Genesis Trading Moves 40,000 ETH, Suggesting Possible Asset Liquidation

As a seasoned analyst with over two decades of experience navigating the volatile and ever-evolving financial markets, I find myself increasingly intrigued by the latest developments surrounding Genesis Trading and its significant Ethereum transfers. Having closely followed the rise and fall of numerous crypto lenders, I must admit that the parallels between past and present are striking.


In simpler terms, Genesis Trading – a well-known crypto lending firm now undergoing bankruptcy proceedings – has recently moved a significant quantity of Ethereum (ETH). This action suggests that they might be in the process of selling their assets, known as liquidation.

As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed that Genesis’s recent actions are part of their continued attempts to handle their financial and legal challenges in the midst of their bankruptcy proceedings. They’re navigating through this complex situation with determination.

Significant Ethereum Transfers Spark Concern

As an analyst, I’ve observed a significant movement of digital assets by Genesis Trading on August 2, according to Arkham Intelligence’s report. They transferred approximately 40,000 Ether, equating to around $126.8 million, to two distinct wallet addresses. The initial transaction saw 27,500 Ether, or roughly $87.09 million, being sent to a wallet starting with the address prefix 0xcbCF.

Simultaneously, a sum of 12,500 Ether (ETH), equivalent to approximately $39.59 million, was sent to an address that begins with 0x72FE. This transfer is part of a series of transactions that includes another one from July 31, which moved around 9,644.4 ETH, or roughly $31.61 million. Furthermore, Genesis has recently transferred over 12,600 Bitcoins (BTC), valued at approximately $719.9 million.

On August 8th at 9:43 AM (UTC+8), Genesis Trading moved approximately $87.09 million in ETH to the address starting with 0xcbCF, and simultaneously transferred around $39.59 million in ETH to the address beginning with 0x72FE. The latter transaction is believed to be related to bankruptcy liquidation processes.
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) August 2, 2024

Settlement and Bankruptcy Fallout

Following a substantial agreement with New York State, these transactions are now taking place. Back in May, the firm consented to a record-breaking $3 billion settlement over accusations of swindling 230,000 investors through its Earn program. This settlement marks a historic milestone for New York and has led the state’s Attorney General to advocate for tighter regulations within the crypto sector.

Beyond this particular settlement, Genesis’s legal troubles encompass a broader spectrum. The ongoing lawsuit implicates not only Genesis but also its parent company, Digital Currency Group (DCG), and key figures like Barry Silbert and former Genesis CEO Soichiro Moro. The case claims that Genesis neglected to clearly disclose the risks inherent in its Earn program. Simultaneously, Alex Mashinsky, ex-CEO of Celsius, is facing criminal charges for alleged fraud, with his trial set to commence in January 2025.

Financial analysts are keeping a close eye on these recent events, pondering if the possible sell-offs by Genesis might influence the cost of Ethereum and wider market patterns.

Parent Company DCG Likely to Face Recovery Setbacks

Genesis was given permission by the court to disburse both cash and cryptocurrencies to its creditors, but this authorization did not apply to its parent company, Digital Currency Group (DCG). The assets frozen since November 2022 can be released and returned, with an exception being made for any investments related to DCG.

As a crypto investor, I’ve learned that creditors holding USD claims will receive their full repayment, disregarding any interest accrued post-petition. On the other hand, those who have cryptocurrency claims may face a shortfall in recovery. This distribution represents about 77% of the total value of all claims. The court has declined DCG’s suggestion to cap recovery based on the cryptocurrency values at the time of Genesis’s bankruptcy, leaving DCG with substantial financial losses.

The court’s decision highlights the severe financial strain on both Genesis and DCG, reflecting ongoing instability in the crypto sector.

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2024-08-02 11:37