The Court Greenlights FTX Crypto Dynamic Liquidation Plan to Settle Customer Debts in 2023

In a significant development, the bankrupt FTX crypto exchange, FTX, has received approval from a U.S. court to liquidate its cryptocurrency assets. This decision, made by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge John Dorsey, marks a crucial step in FTX’s efforts to repay its customers in U.S. dollars while mitigating the risks associated with the volatile crypto market.

The Approval

FTX crypto proposal to liquidate cryptocurrency assets, which received the green light during a court hearing in Wilmington, Delaware, includes the ability to sell up to $100 million in cryptocurrency every week. Additionally, the exchange can enter into hedging and staking agreements, enabling FTX crypto to minimise exposure to price volatility and generate passive income from mainstream crypto assets such as bitcoin and ether.

Support for FTX’s Request

This landmark decision was endorsed not only by the official committee appointed to represent FTX’s customers in the bankruptcy but also by an ad hoc committee representing non-U.S. customers with deposits on FTX.com’s international exchange. These endorsements reflect a consensus that this course of action is in the best interest of FTX’s creditors.

Also Read: Celsius Creditors Now Seek to Unmask “Suspicious” FTX Crypto Trades

Addressing Concerns

During the hearing, concerns were raised by two FTX customers who feared that the sale of cryptocurrencies by FTX crypto could potentially lead to a market crash. They also questioned whether FTX crypto owned all the crypto assets in its accounts. FTX responded by stating that it was fully aware of the risks associated with liquidation, acknowledging the potential impact on crypto markets. To mitigate these concerns, FTX crypto enlisted the services of U.S. crypto firm Galaxy as an investment advisor.

Their role is crucial in managing the risk of “Information leakage” that could trigger short-selling activity and sharp price declines in the crypto market. FTX crypto emphasised that maintaining its current crypto portfolio also carries risks, as it could result in the exchange holding assets whose values continue to decline.

Related: The NFT Crash Chronicles: What’s Causing the Turbulence Again?

Expansion of Liquidation Pace

In a positive turn of events for FTX, Judge Dorsey granted permission for an increase in the liquidation pace, allowing the exchange to sell up to $200 million in cryptocurrency per week if both creditors’ committees consent to the change.

FTX’s Cryptocurrency Holdings

FTX disclosed in court filings that it owns approximately $3.4 billion in cryptocurrencies. Notable holdings include $1.16 billion in Solana, $560 million in bitcoin, and $192 million in Ether.

Background and Legal Proceedings

FTX filed for bankruptcy in November 2022 amid allegations of misusing and losing billions of dollars in customers’ crypto deposits. To date, the exchange has managed to recover over $7 billion in assets, to repay its customers. FTX is actively pursuing additional recoveries through legal action against FTX insiders and other parties that received funds from FTX before its bankruptcy filing. Founder Sam Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty to charges of defrauding FTX customers by diverting their funds to support his high-risk investments, while other former FTX executives have admitted guilt to criminal charges.

1/ According to @CoinDesk, the judge allowed bankrupt #FTX to sell its crypto holdings.

FTX currently holds ~$3.4B in crypto assets, including:
$1.162B SOL;
$560M BTC;
$192M ETH;
$137M APT;
$120M USDT;
$119M XRP;
$49M BIT;
$46M STG;
$41M WBTC;
$37M WETH;
… pic.twitter.com/GclNNKVW9B

— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) September 14, 2023

Conclusion

FTX’s court-approved plan to liquidate cryptocurrency assets represents a significant step towards resolving the complex bankruptcy proceedings and repaying its customers. While the move comes with inherent risks, it also offers an opportunity for FTX to regain its financial footing and move forward. The crypto industry will be closely watching the outcomes of these proceedings, which have implications not only for FTX but also for the broader cryptocurrency market. Do you have thoughts that you want to share with us? Do let us know on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Led to FTX’s Decision to Liquidate Its Cryptocurrency Assets?

FTX filed for bankruptcy in November 2022 after facing allegations of misusing and losing billions of dollars in customers’ crypto deposits. This led to a complex legal situation. The decision to liquidate its cryptocurrency assets was aimed at repaying customers in U.S. dollars while minimising risks associated with the highly volatile cryptocurrency market.

How Will the Cryptocurrency Liquidation Affect FTX’s Customers and Creditors?

FTX’s liquidation plan is designed to repay customers and creditors by converting cryptocurrency holdings into U.S. dollars. The goal is to ensure a more stable and predictable repayment process. The article highlights the support this plan received from the official committee representing FTX’s customers in the bankruptcy and an ad hoc committee representing non-U.S. customers, indicating that it is seen as a positive step for those affected.

What Are the Risks Associated with FTX Cryptocurrency Liquidation, and How Does the Exchange Plan to Mitigate Them?

The article discusses concerns raised during the court hearing, including the potential market impact and questions about whether FTX truly owns all the crypto assets in its accounts. FTX is aware of these risks and has enlisted the help of U.S. crypto firm Galaxy as an investment advisor to manage the risk of “Information leakage” and market instability. The article also mentions that FTX has the option to increase its liquidation pace with court approval, providing insights into its risk management strategy.