FTX's Caroline Ellison Set for Release After 440 Days Served
Caroline Ellison, former Alameda Research co-CEO, is scheduled for release from a New York halfway house after serving a two-year sentence for her role in the FTX collapse.
What's the scoop?
- Guilty Plea: Ellison pled guilty in December 2022 to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and one count each of conspiracy to commit commodities fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering.
- Cooperation Role: She testified against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried in his 2023 trial, stating he directed crimes involving customer deposits through Alameda’s unlimited credit line and direct access to funds.
- Related Sentences: Bankman-Fried received nearly 25 years in prison and has to pay $11B for losses, while FTX executives Gary Wang and Nishad Singh avoided prison after cooperating.
Bankless Take:
Ellison’s release marks another step in closing the chapter on FTX’s collapse. Yet, the industry has a long way to go to prove to outsiders that we’re not some risky, speculative asset class. A study conducted by Gallup last July signaled little understanding or interest from “Main Street” for our tokens. Hopefully if the Clarity bill comes together, this could begin to change.