Former Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison Joins Manifund

Caroline Ellison led Alameda Research before the trading firm and its affiliated crypto exchange FTX collapsed in November 2022. She pleaded guilty to fraud and conspiracy charges and became a key prosecution witness against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried. On Sept. 24, 2024, a federal judge sentenced her to two years in prison and ordered her to forfeit $11.02 billion. Her move to Manifund, which backs AI safety and effective-altruism projects, puts questions of redemption and nonprofit accountability in focus.

Manifund co-founder Austin Chen confirmed on Sept. 11, 2026, that Ellison had joined the nonprofit to develop its funding platform and research how philanthropic dollars can be directed effectively. After leaving federal custody on Jan. 22, she began a work trial on July 13 under the pseudonym “Carol” and moved into a full-time role on Aug. 10. Manifund disclosed neither her compensation nor any donation amount tied to the appointment.