The now-defunct crypto lender Celsius has received authorization to pivot to bitcoin mining, following approval from U.S. District Judge Martin Glenn of Manhattan for the firm’s revised strategy. This move comes after the company’s initial proposal encountered obstacles from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at November’s end.
Celsius Wins Court Approval to Pivot to Bitcoin Mining Amidst Restructuring Efforts
Initially greenlit for restructuring by the court, Celsius encountered resistance from the U.S. securities regulator. On Nov. 20, 2023, the firm disclosed a shift solely to bitcoin mining. Celsius acknowledged it “received feedback” from the SEC, leading to plans to commence registration of shares in a newly public bitcoin (BTC) mining company, Mining Newco, to be customer-owned.
This week, U.S. District Judge Martin Glenn sanctioned Celsius’ updated blueprint to transition into a bitcoin mining enterprise. Celsius debtors anticipate the total costs and economic incentives for managing Mining Newco will be less than those related to the Fahrenheit deal that was arranged.
Debtors contend the fresh agreement will result in more liquid cryptocurrency for direct customer distribution than if the Fahrenheit deal had persisted, the Celsius estate remarked upon announcing the shift. Celsius’s interim CEO, Chris Ferraro, expressed to Reuters that the judge’s approval marks “a significant day for Celsius creditors.”
Ferraro emphasized the firm’s commitment to “promptly distributing cryptocurrency” to its clientele. It was also mentioned in the report that Celsius is projected to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy by early 2024. Celsius filed for bankruptcy protection in mid-July 2022, a month after the business halted withdrawals for customers.
In mid-July 2023, Celsius founder Alex Mashinsky was indicted for fraud for “orchestrating a scheme to defraud customers of Celsius through a series of false claims about the fundamental safety and security of the Celsius platform.”
What do you think about the judge approving Celsius’ plan to move forward with a bitcoin mining business? Share your thoughts and opinions about this subject in the comments section below.
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