Deep Dive
1. UK Crypto Rules Impact Creditors (16 December 2025)
Overview:
The UK’s new crypto asset rules under the GENIUS Act grant stablecoin holders “superpriority” in bankruptcy claims, aiming to prevent scenarios like Celsius’s 2022 collapse where users became unsecured creditors. The law mandates clearer asset segregation and faster restitution.
What this means:
This is neutral for CEL, as it primarily affects legacy claims rather than current operations. However, it sets a precedent for future crypto insolvencies, potentially improving investor confidence in regulated platforms. (CoinMarketCap)
2. Third Creditor Distribution (20 August 2025)
Overview:
Celsius initiated its third creditor distribution of $220.6M, primarily in BTC and ETH, raising cumulative recoveries to ~64.9% of eligible claims. Over 251,000 creditors have received payouts since 2024.
What this means:
This is bearish for CEL’s price, as increased sell pressure from creditors liquidating distributions could suppress short-term demand. However, it signals progress in resolving one of crypto’s largest bankruptcies. (CoinMarketCap)
3. Tether Settles Celsius Lawsuit (14 October 2025)
Overview:
Tether settled Celsius’s $4.5B lawsuit for $299.5M, resolving allegations it improperly liquidated 39,542 BTC collateral in 2022. The Blockchain Recovery Investment Consortium (BRIC) facilitated the agreement.
What this means:
This is bullish for Celsius creditors, freeing capital for future distributions. However, the settlement represents just ~7% of the original claim, underscoring the challenges of recovering full value post-collapse. (Decrypt)
Conclusion
Celsius remains entangled in legal and regulatory aftershocks, with creditor recoveries progressing slowly and new laws reshaping bankruptcy dynamics. While settlements and distributions mark incremental progress, CEL’s utility and price face headwinds from ongoing sell pressure. Will regulatory clarity accelerate the final resolution of Celsius’s bankruptcy saga?