SBF’s Alameda Research Secretly Financed This Crypto News Website

A crypto news website's CEO has resigned as a result of receiving loans worth $43 Million, which were funded by SBF's Alameda Research.
By Pratik Bhuyan
sbf alameda crypto news

The Block, a media organization that covers cryptocurrency news independently, has been covertly financed for more than a year with money that has been channeled to The Block’s CEO from the infamous FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried. The payouts, which The Block staff members were previously unaware of, might compromise the crypto news organization’s reputation and raise questions about its coverage of SBF, the now-defunct FTX, and its trading firm, Alameda Research.

Advertisement
Advertisement

SBF Funds $43Mn To CEO

The Block claims that from 2021 to this year, Michael McCaffrey, the ex-CEO of the crypto news website, obtained three loans totaling $43 million from SBF. The first loan was made in 2021 for $12 million to buy out other investors in the media organization, at which time McCaffrey assumed the role of CEO.

Read More: SBF To Be Arrested During House Testimony Visit To The U.S.?

The second was for $15 million in January to fund day-to-day expenses; while the third was for $16 million earlier this year for McCaffrey to buy private real estate in the Bahamas.

Advertisement
Advertisement

The Block’s CEO Resigns

However, in light of this exposé, The Block’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael McCaffrey, has resigned from the post. Bobby Moran will now be heading the news media website with immediate effect. In his official statement, he says:

No one at The Block had any knowledge of this financial arrangement besides Mike. From our own experience, we have seen no evidence that Mike ever sought to improperly influence the newsroom or research teams

According to The Block, McCaffrey will not only leave his position as CEO but also as the company’s board; which will now comprise of three members. The firm is currently looking to add two more people to the extended group to join Moran.

Read More: Kevin O’Leary Claims He Can’t Call SBF Guilty Unless He’s Tried

The Block’s editorial leadership was taken aback by the news, and according to insiders, they are furious that McCaffrey failed to reveal such a significant financial arrangement with Bankman-Fried and Alameda, especially given that they are still covering the effects of FTX’s bankruptcy.

Advertisement
Advertisement

About The Block

The Block was established in 2018, and McCaffrey took the helm as CEO in 2020. The Block became 100% employee-owned with McCaffrey owning a majority stake in April 2021 after he arranged a buyout of the company’s investors.

The company, which is not profitable, previously raised nearly $4 million through convertible notes from venture capital firms like Greycroft, Pantera, BlockTower Capital, and Bloomberg Beta.

Advertisement
Pratik Bhuyan
Pratik has been a crypto evangelist since 2016 & been through almost all that crypto has to offer. Be it the ICO boom, bear markets of 2018, Bitcoin halving to till now - he has seen it all.
Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.