If nothing else his name could have provided an appropriate metaphor for the potential of crypto or digital currencies to revolutionise or - perhaps more appropriately - undermine contemporary banking systems.

But given recent events at FTX, the exchange he founded in 2019, Sam Bankman-Fried is more likely to be remembered as one of the biggest losers associated with the rise and potential demise of cryptocurrencies.

On 11 November Bahamas-based FTX filed for bankruptcy pro...