BUSINESS

Former Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison Secretly Hired by Nonprofit Manifund

PUBLISHED Sep 12, 2026, 2:04 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 29

Center 100%

Sources: 29

Caroline Ellison, the former chief executive of Alameda Research, has taken a full-time position at Manifund, a nonprofit grant and philanthropic platform. Austin Chen, co-founder of Manifund, revealed the employment, stating that Ellison initially joined the organization on a work trial starting July 13 before transitioning to a full-time role on August 10. During the initial period, Ellison published her work under the pseudonym Carol. At Manifund, Ellison responsibilities include developing and improving the platforms funding infrastructure, handling technical support, logistics, and analyzing how philanthropic capital can be distributed effectively. One of her early assignments involved utilizing a reconciliation tool that identified misreported transactions totaling five to six figures within the nonprofit database. Ellison previously served as the CEO of Alameda Research, a sister trading firm to the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX. In December 2022, she pleaded guilty to multiple counts of fraud and conspiracy following the collapse of FTX.

By Neha R. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On November 11, 2022, FTX filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
On December 18, 2022, Caroline Ellison pleaded guilty to fraud.
On October 3, 2023, Ellison testified against Sam Bankman Fried.
On September 24, 2024, judge sentenced Ellison to prison time.
On November 7, 2024, Caroline Ellison surrendered to federal prison.
On January 20, 2026, Ellison was released early from custody.
On July 13, 2026, Ellison began her Manifund work trial.
On August 10, 2026, Ellison transitioned to full time employment.
On September 11, 2026, Austin Chen revealed her nonprofit employment.
In coming months, Manifund expects major platform infrastructure improvements soon.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Crypto industry intensely debates accountability and rehabilitation ethics after hiring.
Possible long-term US impact: Philanthropic platforms now face heightened donor scrutiny over staffing choices.
Most affected groups: Cryptocurrency investors and effective altruism communities remain most affected.
Reader Priorities: Readers should prioritize primary platform statements and verified investigative reports.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 29
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 29

Explain Framing

Left: Emphasize systemic corporate failures and ethics within crypto philanthropy circles. Center: Focus strictly on the disclosed employment timeline and regulatory boundaries. Right: Highlight personal accountability concerns and skepticism regarding criminal rehabilitation efforts.