Is a Market Crash Imminent as Mt Gox Prepares to Repay Creditors in Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash
Key Points
– Mt. Gox, a defunct crypto exchange, will start repaying creditors in Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash in July 2024.
– This marks the first step in settling claims from the 2014 hack that saw the loss of billions in cryptocurrency.
– Concerns over potential asset sell-offs by creditors caused a drop in Bitcoin’s price.
In a surprising twist of fate, the once-shuttered Mt. Gox cryptocurrency exchange is making a comeback from its 2014 downfall. Starting next week, they will kick off the repayment process to creditors in Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash, potentially shaking up the market as they release billions in digital assets.
Will this be a saving grace for creditors or a blow to Bitcoin’s value? Keep reading to find out.
A Troubled History for Mt. Gox
Originally based in Tokyo, Mt. Gox filed for bankruptcy in 2014 following the theft of $460 million by hackers. This event rocked the cryptocurrency world, exposing issues of mismanagement, neglect, and inexperience. Subsequent leaks revealed ongoing embezzlement by hackers for years.
Mt. Gox Repayment Plan: A Brief Overview
Starting in July 2024, Mt. Gox will begin repayments, prioritizing creditors who have completed the necessary procedures. Stressing a phased approach, the exchange has asked for patience as they gradually distribute the nearly $10 billion in BTC and BCH. The timeline for completion is still uncertain.
Impact on Bitcoin’s Market Value
The news quickly spread through Bitcoin markets, leading to a 5% drop that pushed Bitcoin below $64,500. With continued selling pressure, BTC fell under $63,000. This adjustment raises questions about how creditors will handle their recovered assets.
Given Bitcoin’s significant growth over the years, some creditors may choose to sell, potentially increasing market volatility.
At the latest update, Bitcoin is valued at $62,620, showing a consistent decline in recent weeks. Bitcoin’s performance over the past 30 days indicates a 12% decrease, with -7.3% and -5.0% changes over 7 days and 24 hours, respectively.
Stay tuned to see if Mt. Gox repayments will lead to another crypto winter.