FTX to Begin $1.2 Billion User Repayments After Bankruptcy

FTX, the defunct cryptocurrency exchange, is preparing to refund over $1.2 billion to users who have been locked out of their funds since its 2022 collapse.

Creditors with claims up to $50,000 must complete all necessary steps by January 20, 2025, marking a critical deadline in the repayment process.

The January 20 milestone, outlined in FTX’s restructuring plan approved last year, paves the way for initial distributions. Sunil, a representative of the FTX Customer Ad-Hoc Committee, emphasized that repayments are unlikely to start before the deadline, giving affected users a final opportunity to meet the required conditions.

This influx of funds could significantly impact the crypto landscape, with some speculating it might catalyze Bitcoin’s rise to $200,000. Industry experts predict mixed reactions from creditors: some may cash out for financial stability, while others could reinvest in the market, confident in its long-term potential.

The case draws parallels to Mt. Gox’s creditor payouts, where many opted to hold their Bitcoin despite its massive appreciation over the years. The FTX repayments may follow a similar trend, with only a portion of the distributed assets potentially entering the market.