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Contagion effects of permissionless, worthless cryptocurrency tokens: Evidence from the collapse of FTX

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  • Conlon, Thomas
  • Corbet, Shaen
  • Hou, Yang (Greg)

Abstract

This paper investigates the price discovery relationships between FTT Token, issued by the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, and a set of assets and liabilities held by FTX amid a period of catastrophic financial decline by applying novel information flow measurement techniques. Results indicate that during key phases associated with the collapse of FTX, FTT Token had an informational lead over multiple assets, including cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum. Furthermore, we identify significant interactions between the FTT Token and both Robinhood shares and the token Serum, raising concerns about the direct influence of permissionless, technically valueless tokens on other assets and the potential challenges to market stability and investor protection. Our findings underscore the need for stronger policy-making, regulatory, and ethical considerations in cryptocurrency markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Conlon, Thomas & Corbet, Shaen & Hou, Yang (Greg), 2024. "Contagion effects of permissionless, worthless cryptocurrency tokens: Evidence from the collapse of FTX," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:intfin:v:91:y:2024:i:c:s1042443124000064
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intfin.2024.101940
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    1. Riccardo De Blasis & Luca Galati & Rosanna Grassi & Giorgio Rizzini, 2024. "Information Flow in the FTX Bankruptcy: A Network Approach," Papers 2407.12683, arXiv.org.

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