Bittrex Receives Court Approval for Bankruptcy Plan
Bittrex, the defunct crypto exchange operator, has been granted court approval for its revised bankruptcy plan to wind down its U.S. operations. This decision comes as a significant moment in Bittrex’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing that took place in May.
Judge Approves Liquidation Plan
In a recent hearing held in Delaware, Judge Brendan Shannon approved Bittrex’s liquidation plan, which outlines the process of repaying the remaining creditors. This approval reflects the resolution of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) informal comments on the matter. The SEC had accused Bittrex of operating an unregistered exchange, leading to a settlement in which Bittrex agreed to pay a $24 million fine.
Global Operations Unaffected
While Bittrex’s U.S. operations have come to a halt due to legal complications, its international counterpart, Bittrex Global, continues to operate smoothly. To address concerns about regulatory uncertainties in the U.S., Bittrex Global’s CEO, Oliver Linch, reassured users that they can do business with a non-U.S. regulated digital assets exchange.
Former Major Player Struggles
Bittrex was once a significant player in the U.S. cryptocurrency exchange landscape, holding almost 23% market share in early 2018. However, its market share has plummeted to below 1% in 2021, and it has faced challenges in recovering from this decline.
Hot Take: Implications of Bittrex’s Bankruptcy Case
The approval of Bittrex’s bankruptcy plan highlights the ever-changing regulatory environment in the crypto industry and its lasting impact on established entities. Bittrex’s legal troubles and subsequent winding down of operations serve as a reminder to all crypto participants of the importance of complying with regulations and staying updated on evolving requirements.