashing algorithm, appealing to those seeking alternative mining options.

Cardano stands out with its research-driven approach, emphasizing sustainability and scalability in its blockchain development. Meanwhile, Polkadot and Chainlink are gaining traction for their interoperability and reliable data feeds, respectively, addressing critical needs in the blockchain ecosystem. These cryptocurrencies, among others, contribute to a diverse and dynamic market, each offering distinct features and innovations that cater to various user needs and industry demands, reflecting the vibrant evolution of the cryptocurrency space.

When delving into cryptocurrency investments, it's crucial to approach with a well-informed and strategic mindset. Cryptocurrency markets are known for their volatility, making risk assessment and management paramount. Investors should start by gaining a solid understanding of the technology and market trends, keeping abreast of regulatory changes and potential impacts on various coins. Diversification is key, as spreading investments across different cryptocurrencies can mitigate risk.

It's also important to consider the liquidity of a cryptocurrency, as this affects the ease of buying and selling in the market. Long-term potential should be weighed against short-term gains, with an eye on how a particular currency is positioned for future growth and adoption. Security practices, including safe storage of digital assets, are essential to protect investments. Lastly, investors should be wary of hype and conduct thorough research, as informed decision-making is crucial in the dynamic and often speculative world of cryptocurrency investing.

As we look towards the horizon, the future of cryptocurrency appears both promising and multifaceted. This digital financial landscape is poised for continued evolution, driven by technological advancements, increasing mainstream adoption, and an ever-growing recognition of its potential by businesses and governments alike. The ongoing development of blockchain technology, coupled with the rise of decentralized finance and the expanding use of cryptocurrencies in diverse sectors, heralds a new era of innovation and opportunity.

However, this journey is not without its challenges, including regulatory landscapes and market volatility, which will shape the path forward. Ultimately, the enduring impact of cryptocurrencies will hinge on their ability to seamlessly integrate into everyday financial systems, redefine our understanding of money, and democratize access to global financial services. In this dynamic and evolving world, the potential of cryptocurrencies is not just in the wealth they represent but in the transformative possibilities they hold for our global financial system.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

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Unveiling the Finest Cryptocurrency: A Trendsetter's Guide - CryptoDaily

Despite a turbulent year for his company,Binancesfounder is ending 2023 $25 billion richer.

Changpeng CZ Zhaos net worth is now an estimated $37 billion, putting him in the company of a number of high-profile cryptocurrency figures whose fortunes surged this year, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday (Dec. 26).

Investment in crypto is not for the faint of heart; you need to be prepared for the spectacular ups and downs, Campbell Harvey, a finance professor at Duke University who studies digital-asset markets, told Bloomberg. There is a reason that these investors are billionaires, and it is not luck. They are not tempted to dump their holdings in down markets. They believe in the long-term opportunities this space offers.

As Bloomberg reported, Zhaos accumulated wealth for the year is more than five times the amount his company paid in fines to U.S. regulators this year. His fortune comes from this controlling stake in Binance,the largest crypto exchange in the world. It is also considerably lower than it was last year, when it was estimated at $97 billion, the Bloomberg report said.

The company has benefited from an increase in trading that came as the cryptocurrency market rebounded this year.

However, Binance saw its share of troubles this year as well, with the Securities and Exchange Commission suing the company in June.

And last month, Zhao and the companypleaded guilty to anti-money laundering and U.S. sanctions violations as part of a settlement agreement with the U.S. government. As part of that agreement, Zhao agreed to pay a $50 million fine and step down as chief executive, though he still maintains an ownership stake in the exchange.

Zhao is scheduled to besentenced in February, and could get up to 18 months in prison, though the Justice Department could seek a more severe jail term.

Last month, a federal judge ordered Zhao toremain in the U.S.after prosecutors argued his vast fortune and residency in the United Arab Emirates makes him a flight risk.

The Bloomberg report includes a list of other crypto entrepreneurs who saw their wealth increase this year.

Among them isCoinbaseCEOBrian Armstrong (whose fortune grew by $5.8 billion to $7.2 billion), Coinbase co-founderFred Ehrsam($1.8 billion in 2023 to roughly $2.5 billion) andGeminico-foundersTylerandCameron Winklevoss($1.4 billion growth to reach $2.7 billion).

Like Binance, both companies have spent the year battling with regulators.

Excerpt from:
Binance Founder's Fortune Ballooned by $25 Billion in 2023 - PYMNTS.com

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies were mixed Wednesday as traders took stock of the recent rally, and appeared to be waiting for more catalysts ahead of expected regulatory approval of exchange-traded funds that hold Bitcoin.

Bitcoin has traded up 0.9% over the past 24 hours to $43,070.The biggest cryptocurrency has largely traded in a range of between $41,000 and $44,000 since early December but has more than doubled this year so far.

The...

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies were mixed Wednesday as traders took stock of the recent rally, and appeared to be waiting for more catalysts ahead of expected regulatory approval of exchange-traded funds that hold Bitcoin.

Bitcoin has traded up 0.9% over the past 24 hours to $43,070.The biggest cryptocurrency has largely traded in a range of between $41,000 and $44,000 since early December but has more than doubled this year so far.

The Bitcoin rally has been fueled by expectations that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) likely will grant approval to ETFs that propose buying crypto tokens on the spot market. The first set of approvals are expected as early as January. The SEC has held talks this month with the asset managers hoping to launch Bitcoin ETFs.

Crypto is a very cyclical industry and it feeds off market momentum. Factor in ETFs,Bitcoins halving, a presidential election, crypto legislation and U.S. dollar inflation, you have yourself a very explosive 2024 , said Brandon Zemp, head of blockchain consultancy BlockHash.

Ethereum, the second largest cryptocurrency, was up 3.7% at $2,327. Among smaller cryptocurrencies, Cardano was broadly flat but Solana was down 4.1%. Dogecoin was up 0.3%.

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Write to Adam Clark at adam.clark@barrons.com

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Bitcoin Prices Inch Higher. This Is Likely to Be the Next Catalyst. - Barron's