What is Celsius (CEL)?

What Is Celsius Network?

Celsius Network is a regulated cryptocurrency lending platform, headquartered in the United States, that has made significant waves in the digital asset space. Founded in 2017 by Alex Mashinsky, Daniel Leon, and Nuke Goldstein, the network offers a unique proposition for crypto users: the ability to deposit various digital assets to earn high returns or to secure loans. In 2018, Celsius Network conducted a highly successful Initial Coin Offering (ICO) for its native token, CEL, raising an impressive $50 million. This marked the beginning of a period of exponential growth, with the company managing approximately $12 billion in assets and establishing itself as a prominent player in the market.

However, the journey was not without its challenges. The firm faced multiple controversies and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2022, citing poor asset deployment decisions. Currently, Celsius Network is undergoing restructuring as part of the bankruptcy process.

Resources

Official Website: https://celsius.network/

How Does Celsius Network Work?

Celsius Network operates in a way that mirrors traditional banking systems, but with a focus on cryptocurrency. Users can deposit their crypto assets into Celsius to earn interest, similar to a savings account in a conventional bank. This feature has made it an attractive option for individuals looking to generate passive income from their cryptocurrency holdings. Additionally, Celsius extends the facility to borrow money against these deposits. This service is particularly beneficial for those who need liquidity but do not wish to sell their crypto assets, thereby avoiding potential capital gains taxes and maintaining their investment in the market.

The platform's operations are significantly enhanced by its native token, CEL. CEL plays a central role in the Celsius ecosystem, being used for various purposes including taking out loans, earning rewards, and making payments. Furthermore, Celsius has implemented a loyalty program that is directly tied to the amount of CEL a user holds. This program offers multiple tiers, each providing additional benefits such as bonus rewards and reduced interest rates on loans. This tiered system incentivizes users to hold and use CEL, thereby increasing its utility and value within the platform.

What Is CEL Token?

CEL is the native token of the Celsius Network, serving multiple functions within its ecosystem. CEL is used for loan acquisition, reward distribution, and payments. The token's utility is further enhanced by the Celsius loyalty program, where the user's status and corresponding benefits are determined by the proportion of CEL in their portfolio. This system encourages users to invest in and hold CEL, creating a robust internal economy and fostering a sense of community among users. The token's role in the platform's operations and its integration into the loyalty program make it a vital component of the Celsius Network, contributing significantly to its overall functionality and appeal.

Celsius Network's Downfall: From Crypto Titan to Bankruptcy and Legal Battles

In June 2022, the cryptocurrency world was shaken by the dramatic collapse of Celsius Network, a once-thriving crypto lending platform. Founded in 2017, Celsius Network had grown to manage assets worth $11.7 billion, boasting a user base of 1.7 million. However, the company faced a severe crisis when it abruptly froze all customer accounts on June 13, 2022, citing "extreme market conditions." This move not only sent shockwaves through the price of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies but also revealed the precarious financial state of Celsius. Court filings later showed that the company was in a dire situation, with liabilities of $5.5 billion against assets of just $4.3 billion, leaving a staggering deficit of $1.2 billion.

The downfall of Celsius Network can be attributed to a confluence of risky investments and market conditions. The platform's heavy investment in the LUNA's Anchor protocol and its high-risk strategies involving Wrapped BTC (WBTC) and DAI, as well as ETH and stETH, played a significant role in its collapse. These decisions, coupled with the broader crypto market downturn, led to an acute liquidity crisis for Celsius. To prevent a total drain of their holdings, the company halted all withdrawals, swaps, and transfers, effectively locking users out of their assets. This decision marked a turning point for Celsius, leading to the filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 14, 2022. The company's CEO, Alex Mashinsky, resigned in September 2022, amidst growing scrutiny and legal challenges.

The aftermath of Celsius Network's collapse has been marked by legal battles and regulatory actions. Alex Mashinsky, the former CEO, was arrested and faces criminal and civil charges related to his role in the company's downfall. The U.S. Justice Department, along with other federal regulators like the CFTC, FTC, and SEC, have been building cases against Celsius for various regulatory violations. The New York attorney general filed a lawsuit against Mashinsky for allegedly making false and misleading statements, leading to significant investor losses. As of now, Mashinsky has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and Celsius continues with its bankruptcy proceedings, leaving many investors uncertain about the fate of their assets.