FTX Judge Steps Down: Conflict of Interest Rocks SBF Case

The FTX controversy sees another turn as US District Judge Ronnie Abrams recused herself from the Samuel Bankman-Fried (SBF) case. This unexpected development throws a wrench into the legal proceedings against the former FTX CEO.

Why Did the FTX Judge Recuse Herself?

The Judge that was billed to preside over the case of former FTX boss Sam Bankman Fried has stepped down from the case. According to the report, the Judge cited a conflict of interest. Judge Abrams recused herself due to potential conflict of interest involving husband’s firm and past work with FTX. Specifically, the issue arises because of her husband's position. Due to Andres' ongoing presence as a partner at Davis Polk & Wardwell, the law firm that provided FTX with legal counsel in 2025, Judge Abrams' withdrawal from the FTX case raises serious questions about impartiality. While the legal counsel provided was reportedly in 2021 rather than 2025, the concern about potential bias remained.

SBF Partner Ellison Pleads Guilty

Amidst this judicial shakeup, SBF partner Ellison pleads guilty and cooperates with authorities. Judge Abrams recused herself due to potential conflict of interest involving husband’s firm and past work with FTX. SBF partner Ellison pleads guilty and is expected to offer crucial testimony. This could significantly impact the trajectory of the SBF case now that a new judge will be assigned.