Cryptopia Enters Liquidation, Shuts Trading Services

Wednesday, 15/05/2019 | 13:00 GMT by Arnab Shome
  • The trouble for the crypto exchange started after a $16 million hack in mid-January.
Cryptopia Enters Liquidation, Shuts Trading Services
Bloomberg

New Zealand-based digital asset exchange Cryptopia has entered into the liquidation process and suspended all trading activities.

According to the official press release published on May 15, the exchange has appointed two consultants - David Ruscoe and Russell Moore - from the consultancy and audit firm Grant Thornton New Zealand, the local wing of Grant Thornton International.

Beginning of the doom

The trouble for the crypto exchange started after its hack in mid-January. Though Cryptopia only mentioned that it had suffered “significant losses,” estimations by a third-party Blockchain Analytics company put the figures to at least $16 million.

After a lengthy investigation by the New Zealand authorities, the exchange resumed crypto trading services on its platform in March. However, it was facing some serious banking issues.

“Despite the efforts of management to reduce cost and return the business to profitability, it was decided the appointment of liquidators was, in the best interests of customers, staff and other stakeholders,” the exchange noted.

“The liquidators are focused on securing the assets for the benefit of all stakeholders. While this process and investigations take place, trading on the exchange is suspended.”

The troubled exchange also highlighted that the process is complex and could take “months rather than weeks” to complete.

Commenting on the process, Ruscoe said: “We realize Cryptopia’s customers will want to have this matter resolved as soon as possible. We will conduct a thorough investigation, working with several different stakeholders including management and shareholders, to find the solution that is in the best interests of customers and stakeholders.”

An exit strategy?

The announcement created a stir in the crypto community as many are now concerned for their stored funds on the exchange. The exchange is also facing backlash for little to no information disclosed about the attack and was compared to the recent transparent approach of Binance in dealing with the $40 million worth BTC theft.

New Zealand-based digital asset exchange Cryptopia has entered into the liquidation process and suspended all trading activities.

According to the official press release published on May 15, the exchange has appointed two consultants - David Ruscoe and Russell Moore - from the consultancy and audit firm Grant Thornton New Zealand, the local wing of Grant Thornton International.

Beginning of the doom

The trouble for the crypto exchange started after its hack in mid-January. Though Cryptopia only mentioned that it had suffered “significant losses,” estimations by a third-party Blockchain Analytics company put the figures to at least $16 million.

After a lengthy investigation by the New Zealand authorities, the exchange resumed crypto trading services on its platform in March. However, it was facing some serious banking issues.

“Despite the efforts of management to reduce cost and return the business to profitability, it was decided the appointment of liquidators was, in the best interests of customers, staff and other stakeholders,” the exchange noted.

“The liquidators are focused on securing the assets for the benefit of all stakeholders. While this process and investigations take place, trading on the exchange is suspended.”

The troubled exchange also highlighted that the process is complex and could take “months rather than weeks” to complete.

Commenting on the process, Ruscoe said: “We realize Cryptopia’s customers will want to have this matter resolved as soon as possible. We will conduct a thorough investigation, working with several different stakeholders including management and shareholders, to find the solution that is in the best interests of customers and stakeholders.”

An exit strategy?

The announcement created a stir in the crypto community as many are now concerned for their stored funds on the exchange. The exchange is also facing backlash for little to no information disclosed about the attack and was compared to the recent transparent approach of Binance in dealing with the $40 million worth BTC theft.

About the Author: Arnab Shome
Arnab Shome
  • 6654 Articles
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About the Author: Arnab Shome
Arnab is an electronics engineer-turned-financial editor. He entered the industry covering the cryptocurrency market for Finance Magnates and later expanded his reach to forex as well. He is passionate about the changing regulatory landscape on financial markets and keenly follows the disruptions in the industry with new-age technologies.
  • 6654 Articles
  • 102 Followers

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