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BlockFills CEO Exits After $75 Million Loss Freezes Client Withdrawals

DATE POSTED:February 25, 2026

Crypto liquidity firm BlockFills suspended withdrawals after $75 million losses and CEO Nicholas Hammer stepped down. 

Blockfills is a Chicago-based crypto liquidity provider and lender that primarily serves institutional clients such as hedge funds, asset managers, and high-net-worth trading firms.

Why It Matters
  • Institutional crypto lender losses can restrict liquidity for hedge funds, traders, and asset managers.
  • Withdrawal freezes raise solvency concerns and counterparty risk across crypto markets.
  • Leadership exits and sale efforts signal financial distress at a major institutional trading firm.
The Details
  • BlockFills co-founder and CEO Nicholas Hammer stepped down in February 2026.
  • The company appointed Joseph Perry as interim CEO.
  • BlockFills suspended client deposits and withdrawals on Feb. 11, 2026.
  • The firm reported approximately $75 million in losses tied to its crypto lending operations.
  • Losses occurred after crypto collateral backing loans fell in value during market declines.
  • Some clients received warnings to withdraw assets before the freeze.
  • Customer deposits and withdrawals remain halted as of late February 2026.
  • BlockFills is actively seeking a buyer or strategic investor.
  • The firm operates from Chicago and serves institutional crypto trading clients globally.
The Big Picture
  • BlockFills provides liquidity, lending, and trading infrastructure to institutional crypto clients.
  • Crypto lenders face losses when falling asset prices reduce collateral coverage on loans.
  • Similar lending failures previously triggered collapses at Celsius, Voyager, and Genesis.
  • Institutional crypto markets remain exposed to liquidity stress during volatile price cycles.
  • Firms increasingly pursue acquisitions or restructuring after lending losses reduce available capital.

The post BlockFills CEO Exits After $75 Million Loss Freezes Client Withdrawals appeared first on BeInCrypto.