Exactly two years after being sentenced to 25 years in prison, Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the former head of collapsed crypto exchange FTX, is set to return to court—this time to appeal. His high-profile case will be reviewed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit during the week of November 3, 2025.
Appeal Hearing Set for Two-Year Sentencing Anniversary
A proposed scheduling order was filed on July 30, 2025, officially placing the appeal on the court calendar for the week of November 3—precisely two years after SBF was originally convicted.
Bankman-Fried was convicted on November 3, 2023, on seven felony counts, including wire fraud, securities fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan sentenced him on March 28, 2024, to 25 years in federal prison.
Appeal Targets Jury Instructions, Testimony Limits, and Key Evidence Handling
Since spring 2024, the appeals process has been unfolding at the Second Circuit, with both sides filing briefs debating whether SBF received a fair trial. Based on available filings, SBF’s legal team is reportedly challenging how the court handled critical evidence, jury instructions, and restrictions on his own testimony. Their goal is to overturn the verdict or secure a retrial.
While most of the formal appeal’s contents remain sealed or partially redacted from public records, previous motions suggest the core argument centers on procedural fairness and the adequacy of the trial process.
U.S. Government: Verdict Was Just and Backed by Strong Evidence
On December 13, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a response defending the fairness of the original trial. Prosecutors argue that SBF received a just trial and that the verdict was firmly supported by substantial evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
Crypto Industry on Edge – Outcome Could Shift Regulatory Tone
Just as during the original trial, the crypto community is watching closely. The dramatic collapse of FTX in 2022 marked a turning point in how regulators approach the industry—leading to stricter rules, broader investigations, and heightened scrutiny.
The outcome of the appeal may not only influence SBF’s future but could also signal how the U.S. legal system plans to handle crypto-related crimes moving forward.
What If the Appeal Fails?
If the Second Circuit upholds the original conviction, SBF’s remaining options will be very limited. He could request a rehearing en banc, where all Second Circuit judges reconsider the case—a rare occurrence. Beyond that, he may petition the U.S. Supreme Court by filing for a writ of certiorari.
If the court overturns any part of the sentence, the case could be sent back for a new trial or resentencing.
SBF Filed His Final Reply in January
Bankman-Fried’s legal team submitted their final reply to the court on January 31, 2025. Now, all eyes are on the appeals panel—and its decision may reshape not just one man’s fate, but the broader legal landscape for crypto in the U.S.
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