Celsius Network Reaches Settlements, Progress Towards Asset Return and Bankruptcy Resolution

Updated: 23 July 2023

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What: Celsius Network reaches crucial settlements for asset return and bankruptcy conclusion.
Why: Resolving customer fraud claims and disputes between depositors and borrowers.
When: Court filings on Friday; responses due by August 3.

Celsius Network has reached two crucial settlements that could potentially lead to the return of assets to its customers and the conclusion of its bankruptcy proceedings, according to court filings on Friday.

Celsius Network’s Pivotal Settlements Bring Hope for Asset Return and Bankruptcy Conclusion

Last year, the prominent cryptocurrency company, catering to retail investors, filed for bankruptcy, leaving numerous customers uncertain.

In response to customer claims of fraud and misrepresentation by the previous Celsius management, a settlement has been reached to enhance recoveries by 5%. This settlement involves 30,000 claims seeking $78 billion in compensation, and all responses and objections must be filed by August 3.

Another crucial settlement resolves the contention between two primary customer groups of the crypto firm: those with deposits in its high-interest accounts and others who had secured fiat-currency loans.

Borrowers sought special treatment compared to high-interest account holders and obtained specific concessions through a settlement, allowing them to reclaim the collateralized crypto upon full loan repayment.

Reorganization Plan at Heart Of The Settlements

The resolution of these claims is a significant milestone, paving the way for a confirmation hearing on Celsius’s reorganization plan in October, overseen by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Martin Glenn. Customers can expect to receive disbursements of their crypto and other assets by the end of this year.

Celsius filed for Chapter 11 protection and began financial restructuring proceedings on July 14, 2023.

Moments ago, @CelsiusNetwork filed voluntary petitions for Chapter 11 protection and announced that the company initiated a financial restructuring. https://t.co/vf5wsT6TMp
— Celsius (@CelsiusNetwork) July 14, 2022

Celsius’s legal team expected customers to receive only their deposits, but some users sought damages due to alleged misconduct by the previous management. The situation was further complicated by the arrest of Celsius founder Alex Mashinsky on customer fraud charges.

Celsius Network’s reorganization plan is at the forefront of these settlements, outlining the return of customers’ crypto holdings and offering them the chance to receive shares in a new entity post-restructuring.

A new entity, led by investors like Michael Arrington, co-founder of TechCrunch, will oversee Celsius’s Bitcoin mining operations and less liquid assets. This development signals a hopeful fresh start for Celsius and its customers.

A Year’s Wait Comes To An End

Celsius Network faced obstacles and setbacks on its journey to settlements. When it filed for bankruptcy in July of last year, the company owed its users approximately $4.7 billion worth of cryptocurrency and carried a $1.2 billion deficit on its balance sheet.

Amidst turmoil, the arrest of its founder and fraud charges by the SEC has further intensified the situation.

Under Mashinsky’s leadership, Celsius faced a CFTC investigation, revealing investor deception and U.S. regulation violations. Additionally, the New York Attorney General filed a lawsuit against Mashinsky in January.

Celsius users finally see hope with recent settlements after a long wait of over a year, but it’s essential to remember that these settlements are still pending court approval.

Celsius is currently seeking approvals and is slated to present its case at an upcoming hearing on August 10, according to the Wall Street Journal report.