Terraform Labs Settlement Worth $4.47 Billion With The SEC Cannot Be Completed

Key Points:

• Due to bankruptcy, the SEC and investors may not recover the full fines in Terraform Labs settlement.
• The company ceased operations following a $4.47 billion settlement with the SEC.

According to Fortune, the Terraform Labs settlement, which includes a substantial $3.58 billion disgorgement and a $420 million civil penalty, is unlikely to be fully realized, as Terraform Labs has declared bankruptcy and reportedly has minimal funds.

Terraform Labs Settlement Uncertain Amid Bankruptcy

This leaves the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and investors facing an uncertain future regarding the recovery of the fines imposed. Meanwhile, Do Kwon, who is currently imprisoned in a Balkan jail, awaits potential extradition to either the U.S. or South Korea.

Kwon is accused of defrauding numerous investors, including many from his home country. His involvement in Terraform Labs‘ downfall has drawn significant criticism, particularly towards SEC Chairman Gary Gensler‘s leadership. Critics argue that the SEC failed to prevent Kwon’s fraudulent activities, which took place under Gensler’s watch.

The reported $4.5 billion Terraform Labs settlement offers little solace to investors who suffered losses from its collapse. Many feel that the SEC’s delayed intervention and the impracticality of recovering the fines are akin to ineffective policing.

Legal Troubles for Terraform Labs

Terraform Labs also announced its decision to cease operations following a $4.47 billion settlement with the SEC. The decision comes in the wake of the company’s historic collapse, tied to the algorithmic stablecoin UST in 2022.

The company’s CEO, Chris Amani, who took over from co-founder Do Kwon in July 2023, confirmed plans to wind down operations. Key projects within the Terra ecosystem will be sold, and control of the Terra blockchain will be transferred to the community. Amani also mentioned the intention to burn both unvested and vested holdings as part of the shutdown process.