Key Points

  • On March 31, 2026, FTX Recovery Trust will release $2.2 billion to creditors
  • This marks the fourth creditor payment following the 2022 exchange failure, pushing cumulative distributions to approximately $10 billion
  • Payment percentages range from 5% to 18% across different creditor categories, with certain groups achieving complete recovery
  • Many claimants remain dissatisfied due to valuations frozen at 2022 cryptocurrency prices rather than current market rates
  • A fifth payment round has been scheduled for May 29, 2026

The FTX Recovery Trust has announced plans to proceed with its fourth major payment to individuals affected by the cryptocurrency exchange’s collapse in November 2022.

According to the trust’s latest announcement, $2.2 billion will be disbursed on March 31, 2026. Qualifying creditors can expect to receive their funds within one to three business days through designated payment processors including BitGo, Kraken, or Payoneer.

This distribution represents the fourth installment under the Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization plan. All disbursements are issued in United States dollars, although recipients have the flexibility to convert their payments into cryptocurrency through the payment platforms.

The allocation varies significantly across creditor classifications. Those holding Dotcom customer claims will see an 18% distribution, whereas US customer claims receive 5%. Both general unsecured claims and digital asset loan claims are set at 15%. A special category labeled “convenience claims” will achieve a cumulative 120% recovery.

Several creditor groups will achieve full compensation with this distribution. US customers classified under 5B, along with those in categories 6A and 6B, will reach 100% of their approved claim amounts.

The Valuation Dispute Among Creditors

Although billions of dollars have flowed back to claimants, significant dissatisfaction persists within the creditor community. The primary grievance centers on the valuation methodology: all calculations rely on cryptocurrency prices recorded when the bankruptcy filing occurred in 2022.

During that period, Bitcoin was valued at approximately $16,871 while Ether traded near $1,258. Current market prices for both assets substantially exceed those figures, resulting in creditors receiving considerably less purchasing power than their holdings would command today.

“FTX creditors are not whole,” said creditor advocate Sunil Kavuri.

The payment timeline began with a $1.2 billion distribution in February 2025. This was followed by a substantial $5 billion payment in May 2025, then a $1.6 billion round in September 2025. Following the March 31 distribution, aggregate repayments will reach roughly $10 billion.

The trust has confirmed that a fifth distribution will occur on 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, complete KYC verification procedures, and submit required tax documentation to qualify for payment.

Current Status of Sam Bankman-Fried

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was found guilty in 2023 on seven criminal counts involving fraud and conspiracy, resulting in a 25-year prison sentence.

He has maintained a social media presence through a proxy account on X, frequently sharing commentary on United States political matters. Speculation has circulated that these activities represent an attempt to secure a presidential pardon, although President Trump reportedly indicated in January that such consideration was off the table.

As of March 19, 2026, Bankman-Fried remains incarcerated at Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island located near Los Angeles. Recent court documentation filed by his mother indicates an anticipated facility transfer within the next several weeks.