Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

What Can We Learn from the FTX Bankruptcy?

By Steven Salkin
December 01, 2022

It seemed like something out of an old episode of 20/20 from the 1980s: CEO of a company is just about to be caught doing shady financial deals that bankrupts the company and flees in the middle of the night to a country that has no extradition treaties with the U.S., leaving investors in the lurch. Add in the fact that this latest episode starred the CEO of a leading cryptocurrency company and you have a recipe that could damage the entire industry.

Even those who believe in cryptocurrency and invest in it have to be questioning how safe their crypto really is. Plus, there are enough people left (and admittedly probably those of a certain generation) who remain skeptical about cryptocurrency in general that the bad press resulting from (now former) FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried's "escape" will likely turn those people off to virtual currencies for good.

The sudden and spectacular crash of crypto-exchange FTX will send long-lasting tremors through both the nation's financial regulatory and bankruptcy landscapes, according to partners at international law firm O'Melveny. Regulators — including at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodities Future Trading Commission (CFTC) — will be emboldened to shine a light on everything that touched FTX Sam Bankman-Fried, while using FTX's dramatic demise as justification for expanding federal protection of crypto investors. Bankruptcy courts, meanwhile, will be tied up for years in a closely watched process of untangling FTX's collapse, with billions of dollars in investor funds at stake.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
Overview of Regulatory Guidance Governing the Use of AI Systems In the Workplace Image

Businesses have long embraced the use of computer technology in the workplace as a means of improving efficiency and productivity of their operations. In recent years, businesses have incorporated artificial intelligence and other automated and algorithmic technologies into their computer systems. This article provides an overview of the federal regulatory guidance and the state and local rules in place so far and suggests ways in which employers may wish to address these developments with policies and practices to reduce legal risk.

Is Google Search Dead? How AI Is Reshaping Search and SEO Image

This two-part article dives into the massive shifts AI is bringing to Google Search and SEO and why traditional searches are no longer part of the solution for marketers. It’s not theoretical, it’s happening, and firms that adapt will come out ahead.

While Federal Legislation Flounders, State Privacy Laws for Children and Teens Gain Momentum Image

For decades, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act has been the only law to expressly address privacy for minors’ information other than student data. In the absence of more robust federal requirements, states are stepping in to regulate not only the processing of all minors’ data, but also online platforms used by teens and children.

Revolutionizing Workplace Design: A Perspective from Gray Reed Image

In an era where the workplace is constantly evolving, law firms face unique challenges and opportunities in facilities management, real estate, and design. Across the industry, firms are reevaluating their office spaces to adapt to hybrid work models, prioritize collaboration, and enhance employee experience. Trends such as flexible seating, technology-driven planning, and the creation of multifunctional spaces are shaping the future of law firm offices.

From DeepSeek to Distillation: Protecting IP In An AI World Image

Protection against unauthorized model distillation is an emerging issue within the longstanding theme of safeguarding intellectual property. This article examines the legal protections available under the current legal framework and explore why patents may serve as a crucial safeguard against unauthorized distillation.