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FTX Users Reach Proposed Settlement With Fenwick & West in Fraud Lawsuit

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FTX Users Reach Proposed Settlement With Fenwick & West in Fraud Lawsuit

Users of the collapsed crypto exchange FTX and Silicon Valley law firm Fenwick & West have reached a proposed settlement in a lawsuit accusing the firm of helping facilitate the fraud that preceded FTX’s downfall.

Key Takeaways:

  • FTX users and Fenwick & West reached a proposed settlement in a lawsuit tied to the exchange’s collapse.
  • The deal, whose terms are undisclosed, is set to be submitted for court approval on Feb. 27.
  • The case is part of broader efforts by users to hold advisers and partners accountable after FTX’s failure.

In a joint filing submitted Friday to a federal court in Florida, Fenwick and lawyers representing FTX users said they intend to formally present the settlement for court approval on Feb. 27.

The filing did not disclose financial terms, but both sides asked the court to pause all pending deadlines and motions while the settlement is finalized.

FTX Collapse Triggers Wave of Lawsuits From Users

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The case is part of a broader wave of litigation that followed FTX’s sudden collapse in November 2022, which left millions of customers unable to access their funds.

Users have brought claims against former executives, business partners, promoters and professional service providers tied to the exchange.

The lawsuit against Fenwick was first filed in 2023 and later amended in August.

It alleged that the firm played “a key and crucial role” in the conduct that enabled the FTX fraud, claiming Fenwick provided “substantial assistance” by designing and approving corporate structures that allowed misconduct to continue undetected.

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According to the complaint, Fenwick advised FTX on structuring its operations in ways that avoided certain money transmitter registration requirements.

The suit also alleged the firm had visibility into the commingling of customer funds and the blurred operational boundaries between FTX and its sister trading firm, Alameda Research.

Fenwick has consistently denied the allegations. The firm previously sought to dismiss the case, arguing it had no knowledge of any fraud and that it provided routine, lawful legal services to its client.

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In November, however, the court rejected Fenwick’s motion to dismiss, allowing the users’ amended complaint to proceed.

The proposed settlement comes after mixed results in users’ efforts to hold outside advisers accountable.

In February 2024, FTX users sued Sullivan & Cromwell, the exchange’s former primary outside counsel, alleging it played a role in the multibillion-dollar fraud.

That case was voluntarily dismissed eight months later, with plaintiffs citing insufficient evidence.

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Sam Bankman-Fried Claims FTX Was Never Insolvent

As reported, Bankman-Fried has reignited debate over the FTX collapse, claiming the exchange always had enough assets to fully repay customers.

In a September 30 document, the former CEO argued that the $8 billion shortfall cited during bankruptcy “never left,” and that customer recoveries of up to 143% prove FTX suffered a liquidity crunch—not insolvency.

“There have always been enough assets to repay all customers—in full, in kind—both in November 2022, and today,” he wrote.

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Bankman-Fried framed the collapse as a “classic bank run,” triggered by panic withdrawals that drained liquidity within days.

He maintained that FTX and Alameda’s assets exceeded liabilities up to mid-2022, and claimed that financing deals were underway before the bankruptcy filing.

His document disputes the bankruptcy team’s early reports of insolvency and blames their management for eroding value and prolonging creditor repayments.

The post FTX Users Reach Proposed Settlement With Fenwick & West in Fraud Lawsuit appeared first on Cryptonews.

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Spot Bitcoin ETF AUM Hits 2025 Low Not Seen Since April

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Nate Geraci tweets about ETFs

Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a fresh outflow on Tuesday, pushing assets under management below the $100 billion threshold for the first time since April 2025. The decline followed $272 million in net redemptions, according to data from SoSoValue. The move comes as Bitcoin slid toward the mid-$70,000s amid a broad crypto market pullback, with the overall market capitalization retreating to about $2.64 trillion from roughly $3.11 trillion in the previous week, per CoinGecko. The setback underscores ongoing volatility in securitized exposure to the leading crypto asset, even as investors rotate into non-Bitcoin assets and altcoins show pockets of life.

The week’s sell-off was not uniform across the market. While BTC ETFs faced renewed outflows, funds tracking altcoins registered small inflows, signaling a divergence in investor appetite between securitized exposure to Bitcoin and exposure to other crypto assets. The broader backdrop remains one of macro- and risk-off pressure, with traders weighing the implications of ETF mechanics, regulatory signals, and shifting liquidity in a market still trying to find a steadier footing after a rapid rally and pullback.

Spot Bitcoin ETF flows since Jan. 26, 2026. Source: SoSoValue

Key takeaways

  • Spot BTC ETF assets under management fell below $100 billion for the first time since April 2025, following $272 million in outflows.
  • The broader crypto market cap dropped to $2.64 trillion from $3.11 trillion over the previous week, reflecting continued volatility.
  • Altcoin ETFs saw modest inflows: Ether (CRYPTO: ETH) $14 million, XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) $19.6 million, and Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) $1.2 million.
  • Bitcoin trades below the ETF creation cost basis of $84,000, a dynamic that can constrain new ETF share creation and influence flows.
  • Analysts emphasize that the ETF sell-off is unlikely to trigger a broad wave of liquidations, with some expecting a future shift toward direct on-chain trading by institutions.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $ETH, $XRP, $SOL

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Negative. The combination of outflows from spot BTC ETFs and a BTC price dip contributed to a weaker near-term sentiment and potential pressure on related products.

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Market context: The episode reflects ongoing volatility in ETF-related flows against a backdrop of risk-off trading, with investors differentiating between securitized exposure to Bitcoin and direct or non-BTC crypto exposure. The weekly retreat in market capitalization highlights continued sensitivity to macro cues and liquidity conditions in a market still adapting to higher interest-rate environments and evolving regulatory signals.

Why it matters

The current pattern—spot BTC ETF outflows alongside modest altcoin inflows—offers a nuanced read on institutional engagement with crypto assets. While the ETF structure provides regulated access to Bitcoin, the observed outflows suggest that some investors are rebalancing risk, seeking exposure through non-securitized channels, or waiting for clearer macro signals before increasing holdings in securitized products. The contrast with altcoins indicates that market participants still differentiate between asset classes within the crypto universe, allocating capital to Ethereum, XRP, and Solana when risk appetite allows.

Institutional participants, who historically have been more likely to use securitized products, are increasingly discussed in terms of a potential shift toward on-chain trading and direct asset ownership. That shift could reshape liquidity dynamics and pricing for both spot products and the ETFs that track them. The comments from industry insiders underscore a belief that the next phase of crypto institutional adoption may hinge less on holding securitized exposure and more on engaging with the underlying assets themselves, potentially driving deeper liquidity and new trading venues outside traditional funds.

The price action surrounding BTC—trading under the $74,000 mark while ETF creation remains suppressed by a higher cost basis—adds a layer of complexity for managers of passive crypto portfolios. Even as some investors trim exposure, others may view the current levels as a continuation of a broader re-pricing process that factors in regulatory clarity, macro liquidity, and the evolving competitive landscape among crypto investment vehicles.

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Nate Geraci tweets about ETFs
Source: Nate Geraci

Thomas Restout, CEO of institutional liquidity provider B2C2, offered a parallel view, noting that institutional ETF investors have shown resilience and patience even as flows wobble. He suggested that a substantial portion of assets could remain within ETFs, but the market is approaching a potential pivot point where some appetite could shift toward direct crypto trading. “The next level of transformation is institutions actually trading the crypto, rather than just using securitized ETFs,” Restout said recently on a Rulematch Spot On podcast. His comments point to a broader re-evaluation of how institutions allocate in crypto markets, with possible implications for liquidity provisioning and price discovery across the ecosystem.

What to watch next

  • Next data release on spot BTC ETF AUM from SoSoValue and any observable shifts in creation or redemption activity.
  • BTC price stabilization or further moves toward the $70k–$75k zone and how that interacts with ETF flow dynamics.
  • Any regulatory updates or policy signals that could impact ETF structures or on-chain trading incentives.
  • Evidence of institutional traders increasing direct exposure to crypto assets beyond securitized products.

Sources & verification

  • SoSoValue data on spot Bitcoin ETF assets under management and outflows.
  • CoinGecko market-cap data showing weekly changes in the global crypto sector.
  • Reported inflows for altcoin ETFs: Ether, XRP, and Solana with metrics provided in the article.
  • Nate Geraci’s X post discussing ETF asset retention within spot BTC ETFs.
  • Thomas Restout’s comments on the Rulematch Spot On podcast regarding institutional adoption and on-chain trading.

Market reaction and key details

The market continues to grapple with the question of how institutions will allocate capital as crypto products evolve. While securitized exposure to Bitcoin remains a convenient entry point for many investors, outflows in the spot BTC ETF space highlight a cautious stance amid price volatility and a broad sell-off across risk assets. The modest inflows into Ether, XRP, and Solana indicate selective confidence in non-Bitcoin assets, suggesting investors are evaluating diversification opportunities within the crypto universe even as the largest asset experiences pressure.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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ME Token Slumps After Magic Eden Announces Buybacks, Staking Rewards

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ME Token Slumps After Magic Eden Announces Buybacks, Staking Rewards


The former NFT marketplace said it will allocate revenue to the ME ecosystem, including USDC rewards paid out to stakers.

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Solana (SOL) Plunges Below $100, Bitcoin (BTC) Recovers From 15-Month Low: Market Watch

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BTCUSD Feb 4. Source: TradingView


Meanwhile, HASH and HYPE have declined the most over the past 24 hours after charting impressive gains lately.

Bitcoin’s adverse price actions as of late worsened yesterday when the asset tumbled to its lowest positions since early November 2024 at $73,000 before recovering by a few grand.

Most altcoins followed suit with enhanced volatility, but some, such as SOL, HYPE, and CC, have been hit harder than others.

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BTC’s Latest Rollercoaster

It was just a week ago when the primary cryptocurrency challenged the $90,000 resistance ahead of the first FOMC meeting for the year. After it became official that the Fed won’t cut the rates again, BTC remained sluggish at first but started to decline in the following hours.

The escalating tension in the Middle East was also blamed for another crash that took place on Thursday when bitcoin plunged to $81,000. It bounced off to $84,000 on Friday but tumbled once again on Saturday, this time to under $75,000. Another recovery attempt followed on Monday, only to be rejected at $79,000.

Tuesday brought the latest crash, this time to a 15-month low of $73,000. It has rebounded since then to just over $76,000, but it’s still 3% down on the day. Moreover, it has lost 14% of its value weekly and a whopping 18% monthly.

Its market capitalization has plummeted to $1.525 trillion on CG, while its dominance over the alts has declined to 57.3%.

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BTCUSD Feb 4. Source: TradingView
BTCUSD Feb 4. Source: TradingView

SOL Below $100

Most larger-cap altcoins have felt the consequences of the violent market crash lately. Ethereum went from over $3,000 to $2,100 in the span of a week, before bouncing to $2,280 as of now. BNB is down to $760, while SOL has plummeted to under $100 after a 7% daily decline.

Even the recent high-flyer HYPE has retraced hard daily. The token is down by 11% to $33. CC and ZEC are also deep in the red, while XMR has gained the most from the larger caps.

The cumulative market cap of all crypto assets has seen more than $70 billion erased in a day and is down to $2.65 trillion on CG.

Cryptocurrency Market Overview Feb 4. Source: QuantifyCrypto
Cryptocurrency Market Overview Feb 4. Source: QuantifyCrypto

 

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Pumpfun Unveils Investment Arm and $3 Million Hackathon

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Pumpfun Unveils Investment Arm and $3 Million Hackathon


PUMP rallied as much as 10% but erased its gains as crypto markets dipped.

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Spot Bitcoin ETF AUM Hits Lowest Level Since April 2025

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Spot Bitcoin ETF AUM Hits Lowest Level Since April 2025

Assets in spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs slipped below $100 billion on Tuesday following a fresh $272 million in outflows.

According to data from SoSoValue, the move marked the first time spot Bitcoin ETF assets under management have fallen below that level since April 2025, after peaking at about $168 billion in October

The drop came amid a broader crypto market sell-off, with Bitcoin sliding below $74,000 on Tuesday. The global cryptocurrency market capitalization fell from $3.11 trillion to $2.64 trillion over the past week, according to CoinGecko.

Altcoin funds secure modest inflows

The latest outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs followed a brief rebound in flows on Monday, when the products attracted $562 million in net inflows.

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Still, Bitcoin funds resumed losses on Tuesday, pushing year-to-date outflows to almost $1.3 billion, coming in line with ongoing market volatility.

Spot Bitcoin ETF flows since Jan. 26, 2026. Source: SoSoValue

By contrast, ETFs tracking altcoins such as Ether (ETH), XRP (XRP) and Solana (SOL) recorded modest inflows of $14 million, $19.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

Is institutional adoption moving beyond ETFs?

The ongoing sell-off in Bitcoin ETFs comes as BTC trades below the ETF creation cost basis of $84,000, suggesting new ETF shares are being issued at a loss and placing pressure on fund flows.

Market observers say that the slump is unlikely to trigger further mass sell-offs in ETFs.

“My guess is vast majority of assets in spot BTC ETFs stay put regardless,” ETF analyst Nate Geraci wrote on X on Monday.

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Source: Nate Geraci

Thomas Restout, CEO of institutional liquidity provider B2C2, echoed the sentiment, noting that institutional ETF investors are generally resilient. Still, he hinted that a shift toward onchain trading may be underway.

Related: VistaShares launches Treasury ETF with options-based Bitcoin exposure

“The benefit of institutions coming in and buying ETFs is they’re far more resilient. They will sit on their views and positions for longer,” Restout said in a Rulematch Spot On podcast on Monday.

“I think the next level of transformation is institutions actually trading crypto, rather than just using securitized ETFs. We’re expecting the next wave of institutions to be the ones trading the underlying assets directly,” he noted.