FTX’s $1B Grayscale ETF Sale Linked to Major Outflows: Report

FTX sells $1 billion in Grayscale GBTC shares amid bankruptcy, while Bitcoin ETFs attract $4 billion in assets despite BTC price dip.
FTX Exec Ryan Salame partner US campaign financing

The now-bankrupt exchange FTX has reportedly offloaded nearly $1 billion of shares in Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC). This massive sell-off revealed through confidential data and anonymous sources, is part of FTX’s ongoing bankruptcy process. The exchange aimed to liquidate its holdings to aid in reimbursing its creditors, having disposed of all 22 million shares it held in the GBTC fund.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Grayscale’s Market Influence and FTX’s Liquidation Strategy

Grayscale’s shift to a spot bitcoin ETF has placed it at the forefront of the market. With $2.8 billion in outflows since its conversion, Grayscale has dominated trading volumes in the crypto-based ETFs sector. 

Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, emphasized this substantial asset shrinkage. The move by FTX to divest its Grayscale investments is a critical part of managing its bankruptcy estate, offering a potential financial lifeline to its numerous creditors.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Rising Trend in Cryptocurrency Investment

The cryptocurrency market is witnessing a significant shift, with Bitcoin ETFs rapidly gaining popularity. In a six-day trading period, these ETFs, which include major players like Fidelity’s FBTC and BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), have collectively amassed an impressive 95,000 BTC, with their assets under management approaching the $4 billion mark. 

This trend underscores a growing investor interest in cryptocurrency ETFs, contrasting starkly with Bitcoin’s price decline and the recent sell-off in the Grayscale fund.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Bitcoin’s Dips Below $40k

Bitcoin’s price has recently experienced a downturn, dropping below the $40,000 mark for the first time since early December. This decrease, in addition, is part of a larger trend in the digital currency market, which has generally been on a downward trajectory following a significant bull run in 2023. The initial excitement surrounding the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs has subsided, with the market adjusting to the influx of new investment options and the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency investments.

Consequently, investors and market analysts closely monitor these developments, anticipating further changes as new investment products emerge and the cryptocurrency landscape continues evolving.

Read Also: Ripple CEO Stirs Community Rage Over DOGE-Zimbabwean Dollar Analogy

Advertisement
Kelvin Munene Murithi
Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience, offering in-depth market analysis and expert commentary . With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University, Kelvin is known for his meticulous research and strong writing skills, particularly in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured across top industry publications such as Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Cryptotimes, Coinedition, TheCoinrepublic, Cryptotale, and Analytics Insight among others, where he consistently provides timely updates and insightful content. Kelvin’s focus lies in uncovering emerging trends in the crypto space, delivering factual and data-driven analyses that help readers make informed decisions. His expertise extends across market cycles, technological innovations, and regulatory shifts that shape the crypto landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Kelvin has a passion for chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.
Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.