FTX Halts Recovery Payments in 49 Countries: Here Is the List

The long-awaited creditor repayments from bankrupt crypto exchange FTX have hit a major roadblock, with the FTX Recovery Trust announcing a temporary suspension of payments to users in 49 foreign jurisdictions.

The unexpected move has sparked concern and frustration among creditors—especially in regions where cryptocurrencies are heavily regulated or banned.

According to a new filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, these 49 jurisdictions have been officially labeled as “Restricted Foreign Jurisdictions.” The list includes China, Russia, Ukraine, and several countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Refunds to these regions will no longer follow the standard distribution process. Instead, all claims will be flagged as contested, which could delay or even block payments indefinitely unless creditors pursue further legal action.

You can see the full list of the countries here.

Court Approval Required to Resume Payments

FTX is now seeking court authorization to proceed with payments to users in these restricted areas. Until a decision is made, funds will remain frozen. If the court approves the request, payouts will resume under a special framework. However, if the motion is denied, creditors may be forced to file objections and navigate a prolonged legal path to recover their assets.

This marks a significant setback for thousands of users who have been waiting since FTX’s shocking collapse in November 2022. While a second round of payouts—valued at approximately $5 billion—was launched in May 2025, this latest development threatens to derail repayment efforts for a sizable portion of global claimants.

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Growing Uncertainty for Global Creditors

FTX’s move highlights the ongoing regulatory tension between crypto platforms and jurisdictions with anti-crypto policies. Users in the affected countries now face new legal uncertainty, with no clear timeline for resolution.

As the bankruptcy case continues to unfold, creditors in the 49 restricted countries may be forced into a costly legal battle just to claim what they’re owed—further complicating what was already one of the most high-profile crypto collapses in history.

Kosta Gushterov

Kosta has been working in the crypto industry for over 4 years. He strives to present different perspectives on a given topic and enjoys the sector for its transparency and dynamism. In his work, he focuses on balanced coverage of events and developments in the crypto space, providing information to his readers from a neutral perspective.