Report: Celsius Hires Citigroup to Help the Startup Find ‘Potential Financing’

According to “two people familiar with the matter,” the cryptocurrency lending company Celsius is working with the financial giant Citigroup in order to get advice on how to handle the firm’s financial hardship. The sources note that Citigroup was hired by Celsius to help the company find “potential financing.”

Sources Say Celsius Is Looking for Help From Citigroup

Three days ago, we reported on the crypto lending company Celsius halting withdrawals and the speculation and rumors that surrounded the firm. Speculators believe the startup may be insolvent as the company has been very quiet about what’s going on.

On June 15, after a few days of silence, Alex Mashinsky, the CEO of Celsius, tweeted about the situation. “[The Celsius] team is working non-stop. We’re focused on your concerns and thankful to have heard from so many,” Mashinsky said. “To see you come together is a clear sign our community is the strongest in the world. This is a difficult moment; your patience and support mean the world to us.”

We also reported on the company allegedly seeking out restructuring lawyers. A Wall Street Journal report, quoting “people familiar with the matter,” explained that Celsius was reportedly working with the law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. Both companies refused to comment about whether or not restructuring is being planned.

Furthermore, Ben Armstrong — also known as “Bit Boy” on Youtube — is allegedly bringing a class action against Celsius. “Today we will begin the process of bringing a Class Action Lawsuit against [Celsius Network] and [Alex Mashinsky],” Armstrong said.

On Wednesday, The Block reported that Celsius may be seeking help from Citigroup. Two sources “familiar with the matter” indicated that the financial giant is being hired in “an advisor capacity” and the source says Citigroup is not offering Celsius funds. “It’s not like Citi is going to give Celsius money out of their balance sheet,” the source is quoted as saying.

According to The Block author Yogita Khatri, the news publication reached out to Citigroup and the financial firm declined to comment. So far, it’s been over three days since Celsius halted withdrawals, and customers have not had access to their funds since the downtime started. Celsius has published a “Community FAQ” that discusses how customers can handle specific claims like loans. “For assistance, please direct your inquiry to loans@celsius.network,” the company’s FAQ details.