Seeking Alpha
2022-11-11 12:37:40

Crypto lender BlockFi pauses client withdrawals due to 'lack of clarity' over FTX

BlockFi, the cryptocurrency lender, said i t's not able to operate business as usual due to the "lack of clarity" on the status of Sam Bankman-Fried's FTX.com, FTX.US, and Alameda Research. That means the company is limiting activity on its platform, including pausing client withdrawals, the company said via tweet. It also requested that clients not deposit to BlockFi Wallet or Interest Accounts "at this time." The developments at BlockFi increase concern about how much further FTX's liquidity crisis will spread throughout the crypto sector. Bloomberg, citing a person familiar with the matter, reported that BlockFi had been in the process of moving its assets to FTX for custody. A majority of BlockFi's assets, though hadn't yet been moved, the person said. The crypto lender had provided loans to Alameda, the person told Bloomberg, but didn't specify an amount. Those loans are over-collateralized with liquid assets, including Robinhood ( HOOD ) shares, but BlockFi is unsure about where the funding for its credit line with FTX.US and the collateral for the Alameda loans came from, the person added. In June, FTX offered a lifeline to BlockFi in the form of a $250M credit line , giving the crypto lender capital to bolster its balance sheet and platform strength, BlockFi said at the time. As part of that transaction, the two companies agreed to collaborate "as we work to accelerate prosperity worldwide through crypto financial services." On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal reported that FTX used more than half of its customer assets to fund risky wagers. Later that day, FTX.US said it may halt trading in a few days.

Get Crypto Newsletter
Read the Disclaimer : All content provided herein our website, hyperlinked sites, associated applications, forums, blogs, social media accounts and other platforms (“Site”) is for your general information only, procured from third party sources. We make no warranties of any kind in relation to our content, including but not limited to accuracy and updatedness. No part of the content that we provide constitutes financial advice, legal advice or any other form of advice meant for your specific reliance for any purpose. Any use or reliance on our content is solely at your own risk and discretion. You should conduct your own research, review, analyse and verify our content before relying on them. Trading is a highly risky activity that can lead to major losses, please therefore consult your financial advisor before making any decision. No content on our Site is meant to be a solicitation or offer.