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The Madoff Legacy and the Rise of Digital Ponzi Schemes


Date: Monday, November 3, 2025
Time: 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Virtual
Contact: Justin Model at Justin.Model@ThompsonHine.com or Elise Hoffer, 513.352.6748, Elise.Hoffer@ThompsonHine.com


Even more than 15 years later, the Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities scandal — the largest Ponzi scheme in U.S. history — continues to shape the regulatory landscape. Today, regulators are uncovering similar risks in the digital asset space, from cryptocurrencies and tokens to lending platforms. Ponzi schemes often collapse with devastating consequences, leaving investors, financial institutions, and fiduciaries to navigate complex legal challenges.

Join us for a panel discussion featuring Richard Behar, author of Madoff: The Final Word; Nicholas Bentivoglio, CEO of AstraBit; and Ernie Badway, a partner in Thompson Hine’s investment management and business litigation practice groups, as they address the evolving legal implications of Ponzi schemes in today’s markets. 

Moderator: 

Alexandra Ursino, Associate, Thompson Hine LLP

Topics of Discussion:

  • From Madoff to Modern Crypto: What has changed, and what hasn’t
  • Regulatory & Enforcement Actions: How the SEC, DOJ, and CFTC are attacking traditional and digital Ponzi schemes
  • Civil Liability & Investor Risks: Legal exposure for institutions,
    fiduciaries, and participants
  • Clawbacks & Asset Recovery: Applying Madoff-era strategies in
    the crypto context
  • Risk Management & Compliance: Spotting red flags in digital assets
  • to reduce liability
The Madoff Legacy and the Rise of Digital Ponzi Schemes

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