Crypto Lender BlockFi Updates Users on Platform, FTX Exposure

The company denied rumors that a majority of its assets are custodied at collapsed crypto exchange FTX.

AccessTimeIconNov 14, 2022 at 9:31 p.m. UTC
Updated May 9, 2023 at 4:02 a.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

"We can no longer operate our business as usual," said BlockFi in a letter to customers viewed by CoinDesk.

With FTX and all of its affiliates now in bankruptcy proceedings, said the company, the "most prudent" move for now is to pause many platform activities. Withdrawals will continue to be on pause, said BlockFi, which also asked customers not to submit any deposits.

  • Crypto Market Leaders and Laggards in 2023
    01:50
    Crypto Market Leaders and Laggards in 2023
  • DeFi Market Rebounds to $50B as Speculators Hunt for Yield
    01:11
    DeFi Market Rebounds to $50B as Speculators Hunt for Yield
  • How Spool Is Aiming to Help Institutions Enter DeFi
    11:05
    How Spool Is Aiming to Help Institutions Enter DeFi
  • Could the Bank Secrecy Act Harm Crypto? Coin Center Thinks So
    38:54
    Could the Bank Secrecy Act Harm Crypto? Coin Center Thinks So
  • As for chatter that all or even a majority of BlockFi's assets were held in custody – and therefore tied up for potentially a long time and perhaps even unrecoverable – the company said that is false. BlockFi, however, did acknowledge "significant exposure" in the form of obligations owed to BlockFi by Alameda, assets on the FTX platform, and an undrawn credit line from FTX.

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.

    Author placeholder image

    Michael Bellusci is CoinDesk's crypto reporter focused on public companies and digital asset firms.

    George Kaloudis

    George Kaloudis was a research analyst and columnist for CoinDesk.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.