Disgraced cryptocurrency platform FTX proposed a settlement to return 90 percent of assets to defrauded customers.
FTX customers lost almost $9 billion when founder Sam Bankman-Fried and his team allegedly used customer funds to cover bad investments and loans to sister cryptocurrency exchange Alameda Research. Bankman-Fried’s trial is underway in Manhattan federal court.
“It’s about time,” says investor Kevin Nagle, who lost more than $30,000 after FTX’s collapse. “I think about that money almost every day.”
FTX’s downfall began with Bankman-Fried’s dramatic arrest. Bankman-Fried, who frequently touted the benefits of “effective altruism,” is accused of pilfering billions to fund a luxurious Bahamas lifestyle and influence politics via lavish donations, among other high-profile crimes. His trial, which began earlier this month and is untelevised, has been a public spectacle.
As the former crypto mogul faces potential prison time exceeding a century, his closest allies turned adversaries, spilling secrets in court against him. The series of events has been likened to a thriller, but for FTX investors, it’s a harsh reality.
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FTX’s bankruptcy filing in 2022 came after a frantic rush of customers attempting to reclaim their funds, similar to what investors call a “run on the bank.”
The platform’s potential redistribution strategy, the Amended Plan which was issued Monday, emerged from extended negotiations involving various parties, including the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors and representatives of non-U.S. customers.
John. J. Ray III, chief executive officer of the FTX Debtors, said, “Together, starting in the most challenging financial disaster I have seen, the debtors and their creditors have created enormous value from a situation that easily could have been a near-total loss for customers.”
What does this mean for the average investor?
The Amended Plan is set to be filed by December 16. Once filed, it will need the nod of approval from the Bankruptcy Court, which can come as soon as June 30 of next year.
If there are no disruptions, the distribution of funds to FTX investors will begin shortly after. However, it’s crucial to note that while most will get back over 90 percent of their investments, not everyone will be paid in full. The exact amount each person will get depends on various factors, including the assets the company has and the claims they need to settle.
There’s also a special offer in the mix: investors who approve the Amended Plan might get an opportunity to settle any discrepancies in their accounts for a specified amount, clearing any outstanding issues swiftly.
However, the future does remain uncertain with variables like tax resolutions, asset recovery efforts, and the outcome of various litigations all playing a part in the final payout.
So, while the path to recouping investments has been tumultuous, the potential approval of the plan symbolizes hope for several FTX investors Newsweek spoke with. To them, it’s more than just finances—it’s about mending disrupted lives.
“I have over $138,000 of my family’s life savings tied up on the platform,” an anonymous FTX investor said. “Make us whole so we can move on with our lives.”
Another retail investor, Chris Thomas, echoes the sentiment, “I hope the amended plan is approved by the bankruptcy court. At this point, I would be happy with 90 percent.”
For some, returning as much as 90 cents on the dollar would spell the end of what has been a rollercoaster year. However, not all feedback is grim.
Dan Levin, a family office manager in Chicago, told Newsweek, “While it’s unfortunate that so many lives are tied up in the FTX spectacle, situations like this are necessary to build better regulated, and more secure trading platforms.”
As December approaches, thousands of eyes are watching with wallets in limbo.