The Co-CEO Who Left Before Alameda’s Collapse

• Sam Trabucco stepped down as Alameda’s co-CEO months before its collapse, avoiding any accusations of wrongdoing.
• Trabucco’s aggressive trading strategies led Alameda to major profits but also exposed it to high risks.

High stakes, risky trades, and a sudden departure from Alameda Research, one of the biggest crypto trading companies, have all distinguished Sam Trabucco’s journey into the world of cryptocurrency.

This story depicts the life of a guy who rose to the pinnacle of the crypto trading world, only to stand aside just before the empire he helped establish collapsed.

From Math Camp to Co-CEO: Trabucco’s Journey with Bankman-Fried 

Trabucco met Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of Alameda Research, while attending a five-week math camp at Mount Holyoke College in 2010. They bonded over their mutual interest in mathematics, and their paths would cross again years later at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Trabucco went on to study math and computer science at MIT, laying the groundwork for a career in quantitative trading. Following graduation, he polished his abilities as a quant trader on Susquehanna International Group’s bond exchange-traded fund desk, developing a solid foundation in trading methods.

Trabucco began working as a trader at Alameda Research in 2019, reporting to Bankman-Fried. His rapid ascension through the ranks proved his keen intuition and understanding of the cryptocurrency business.

By October 2021, Trabucco had been named co-CEO of Alameda Research alongside Caroline Ellison, while Bankman-Fried stepped away from day-to-day operations. This watershed moment marked Trabucco’s admission into one of the most demanding and visible roles in the cryptocurrency business.

High-Stakes Trading: Trabucco’s Aggressive Approach at Alameda 

Trabucco’s term as co-CEO was notable for his aggressive and frequently dangerous trading techniques. Under his direction, Alameda switched from a market-neutral trading strategy to one that prioritized more volatile and high-reward possibilities.

He was well-known for using poker and blackjack tactics in trading, believing that when the odds were in their favor, it was critical to place higher bets. Trabucco capitalized on Elon Musk’s tweet on Dogecoin, making significant leveraged wagers that proved profitable.

His willingness to take on riskier investments allowed Alameda to achieve “huge profits” by capitalizing on market movements, particularly in decentralized finance (DeFi). This strategy assisted Alameda Research in expanding its portfolio and establishing itself as a major organization in the cryptocurrency trading industry.

However, the firm’s high-stakes trading approach led to considerable danger, ultimately contributing to its downfall.

Sam Trabucco announced his decision to step down as co-CEO of Alameda Research in August 2022, which was ultimately viewed as perfectly timed. Despite leaving while Alameda Research was still growing, Trabucco stated that he wanted to emphasize his personal life and well-being.

He explained that he had been traveling, spending time with friends and family, and even bought a yacht, entitled “Soak my Deck,” to enjoy life outside of the demands of crypto trading.

Trabucco tweeted in his leaving announcement, “But if I’ve learned anything at Alameda, it’s how to make good decisions–and this is the right one for me.” He stated that he could not continue to justify the time commitment required to be a central part of Alameda. Instead, he chose to stay on as an advisor without a significant day-to-day presence.

Alameda’s Collapse: Trabucco’s Timely Exit and Its Aftermath 

Just a few months after Trabucco’s departure, Alameda Research and its sibling business FTX experienced a huge financial catastrophe. Both organizations collapsed in November 2022, leaving an $8 billion cash shortage for customers.

This event sent shockwaves through the cryptocurrency industry, and inquiries rapidly focused on the leadership team. Despite being at the helm during the critical months leading up to the collapse, Trabucco was not charged with any misconduct.

Trabucco’s departure from Alameda Research before to the collapse appeared to be either a stroke of luck or a deliberate move. While his decision to leave raised questions, it became obvious that he was able to dodge the legal and financial consequences that followed.

Notably, Caroline Ellison, who took over as sole CEO, and Sam Bankman-Fried were left to bear the brunt of the company’s incompetence and dangerous trading activities.

Recently, Trabucco has generally avoided the public eye since stepping down. While he stated that he will not completely leave the crypto industry, there have been little updates on his activity or location.

The decision to leave a high-pressure role and purchase luxury assets such as high-end apartments and a yacht indicate a desire to enjoy the fruits of his labor and fortune.