Breaking: Robinhood to Acquire Bankman-Fried’s Stake for $605.7M

Kelvin Munene Murithi
September 1, 2023 Updated May 19, 2025
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CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal 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.
Robinhood

According to a recent report, Robinhood, an online brokerage, has announced a share repurchase agreement with the United States Marshal Service. Consequently, the company aims to buy back stock from Sam Bankman-Fried’s Emergent Fidelity Technologies for $605.7 million.

The stocks in question came under the US government’s purview after Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX and Emergent filed for bankruptcy protection last year. This development has seen Robinhood shares rise by 2% in pre-market trading, indicating a positive response from the market.

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Bankman-Fried’s Downfall

Six months before the bankruptcy filing in November, Bankman-Fried disclosed a 7.6% stake in Robinhood. However, he emphasized no intention of gaining control over the retail trading platform. Moreover, while the former billionaire was optimistic about Robinhood’s business prospects, the subsequent collapse of FTX proved detrimental to his fortunes.

Besides the bankruptcy, Bankman-Fried faces legal battles despite pleading not guilty to allegations of fraud linked to the November 2022 downfall of FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange.

Given the complexities surrounding the seized shares, Robinhood’s Chief Financial Officer, Jason Warnick, mentioned the priority of acquiring these shares “free and clear of any claims.” Additionally, the company plans to work closely with the U.S. Department of Justice to navigate this intricate situation.

Moreover, Robinhood’s decision to repurchase shares from Emergent Fidelity Technologies had been disclosed as early as February. This decision, approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, reflects the online brokerage’s proactive stance.

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Impact on Robinhood’s Performance

The recent share repurchase announcement has seen Robinhood’s stock making gains. However, the company faces challenges as retail investors, once active on Robinhood’s platform, appear hesitant amidst volatile market conditions. Despite these hurdles, Robinhood reported revenue of $380 million for the quarter ending Dec. 31, showcasing resilience.

The deal with the US government marks a significant chapter for Robinhood amidst the broader financial and legal landscape. The coming months will shed more light on how these developments impact the company’s trajectory and the retail trading sphere.

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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.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal 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.

About Author
About Author
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.
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.