FOLLOW US

A once-rebranded blockchain finance firm now finds itself navigating the unforgiving terrain of bankruptcy court. Archblock filed for Chapter 11 protection in Delaware, reporting more than $100 million in liabilities against less than $10 million in assets — a financial imbalance as stark as a ship listing heavily in open water.

The San Francisco-based company, formerly known as TrustLabs, ZenTrusts and Win The Game, sought bankruptcy relief late Friday, marking the latest tremor in a crypto sector still grappling with legal battles and liquidity shocks.

Celsius Lawsuit Casts Long Shadow

The filing comes months after cryptocurrency lender Celsius Network Ltd. sued Archblock in October, accusing the blockchain financial technology company of orchestrating what it described as a “deliberate multimillion-dollar fraud.”

In its complaint, Celsius alleged that Archblock wagered customer deposits on high-risk investments — a strategy likened to doubling down at a volatile gaming table. When Celsius attempted to recover funds, Archblock allegedly refused to return the money, according to court filings.

The allegations added fresh tension to an industry already battered by bankruptcies, enforcement actions and shifting regulatory scrutiny.

Archblock Pushes Back

Archblock has forcefully denied Celsius’ claims in its formal response, rejecting accusations of misconduct. Instead, the company pointed to complications involving third parties, including Prime Trust LLC. Prime Trust’s parent company sought bankruptcy protection in 2023, a collapse that sent ripples through digital asset custody and payment networks.

By shifting focus to outside actors, Archblock framed the dispute as a domino effect within a fragile ecosystem rather than a deliberate scheme.

Bankruptcy Case Assigned in Delaware

Archblock’s Chapter 11 case has been assigned to U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Craig T. Goldblatt, who will oversee the proceedings as the company attempts to reorganize under court supervision.

The filing lists liabilities exceeding $100 million, contrasted with assets of less than $10 million — a chasm that underscores the scale of the financial strain facing the firm.

Representatives for Archblock did not immediately respond Monday to requests for comment regarding the bankruptcy or the ongoing litigation.

Legal Representation

In the Chapter 11 proceedings, Archblock is represented by William E. Chipman Jr. of Chipman Brown Cicero & Cole LLP.

As the case unfolds, the bankruptcy court will serve as the arena where competing narratives — fraud allegations versus third-party blame — collide. In an industry built on digital ledgers and decentralized trust, the outcome may hinge not on algorithms, but on the slow, deliberate mechanics of the U.S. legal system.