FTX Creditor Payouts Face Restrictions in 49 Countries

The US Bankruptcy Court in Delaware is set to rule on a significant motion that could restrict payouts to FTX creditors in 49 designated “restricted countries,” including China. This move has sparked widespread concern among global stakeholders, as it could set a precedent for future crypto asset recoveries and legal frameworks.

At least 40 formal objections have been filed by creditors from various nations, highlighting the potential disruption this motion could cause. Prominent creditor Weiwei Ji, known as Will on X, has warned that this motion could undermine trust in the global cryptocurrency ecosystem by allowing unilateral asset freezes based on non-judicially determined “restricted jurisdictions.”

The motion seeks to withhold creditor payouts in countries labeled as “restricted jurisdictions,” which notably includes China. If approved, the estate could unilaterally freeze assets without judicial review of the country designations, raising alarms about fairness and due process in crypto insolvencies. Creditors like Weiwei Ji have expressed concern that such a ruling might become a blueprint for future crypto bankruptcies, enabling offshore exchanges to restrict repayments based on internally generated “restricted” lists rather than court determinations. This approach could erode confidence in the global crypto market’s legal frameworks and asset recovery mechanisms.

The motion has triggered a wave of objections, with over 40 filed as of early July, predominantly from Chinese creditors who represent over 80% of the total value of claims impacted by the “restricted” classification. These objections argue that the motion unfairly discriminates against claimants based on geographic location and regulatory assumptions rather than concrete legal grounds. Saudi Arabian creditor Faisal Saad Almutairi’s objection highlights that his country does not prohibit cryptocurrency ownership or trading, challenging the motion’s rationale and emphasizing that regulatory fears should not justify denial of recovery rights. This sentiment echoes across other objections from various jurisdictions, underscoring the broad international resistance to the motion’s implications.

The uncertainty surrounding the motion has directly influenced the secondary market for FTX creditor claims. Claims from “restricted jurisdictions” have experienced a sharp price decline, reflecting increased perceived risk and diminished liquidity for affected creditors. Over $5.8 billion in FTX claims have been traded to credit-focused funds, with many creditors forced to consider selling at discounted prices amid legal ambiguity. Weiwei Ji has publicly resisted such sales, advocating for rightful recovery rather than accepting unfavorable buyout offers. Furthermore, approximately $1.4 billion in FTX claims remain unresolved, including $380 million from China and $660 million in disputed claims, illustrating the scale of the ongoing legal and financial complexities.

Experts emphasize that the FTX case exemplifies the emerging challenges in global digital insolvency, where claims increasingly function as tradable assets and legal precision becomes a strategic factor. The court’s decision could influence how future crypto bankruptcies are managed, particularly regarding jurisdictional disputes and creditor rights. This case underscores the necessity for transparent, equitable legal frameworks that balance regulatory concerns with creditor protections to maintain trust and stability in the evolving cryptocurrency ecosystem.

The Delaware court’s imminent ruling on the FTX estate’s motion to restrict creditor payouts in designated “restricted countries” represents a critical juncture for global crypto asset recovery. With significant objections from affected creditors and notable market volatility in claim valuations, the decision will likely shape legal precedents and creditor strategies in crypto bankruptcies going forward. Stakeholders should closely monitor developments and prepare for potential shifts in the treatment of international claims within the digital asset insolvency landscape.