Ryan Salame is an American convicted felon known for his role in the cryptocurrency industry. As the former CEO of FTX Digital Markets, the Bahamian subsidiary of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange, he was embroiled in the company's legal controversies and ultimately pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to illegal political contributions and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business. Prior to his legal troubles, Salame was also known for founding the American Dream Federal Action super PAC.
1993: Birth of Ryan Salame
Ryan Salame was born in 1993.
2015: Salame Graduates with Two Bachelor's Degrees
In 2015, Ryan Salame graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from the Isenberg School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts in economics.
2019: Salame Joins Alameda Research
In 2019, Ryan Salame began working for Alameda Research in Hong Kong.
2019: Salame Earns Master's Degree in Finance
Ryan Salame received a master's degree in finance from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University in 2019.
2022: FTX Bankruptcy Proceedings and Salame's Loan
During the 2022 bankruptcy proceedings of FTX, it was revealed that the company had loaned Ryan Salame $55 million.
2022: Salame's Political Donations
During the primaries of the 2022 United States elections, Ryan Salame donated millions of dollars to Republican candidates.
April 2023: FBI Raids Salame's Residence
In April 2023, the FBI raided Ryan Salame's home in Potomac, Maryland.
September 2023: Salame Pleads Guilty to Financial Crimes
In September 2023, Ryan Salame pleaded guilty to violating campaign finance laws and operating an illegal money-transmitting business.
May 2024: Salame Sentenced to Prison
In May 2024, Ryan Salame was sentenced to 7.5 years in federal prison.
October 2024: Salame Incarcerated at FCI Cumberland
As of October 2024, Ryan Salame is incarcerated at FCI Cumberland in Maryland.