Mt. Gox Delay Pushes $4B Bitcoin Payout to 2026

The long-running Mt. Gox story is not over yet. According to Cointelegraph, the defunct Japanese crypto exchange has pushed back its plan to repay about $4 billion in Bitcoin until 2026. The repayments were expected to start in October 2025, but the trustee who manages the case says they need more time. This Mt. Gox delay frustrates many creditors, yet it may also bring some relief to Bitcoin traders.

Why the Delay Matters

Mt. Gox still controls around 34,000 BTC, worth nearly $4 billion. These coins have remained locked since 2014 when hackers stole about 850,000 Bitcoin and forced the exchange to shut down.

If the repayments had begun next year, many creditors might have sold their coins right away. That move could have flooded the market and pushed prices lower. The delay now means the extra supply won’t appear for at least another year, giving Bitcoin more space to breathe.

With fewer coins ready to sell, the market might stay more stable or even trend upward.

Why Some Think It’s Bullish

Many analysts believe the delay could turn out to be bullish for Bitcoin. Since fewer coins will enter circulation, selling pressure stays low, which usually helps the price.

The timing also works in Bitcoin’s favor. The crypto market is slowly recovering as more investors and institutions return. By keeping $4 billion in BTC off the market, Mt. Gox removes one of the biggest short-term risks for traders.

While creditors feel disappointed, the broader crypto space might quietly benefit.

Creditors Still Waiting

For creditors, the wait drags on. Some have spent more than a decade trying to recover their funds. Each new delay adds to their frustration.

The trustee says the team needs extra time to process repayments properly and meet all of the requirements. However, there is no confirmed repayment date yet. If the process finally begins in late 2026, the market will watch how creditors react.

A sudden wave of selling could still bring short-term pressure on Bitcoin’s price.

How It Affects Bitcoin

Right now, the delay takes away a big worry for traders. With billions in Bitcoin staying off the market, volatility may ease for a while.

This case also shows how complex crypto bankruptcies can be. But for now, Bitcoin has a moment of calm before the next big move.

A Pause That Strengthens Bitcoin

Mt. Gox’s delay may test creditors’ patience, but it gives Bitcoin a break. By keeping $4 billion in BTC locked for another year, the market avoids sudden selling and gets more time to strengthen. For creditors, the wait continues. But for Bitcoin, this pause might be a quiet win.