Embattled Celsius Network Plans to Repay Customers by Year’s End
Celsius Network, the troubled crypto lender, has stated its intention to start repaying its customers by the end of the year. This announcement was made during an October 2 hearing seeking approval for the company’s reorganization plan. Celsius’ legal counsel, Christopher Koenig, revealed that a new company called “NewCo” will emerge from the proceedings with $450 million in seed funding.
Repayment Plan
A filing on September 29 shows that Celsius plans to partially repay its creditors using $2.03 billion in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), as well as stock in the new company. NewCo has received backing from a consortium called Fahrenheit LLC, which will oversee the mining and staking business.
Judge’s Decision Pending
The judge presiding over the case, Martin Glenn, is currently considering whether to approve Celsius’ restructuring plan. However, clearance from security regulators is also required. Despite receiving significant support from voters, the plan is being challenged by some creditors.
Hurdles to Overcome
Celsius stated in a filing presented at the confirmation hearing that their plan has garnered support from over 95% of voting account holders. If approved, this would make Celsius one of the first failed crypto platforms from 2022 to be resurrected through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
Customer Wait Continues
Celsius customers have been eagerly awaiting resolution since withdrawals were halted in June 2022 following the collapse of the Terra/Luna ecosystem.
Hot Take: A Step Towards Recovery for Celsius Network
Celsius Network’s commitment to repaying its customers by year’s end marks a significant development in its reorganization efforts. With the support of NewCo and seed funding of $450 million, the company aims to fulfill its obligations to creditors using cryptocurrencies and stock in the new entity. While the restructuring plan faces challenges from some creditors, Celsius remains optimistic about the overwhelming support it has received so far. If approved, this would set a precedent for failed crypto platforms to revive through bankruptcy proceedings, offering hope to customers who have been waiting for resolution since 2022.