Sam Bankman‑Fried has reportedly joked about launching a new cryptocurrency after he leaves prison — a remark that landed back in the spotlight as the FTX founder continues to fight for freedom through legal and political channels. New York Magazine recounts a conversation between Bankman‑Fried and fellow inmate David Bunevacz at the federal prison in Lompoc, California, where Bankman‑Fried is serving a 25‑year sentence following his 2023 fraud and conspiracy conviction. When Bunevacz asked what he’d do if released, Bankman‑Fried allegedly said a serious business would need $50–100 million to start and added, “I’ll start my own coin.” Bunevacz later told the magazine the comment may have been in jest and that people likely wouldn’t rush to buy it — but with FTX’s collapse still one of crypto’s most high‑profile scandals, the quip drew attention. The report offers a broader snapshot of Bankman‑Fried’s current situation. He has formally filed a presidential pardon request with the Trump administration — a move New York Magazine says was submitted on June 8 — and betting markets such as Polymarket briefly increased the odds of a pre‑2027 pardon to roughly 14% after the filing. (Trump has previously told The New York Times he did not plan to pardon him.) Legally, Bankman‑Fried’s options have narrowed. A three‑judge U.S. appeals panel recently upheld his conviction and 25‑year sentence, rejecting his claim that key evidence was wrongly excluded at trial. He still might seek further review, but with the appeals setback and a withdrawn Rule 33 motion in April (while preserving a request for a different judge), clemency remains among his clearest remaining avenues. Inside prison, the profile describes Bankman‑Fried’s routine: he takes medication for clinical depression and ADHD, follows a vegan diet, and has been writing a serialized memoir titled Manfred. He continues to publicly maintain his innocence; prosecutors argued at trial that he diverted billions in customer funds from FTX to Alameda Research, leading to convictions on seven criminal counts. Bankman‑Fried has also tried to stay involved in policy conversations from custody. In February he drew criticism from senators after praising the CLARITY Act and crediting former President Trump — comments lawmakers said they did not want his input on. Meanwhile, the fallout from FTX’s collapse persists outside the courtroom. Bankruptcy and civil proceedings continue, with former customers tracking creditor repayments and multiple legal claims tied to the exchange and its advisers still active. For now, the “start my own coin” comment is a reported prison exchange rather than a formal business plan. Any actual return to crypto would hinge on whether Bankman‑Fried’s legal fortunes change — through appeal, clemency, or other adjustments to his sentence. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news