Genesis is planning to file for bankruptcy: Report

Another one bites the dust? A report suggested the initial bankruptcy filing from Genesis could come before February.

Cryptocurrency lending firm Genesis Global Capital, a subsidiary of crypto conglomerate Digital Currency Group, is reportedly preparing to file for bankruptcy as early as this week.

According to a Jan. 18 Bloomberg report, Genesis previously said it was considering a bankruptcy filing if it were unable to raise cash amid a liquidity crunch — a situation similar to that preceding crypto exchange FTX’s Chapter 11 filing in November. Citing people with knowledge of the situation, Bloomberg reported Genesis could file for bankruptcy as soon as this week.

The report followed the United States Securities and Exchange Commission announcing on Jan. 12 that it had charged Genesis and crypto exchange Gemini with offering unregistered securities through Gemini’s “Earn” program. The case is ongoing.

Gemini co-founder Cameron Winklevoss has also released several open letters through social media calling out Digital Currency Group CEO Barry Silbert, claiming Genesis owed Gemini $900 million for funds Gemini lent to it as part of the same program. DCG said Winklevoss’ allegations were “malicious, fake, and defamatory attacks.”

Related: Gemini and Genesis’ legal troubles stand to shake up industry further

Many of the reported liquidity issues may stem from the collapse of crypto venture capital firm Three Arrows Capital in 2022. Silbert told shareholders in January that Three Arrows owed Genesis $447.5 million and 4,550 Bitcoin (BTC) — worth roughly $78 million at the time. However, Genesis also held roughly $175 million on FTX prior to its bankruptcy in November, likely contributing to the firm’s liquidity crunch and reports of potential insolvency. Genesis suspended withdrawals following FTX’s bankruptcy filing.

Genesis suspended withdrawals following FTX’s bankruptcy filing. Should the firm file for bankruptcy as well, it would be the latest in a series of collapses including Terraform Labs, Voyager Digital, Celsius Network, Three Arrows Capital, FTX, and BlockFi.