Caroline Ellison, Central Figure in FTX Collapse, Joins Nonprofit Manifund

Caroline Ellison, the former chief executive officer of Alameda Research and a central figure in the collapse of FTX, has joined nonprofit organization Manifund.

The Block reported on September 11 that Manifund co-founder Austin Chen said Ellison will work on developing the group’s funding platform and expanding its charitable efforts. She began in a trial role in July and became a full-time employee in August, the report said.

At first, she published her work under the alias “Carol.” Chen said he wanted to give Ellison another chance to contribute to society because she admitted wrongdoing, cooperated in efforts to recover funds for creditors and completed her sentence.

Ellison pleaded guilty in December 2022 to fraud and conspiracy charges related to the collapse of FTX. She later cooperated with investigators and testified at the trial of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried. Bankman-Fried was later convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Ellison began serving a two-year prison sentence on November 1, 2024, but was released early in January 2026 because of her cooperation with investigators and other factors.

In remarks on joining Manifund, Ellison again apologized for her past actions and said she was grateful to be given a second chance based on her current work rather than her past.

Manifund is a nonprofit that supports projects related to artificial intelligence safety and effective altruism.