As Crypto Assets gradually enter the mainstream, headlines are no longer solely focused on prices and protocols—bankruptcy news has also become a focal point. In the past five years, the number of bankruptcy cases involving Crypto Assets has surged by 420%, forcing regulators, bankruptcy experts, and traders to rethink how digital assets fit into financial recovery and liquidation.
According to data from bankruptcy experts, cases involving Crypto Assets have surged by 420% over the past five years. Not only are more bankrupt individuals and businesses holding digital assets, but the value of these assets is also on the rise. This has made Crypto Assets an important part of the bankruptcy dilemma.
The UK's Insolvency Service recently hired a dedicated Crypto Assets intelligence expert - this clearly indicates that governments around the world are taking this issue seriously. Their responsibilities? Tracking and recovering assets on wallets, exchanges, and the blockchain.
It is expected that other countries, including Australia, will follow suit as crypto assets play an increasingly important role in asset recovery.
The collapse of major exchanges like FTX has exposed significant regulatory gaps. With billions in losses and thousands of users affected, regulators are now pushing for a stronger framework:
The EU's MiCA regulation is a response measure, and similar standards may soon appear in the Asia-Pacific region.
The decentralized nature of Crypto Assets makes recovery difficult. Unlike fiat currency stored in banks, digital assets can be quickly transferred between wallets, exchanges, and privacy layers—especially without proper KYC. Bankrupt practitioners need deep blockchain knowledge and on-chain tools to succeed.
These real-world examples are shaping the interaction between bankruptcy and Crypto Assets:
FTX – The collapse of FTX, once a top exchange, wiped out user funds, triggered a criminal investigation, and led to one of the most complex bankruptcy cases in the history of Crypto Assets.
Genesis – a major Crypto Assets lending platform, Genesis has also filed for bankruptcy, revealing the vulnerability of the Crypto Assets lending industry during market downturns.
BTCMining Limited – This UK-based company has been shut down due to allegations of fraud and misleading investors. Regulators mentioned its failure to deliver promised returns and lack of transparency.
These cases highlight the need for better protective measures for users and clearer responsibilities for Crypto Assets platforms.