FTX Has Been Hit With Over $120 Million in Advisor Fees as the Costs of Bankruptcy Continue to Rise

by Nik Asti

Published: June 20, 2023 at 6:00 am Updated: June 20, 2023 at 4:37 am

by William Savage

Edited and fact-checked: June 20, 2023 at 6:00 am

In Brief

The bankrupt crypto exchange FTX faces significant legal and advisory costs with $121.8 million in fees and expenses between February 1 and April 30.

FTX filed for bankruptcy after 99.5% of its value was reduced to $1 million after the acquisition by Sam BankmanFried’s company of Embed stock clearing platform.

The lawsuit alleges lack of due diligence and misconduct.

As bankruptcy costs continue to climb, FTX, the bankrupt crypto exchange, is incurring substantial legal and advisory fees. The filings show that between February 1 and April 30, fees and expenses came up to $121.8 million.

FTX has been hit with over $120 million in advisor fees as bankruptcy costs mount

The Block Research found Sullivan & Cromwell, FTX’s legal representatives, billed the exchange for $37.6 million. This amount makes up 30.9% of the total fees and expenses incurred in that period.

Meanwhile, Alvarez and Marsel, the restructuring consultants, charged $37 million. Jefferies, the investment banking firm, billed the least amount, making up just 0.6% of the total costs. These expenses cover a variety of items, including meals, lodging, and other miscellaneous costs.

The Block Research indicates that the claims and compensation of the restructuring advisors are in a “super senior” position. In essence, these claims take priority over others, including customer deposits. The increasing costs of FTX’s bankruptcy have led to customers calling for a new start, in the hope of recovering their value.

FTX bankruptcy

Travis Kling, Chief Investment Officer at Ikigai Asset Management, expressed his optimism about a potential reboot. He described this as “one of the most bullish outcomes possible for creditors”. Ikigai had most of its assets on FTX. A significant advocate for the relaunch is Loomdart, an anonymous figure in the crypto community leading the FTX 2.0 coalition. Loomdart holds that the regulatory challenges that Coinbase and Binance face make FTX’s relaunch more feasible.

FTI Consulting spent nearly 687 hours and billed $761,997.70 regarding the exchange’s restart, as the filings reveal. As FTX struggles with its bankruptcy costs, stakeholders are looking into ways to rejuvenate the exchange and ensure a favorable result for creditors. The situation is still changing, and FTX’s restructuring effort’s results will profoundly impact the crypto industry and its participants.

FTX filed for bankruptcy after 99.5% of its value was reduced to $1 million after the acquisition by Sam BankmanFried’s company of Embed stock clearing platform. The lawsuit alleges lack of due diligence and misconduct.

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About The Author

Nik is an accomplished analyst and writer at Metaverse Post, specializing in delivering cutting-edge insights into the fast-paced world of technology, with a particular emphasis on AI/ML, XR, VR, on-chain analytics, and blockchain development. His articles engage and inform a diverse audience, helping them stay ahead of the technological curve. Possessing a Master's degree in Economics and Management, Nik has a solid grasp of the nuances of the business world and its intersection with emergent technologies.

Nik Asti