Bitcoin (BTC) $91,753 surged over 6% following the announcement that the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange Mt. Gox extended its creditor payment deadline. This development supported Bitcoin’s recent upward momentum.
Current Status of Mt. Gox Payment Process
Mt. Gox, which began creditor payments in July, has made significant progress in the “Basic Repayment, Early Bulk Repayment, and Interim Repayment” phases. However, many creditors have not yet received their payments due to incomplete procedural requirements.
The Rehabilitation Trustee announced a one-year extension to expedite the payment process with court approval. The original deadline of October 31, 2024, has now been extended to October 31, 2025, providing additional time for creditors. This decision brings significant relief to many awaiting payments.
Once managing 70% of Bitcoin trading, Mt. Gox ceased operations in 2014 after a major cyber attack. Although a significant portion of the lost Bitcoins has been recovered, the company’s bankruptcy process remains ongoing. The uncertainty surrounding the payment process has occasionally led to volatility in the Bitcoin market due to concerns over selling pressure.
Bitcoin’s Price Reaction to the Decision
Following this news, BTC was trading at $62,635 at the time of writing, representing a 4% increase in the last 24 hours. The market reacted positively to the reduced uncertainty regarding the payment process.
The additional time granted in Mt. Gox’s payment process allows creditors to complete their transactions, potentially reducing selling pressure on Bitcoin. This development may contribute to rebuilding confidence in the cryptocurrency market.