FTX Victims Sue Fenwick & West for $525M Over Alleged Role in Fraud
Twenty victims of the FTX collapse have filed a $525 million lawsuit against the prominent Silicon Valley law firm Fenwick & West, alleging it played a critical role in concealing the crypto exchange’s massive fraud. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, accuses Fenwick of helping structure shell entities, obscure fund movements, and provide legal guidance that enabled FTX’s misuse of customer assets.
The plaintiffs argue that Fenwick’s involvement gave FTX a veneer of legitimacy, preventing investors from recognizing the warning signs before the exchange’s implosion in November 2022. They also highlight the firm’s alleged creation of North Dimension Inc., a Delaware shell company that funneled over $3 billion in stolen funds, and its advice on implementing FTX’s Signal auto-delete messaging policy, which prosecutors claim helped shield fraudulent activities from regulators.
Testimony and Examiner’s Findings
Central to the case is testimony from Nishad Singh, FTX’s former Director of Engineering, who pleaded guilty to fraud charges. Singh testified that he informed Fenwick attorneys about the misuse of customer funds, but instead of distancing themselves, the firm allegedly advised on how to conceal it. This aligns with findings from a 2024 bankruptcy examiner’s report, which reviewed over 200,000 documents and concluded that Fenwick was "deeply intertwined in nearly every aspect of FTX Group’s wrongdoing." The examiner found evidence suggesting the firm created corporate structures for both FTX and Alameda Research, formed shell companies, and drafted backdated agreements to cover illicit transfers.
The plaintiffs have brought seven claims against Fenwick, including malpractice, fraud, and gross negligence. They are seeking compensatory damages exceeding $525 million, a return of all legal fees Fenwick earned from FTX, and punitive damages against individual partners, including Tyler Newby and Daniel Friedberg, for "deliberate and reckless professional conduct."
Fenwick’s Crypto Industry Role Under Scrutiny
Fenwick & West has long been regarded as a leading law firm in the technology and cryptocurrency sectors. Its Blockchain & Cryptocurrency practice has advised prominent players on token offerings, regulatory compliance, and M&A transactions. In fact, Chambers and Partners’ 2026 FinTech Guide ranked the firm as a top U.S. advisor in crypto-asset disputes and blockchain legal matters. However, its association with FTX has cast a shadow over its reputation.
This lawsuit follows a proposed settlement announced in January 2026 between Fenwick and a separate group of FTX users in a Florida class-action case. That litigation similarly alleged the firm’s involvement in structuring entities tied to the exchange’s collapse. These legal challenges highlight the growing scrutiny on professional gatekeepers in the crypto industry and their potential liability in enabling fraudulent schemes.
Implications for the Crypto Industry
The Fenwick lawsuit underscores broader concerns about accountability within the digital asset ecosystem. The case could set a precedent for how deeply law firms and other service providers can be held liable for their roles in supporting crypto companies. With the crypto sector still grappling with the fallout of high-profile collapses like FTX, this legal battle adds another layer of uncertainty for industry participants.
Market participants will be watching closely for updates on this case, especially as it progresses through federal court. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for how legal and regulatory risks are managed across the industry. For now, Fenwick has declined public comment, but its defense strategy will likely be closely scrutinized as the lawsuit unfolds.