Key Takeaways
- A $2.2 billion creditor payment is scheduled for March 31, 2026, from the FTX Recovery Trust
- This marks the fourth disbursement following the platform’s 2022 bankruptcy, pushing cumulative payments near $10 billion
- Payment percentages vary by creditor category, ranging from 5% to 18%, with some groups achieving full recovery
- Many claimants remain dissatisfied as distributions calculate value using 2022 cryptocurrency valuations rather than current market rates
- A fifth payment round is planned for May 29, 2026
The FTX Recovery Trust has announced its next major creditor payment as the bankruptcy proceedings continue to wind down more than three years after the exchange’s dramatic collapse in November 2022.
According to the trust’s latest announcement, $2.2 billion will be disbursed to qualified creditors on March 31, 2026. Recipients can expect to receive their funds within one to three business days through designated payment processors including BitGo, Kraken, or Payoneer.
This represents the fourth major distribution under the exchange’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring plan. While all disbursements are denominated in US dollars, the payment processors allow claimants to convert their funds into cryptocurrency if desired.
The allocation varies considerably across different creditor categories. Claims from Dotcom customers will receive an 18% distribution, whereas US-based customer claims will only see a 5% payment. Meanwhile, general unsecured claims and digital asset loan claims each qualify for 15% distributions. A special category known as “convenience claims” will achieve a cumulative 120% payout.
This distribution will bring certain creditor groups to complete recovery status. Specifically, US customers classified under class 5B, along with creditors in classes 6A and 6B, will reach 100% recovery of their approved claims.
The Controversy Over Valuation Methods
Despite the massive sums being returned, significant discontent persists among many creditors. The primary grievance centers on how claim values are determined—specifically, that calculations use cryptocurrency prices from November 2022 when bankruptcy proceedings commenced.
During that period, Bitcoin traded at approximately $16,871, while Ether sat around $1,258. Both cryptocurrencies have appreciated substantially since then, meaning creditors who held digital assets are recovering considerably less purchasing power than their holdings would command at today’s market prices.
“FTX creditors are not whole,” emphasized Sunil Kavuri, an advocate representing affected claimants.
The repayment history began with a $1.2 billion initial distribution in February 2025. This was succeeded by a substantially larger $5 billion payment in May 2025, then a $1.6 billion round in September 2025. Following the upcoming March 31 disbursement, aggregate payments will approach approximately $10 billion.
The trust has scheduled a fifth distribution for May 29, 2026. Additionally, preferred equity holders will receive their inaugural payments on that same date, with April 30 designated as the record date. These stakeholders must fulfill ownership certification requirements, complete KYC verification procedures, and submit necessary tax documentation to become eligible.
The Current Status of Sam Bankman-Fried
Sam Bankman-Fried, who founded FTX, was found guilty in 2023 on seven criminal counts including fraud and conspiracy, receiving a 25-year prison sentence.
He has maintained a social media presence through a proxy account on X, frequently weighing in on American political matters. Some analysts suspect he may be positioning himself for a potential presidential pardon, though former President Trump reportedly stated in January that such clemency would not be forthcoming.
As of March 19, 2026, Bankman-Fried remains incarcerated at Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island located near Los Angeles. According to a recent court document filed by his mother this week, he is anticipated to be transferred to a different facility in the near future.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
