Wintermute’s Serious Allegation
Wintermute, in a surprising public disclosure, has made a serious accusation against the Near Foundation (NF) and Aurora Labs regarding the redemption process of the USN stablecoin. In a series of tweets, Wintermute’s CEO, Evgeny Gaevoy, criticized the entities for not honoring their commitments to redeem USN tokens for USDT, causing significant financial repercussions for Wintermute.
USN’s Troubled Journey
Initially launched as an algorithmic stablecoin similar to Terra’s UST, USN underwent a transformation to a non-algorithmic model backed by USDT amid market instability. Despite the changes and subsequent collateral deficit, NF announced the USN Protection Programme, assigning Aurora Labs to oversee its operation. However, the program has been marred by a failure in implementing redemption promises.
The Unresolved Transaction
Wintermute sold 11.2 million USN as part of asset liquidation for the FTX bankruptcy estate, expecting to redeem the tokens for over $11M for FTX creditors based on assurances from NF and private confirmations from Aurora. The subsequent refusal to redeem these tokens has left Wintermute in limbo, with negotiations resulting in a disappointing offer from NF amounting to only a fraction of the original value.
The Path Forward
Highlighting the lack of accountability and clarity from NF and Aurora, Wintermute is preparing to take legal steps. Gaevoy’s disclosure serves as a call for resolution and signals the importance of corporate responsibility and transparency in the industry. The company is reaching out to others similarly impacted and is firm on its stance to switch to an adversarial mode if their calls for redemption continue to be ignored.
The unfolding scenario raises questions about trust and integrity in the crypto market as prominent entities like NF and Aurora Labs face scrutiny. Wintermute’s commitment to transparency and ethical standards is evident as they navigate through this challenging episode.
Hot Take: Transparency in Crypto
The situation involving Wintermute’s allegations against NF and Aurora Labs underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability in the crypto industry. This incident serves as a reminder that maintaining ethical standards is essential for fostering trust among stakeholders in the market.
By
By
By
By
By