Peter R
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March 24, 2014, 01:54:57 AM

Speaking of Karpeles, it occurred to me that MtGOX not only was the largest exchange outside China, but may also have been the largest bitcoin-related enterprise ever (with more than 500 M$ in nominal assets, not considering the theft).  Is that correct?

Probably.  

Interesting comparison (numbers are approximate):

MTGox at bankruptcy

Liabilities=~$500 M
Assets    =~$150 M  (after 200 kBTC were found)
===============================
Shortfall =  $350 M

Bitcoin money supply: 12,000,000 x $560 = $6,700 M

Shortfall / Money Supply = 350 / 6700 = 5.2%


Lehman Brother's at bankruptcy

Liabilities = $768 B
Assets    =  $639 B
===============================
Shortfall =  $129 B

USD M2 money supply: $11,000 B

Shortfall / Money Supply = 129 / 11000 = 1.2%


I wonder if the USD financial system would be more or less robust to a failure of equivalent size to MTGox.