FTX and 3AC are locked in a high-stakes legal battle over a $1.5 billion claim. FTX is pushing back, calling 3AC's demands unreasonable.

FTX vs. 3AC: The $1.5 Billion Claim Dispute Explained

The ongoing saga of FTX's collapse continues with a new twist: a massive claim dispute with the now-defunct crypto hedge fund, Three Arrows Capital (3AC). FTX is outrightly rejecting 3AC's $1.53 billion claim, setting the stage for a potentially lengthy legal battle.

The Billion-Dollar Question

3AC initially filed a $120 million claim against FTX, but later increased it to $1.53 billion after securing permission from a Delaware court. 3AC alleges that FTX controlled and liquidated $1.53 billion of their assets in 2022, contributing to their downfall. However, FTX is fighting back, calling the claims "illogical and baseless."

FTX's Counter-Argument: Risky Bets and Self-Inflicted Wounds

FTX's lawyers argue that 3AC's collapse was due to its own risky trading strategies and inability to manage risk. They claim 3AC "bet big" that crypto prices would rise, and when they plummeted, the firm became a victim of its own choices. FTX also points out that 3AC had an available balance of only $284 million, which was further reduced by market declines and withdrawals.

The $82 Million Liquidation: A Point of Contention

A key point of contention is an $82 million liquidation executed by FTX on 3AC's account. FTX argues that this liquidation was contractually permitted and actually benefited 3AC by preserving the value of their assets, as it allowed 3AC to exit deteriorating positions in digital assets in favor of stable positions in fiat currency.

What's Next?

3AC has until July 11th to respond to FTX's objection, with a non-evidentiary hearing scheduled for August 12th. This legal battle is likely to be complex and drawn-out, with significant implications for creditors of both FTX and 3AC.

My Take: A Classic Case of Blame Game

It seems like both sides are trying to deflect blame for their respective failures. 3AC is trying to recoup some of its losses by claiming FTX contributed to its downfall, while FTX is trying to protect its estate and creditors from what it sees as an opportunistic claim. Regardless of who's ultimately right, this dispute highlights the high-stakes and often cutthroat nature of the crypto world. It's like watching two toddlers fight over a broken toy, except the toy is worth billions of dollars.

Stay tuned, folks, because this crypto soap opera is far from over!