Key Updates on Restricted Country Payouts

Many FTX creditors face delays in receiving their funds as the cryptocurrency exchange continues with its complex Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. While progress has been made on the reorganization plan, a significant number of creditors are still waiting for their payouts.

A recent update on the X platform by Sunil, an FTX creditor, sheds light on the challenges faced by creditors in specific jurisdictions.

Key Challenge: Distribution Restrictions for Certain Countries

FTX’s approved distribution service providers, BitGo and Kraken, are unable to process payouts for creditors in certain countries. These include Egypt, Iran, Nigeria, Ukraine, China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, which are currently ineligible to receive funds through these channels.

Related: FTX Creditors Scramble as KYC Hurdles Threaten Claims Deadline

While FTX acknowledges that some creditors from these restricted countries may have accounts with the service providers, residents in these locations cannot select a distribution method via the FTX Customer Portal. The company assured it’s continually evaluating the list of eligible jurisdictions, with updates reflected on the FTX Customer Portal as new countries are added. This news has understandably caused concern among affected creditors eager to access their funds and finalize the claims process.

Payout Timeline and Deadlines

The initial round of distributions is expected to occur in March 2025, following the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s approval of FTX’s Chapter 11 plan in early January 2025. This announcement provides some clarity for creditors, but reactions have been mixed. Many had hoped for a faster resolution to the bankruptcy case, particularly given the substantial $16 billion reorganization plan.

Related: Kraken Begins FTX Claims Payouts for Creditors Under $50K

However, prioritizing claims under $50,000, representing over 90% of all claimants, demonstrates FTX’s focus on resolving issues for the majority of creditors. As FTX partners with BitGo and Kraken for distributions, there’s speculation that this could lead to increased trading activity in the crypto market.

Meeting Early Distribution Requirements

Creditors hoping to receive an early distribution must complete several pre-distribution requirements. These include undergoing KYC verification, submitting necessary tax forms, and selecting a preferred method for receiving funds. The deadline for most creditors to complete these steps is January 20, 2025.

Failure to meet this deadline will result in missing the first round of payments. However, latecomers can still receive distributions at a later date.