Underneath Sam Bankman-Fried’s wild hair is a well-groomed tale of how a brand works

A mop of unruly hair is an unlikely symbol of a failed business enterprise, emerging as a recurring theme in the rise and plummet of Sam Bankman-Fried. The enigmatic, eccentric and empathy-challenged steward of crypto exchange FTX and sister fund Alameda Research is currently on trial for securities fraud.

Bankman-Fried’s undisciplined hair has become a metaphor for the wild decisions that directly and indirectly led to his downfall. Winding through Michael Lewis’ new book about him, called Going Infinite. It plays a supporting role in the prosecution’s narrative at the trial in New York and features on the cover of Lewis’ podcast series called Judging Sam.

A world-class fraudster? Effective altruist who just wanted to save humankind? Naive leader hood-winked by his hubris? The jury will shortly decide if his next chapter involves a prison haircut. 

If you haven’t followed the story, here’s a quick run-down. 

The misfit kid who dragged a rolling suitcase around school eventually landed a job as a high-frequency trader where he embraced a movement called Effective Altruism.