FTX case chief judge lists concerns about witnesses, 7 members of SBF team unable to appear in court

FTX founder SBF's previously self-funded seven witnesses have been excluded by the presiding judge, with the possibility of four of them being able to testify if they provide complete disclosure information three days before the hearing. However, the U.S. Department of Justice can still object.

SBF's Seven Proposed Witnesses Excluded

According to a legal document dated September 21st, FTX presiding judge Lewis Kaplan has excluded seven witnesses proposed by SBF, including:

1. Lawrence Akka, a lawyer from the UK

2. Bradley Smith, a professor from the Capital University Law School

3. Andrew Di Wu, an assistant professor from the University of Michigan

4. Brian Kim, the director of consulting firm Guidepost Solutions

5. Joseph Pimbley, the head of consulting firm Maxwell Consulting

6. Thomas Bishop, the president of consulting firm Tom Bishop & Associates LLC

7. Peter Vinella, the managing director of consulting firm PVA Toucan International

In fact, all the witnesses prepared by SBF were paid:

FTX Presiding Judge Lists Witness Concerns

Lawrence Akka, Lawyer from the UK

Lawrence Akka was supposed to explain the meaning and details of FTX's terms of service in court. However, presiding judge Lewis Kaplan believed that the opinions of a UK lawyer on contracts and legal efficacy are not what the jury should be concerned with.

Bradley Smith, Professor at Capital University Law School

The presiding judge could not accept Bradley Smith's testimony, stating that the content Smith planned to discuss in court was too vague. Kaplan stated:

"Smith's testimony is mostly irrelevant to the trial and of limited relevance. The value his testimony brings may be less than the risk of misleading the jury and confusing the issues."

Peter Vinella, Consultant

Peter Vinella's testimony mainly emphasized the services provided by FTX, combining and covering various areas of traditional finance and DeFi.

However, Kaplan believed that FTX's innovation is not the focus of this case.

The three individuals mentioned above have been completely excluded from being qualified as witnesses. Kaplan mentioned that the remaining four witnesses may have the chance to testify if they provide full disclosure of information three days before the trial, but the U.S. Department of Justice can still object.