The rise and fall of FTX: The journey from cryptocrisis to renewed trust and innovation

31. 03. 2024 | Natalie Bezděková

The administrator of the fallen crypto exchange has decided to sell two-thirds of its stake in the promising startup Anthropic for $884 million, allowing it to pay off former clients. The story of the bankrupt FTX exchange, which began in October 2019, will come to a head with a captivating ending. The villain, founder Sam Bankman-Fried, is behind bars, and after a year and a half, clients will see their money, albeit at November 2022 prices.

FTX fell due to financial misdeeds where the owner used client money for personal enrichment and investment, causing a loss of eight billion dollars for 100,000 investors. Bankman-Fried faces a sentence of 40 to 50 years in prison, with the possibility of up to 115 years. The detailed investigation and revelations of problematic practices were made possible by associates who spoke out against him in exchange for lighter sentences.

The bankruptcy trustee was able to collect some of the money from the sale of the crypto assets, which he will return to clients. Even if they get the money, their loss over the last year and a half is unmissable. Despite arguments by defense attorneys that returning the money should mitigate the penalty, the receiver points to the loss the clients have suffered during that time.

The whole story reflects the fundamental problems in the crypto world and the need for regulation and oversight. The FTX crash is a warning to investors and shows the risks associated with an uncontrolled cryptocurrency market. However, this ending also brings some form of justice where victims of financial fraud will be compensated for their losses.

External factors such as the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence have influenced the course of this story. Bankman-Fried used $500 million from investors to buy a stake in the startup Anthropic, which is now a formidable competitor to OpenAI and its ChatGPT. The sale of this stake will allow the bankruptcy trustee to raise additional funds for creditors, helping to bring the whole situation to a conclusion.

Despite the tragic consequences for FTX’s clients, this story has some positive results. Investigations and lawsuits are uncovering abuses and punishing those responsible. At the same time, the strength of the legal system and the ability to recover from financial disasters is being demonstrated.

Photo source: www.pexels.com

Author of this article

Natalie Bezděková

I am a student of Master's degree in Political Science. I am interested in marketing, especially copywriting and social media. I also focus on political and social events at home and abroad and technological innovations. My free time is filled with sports, reading and a passion for travel.

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