As Crypto Halloween 2023 approches, it’s time to gather around the bonfire and explore some of the most hair-raising events that occurred in the dark corners of the cryptocurrency world this year. From multimillion-dollar hacks to regulatory battles, 2023 has seen its fair share of spine-tingling moments. In this article, we will investigate the scariest occurrences in crypto and provide insights on how to navigate the market with confidence.
Although Halloween is a one-day scare-fest, the crypto market can haunt investors all year round. Whether it’s a multi-million dollar hack or another lawsuit in the SEC’s ongoing campaign against cryptocurrencies, the blockchain industry has a knack for giving its participants goosebumps. However, in the world of crypto, where there is fear, there is also courage. Despite the market’s terrors, the crypto community always bounces back and emerges stronger.
Legal and Regulatory Actions
- SEC Sues Coinbase: The SEC took legal action against Coinbase in 2023, alleging unregistered activities and issues with their crypto asset staking program, causing significant concern in the crypto community.
- SEC Sues Binance US and Changpeng Zhao: The SEC continued their legal offensive by targeting Binance US and its CEO, Changpeng Zhao, over unregistered activities and the operation of staking programs, marking a notable regulatory escalation.
- The Ongoing FTX Trials: Founder of FTX and Alameda Research, Sam Bankman-Fried, faced charges including money laundering and fraud, leading to the downfall of his crypto empires. His testimony revealed concerns about risk management and transparency issues in FTX, including borrowing funds and conflicts of interest.
- Uncertainty on Bitcoin ETF Approval: Uncertainty shrouded the approval of a Bitcoin ETF, despite optimism sparked by BlackRock’s application. The SEC’s previous reluctance added doubt to the prospects of an ETF, which could potentially attract significant capital.
- SEC Charges Genesis and Gemini In January 2023: In January 2023, the SEC charged Genesis and Gemini for their involvement in the unregistered offer and sale of crypto asset securities through the Gemini Earn Lending Program. These 2023 events marked a shift in the SEC-crypto industry relationship, with ongoing cases shaping the crypto market’s future direction.
Financial Troubles: Layoffs and Bankruptcies in 2023
The crypto industry faces a crisis that began with the run on the stablecoin terraUSD in the spring. Many prominent crypto lenders have suffered due to customer withdrawals, risky practices, and the absence of regulation. This crisis has revealed the close connections among various industry players, leading to a series of bankruptcy filings in 2023.
The Federal Reserve’s continuous rate increases prompted a mass exodus of investors from cryptocurrencies to safer asset classes. This move further aggravated the financial turmoil in the crypto industry, resulting in ongoing bankruptcy proceedings involving major players like FTX, Blockfi, Celsius, and Voyager.
Crypto Giants in Crisis
- Blockchain.com Cuts Staff: Blockchain.com reduced its workforce by 28%, eliminating about 110 jobs after a prior round of layoffs in Argentina.
- Coinbase Restructures and Sheds Jobs: Coinbase, the largest U.S. crypto exchange, restructures, cutting 20% of its workforce, approximately 950 employees, due to financial challenges and regulatory penalties.
- Crypto.com Faces Layoffs and Troubles: Crypto.com, based in Singapore, faces a second round of layoffs, affecting 20% of its workforce, alongside operational issues, including a significant transaction misstep.
- Digital Currency Group’s Division Closure: Digital Currency Group closes its wealth-management division and explores offers for CoinDesk, one of its holdings, with bids surpassing $200 million.
- Genesis Crypto Lender Bankruptcy: Genesis, a crypto lending firm under DCG, files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, blaming lending to FTX affiliate Alameda Research.
- Luno’s Workforce Reduction: Luno, a crypto exchange under DCG, lays off 35% of its global workforce, known as “Lunauts.”
- Huobi Announces Staff Reduction: Huobi crypto exchange plans to cut 20% of its staff while focusing on asset security amid increased net outflows.
Hacking and Scams: A Cryptocurrency Nightmare
- In 2023, the cryptocurrency space experienced an alarming surge in hacking and scams. Leading security firm CertiK estimates that over $1
