Timeline â Deadline and Settlement Outlook
The Gross Law Firmâs notice to FI shareholders was released on AugustâŻ14âŻ2025. The firmâs filing specifies a 30âday âclaimsâsubmissionâ deadline, which expires on SeptemberâŻ13âŻ2025. That date is the last day shareholders can formally submit a claim or contact the firm for consideration as a lead plaintiff. No settlement date is disclosed in the filing, but the typical litigation timetable for a classâaction of this size suggests that any settlement or courtâapproved resolution would most likely be announced between the fourth and sixth quarter of 2025 (i.e., OctoberâŻ2025âMarchâŻ2026). The exact settlement date will depend on the pace of discovery, any settlement negotiations, and the courtâs docket, but market participants typically see a settlement window opening roughly 6â12âŻmonths after the deadline, once the lead plaintiff is appointed and the class is certified.
Trading Implications
- Shortâterm: Expect heightened volatility in FIâs stock leading up to the SeptemberâŻ13 deadline as investors assess the risk of a sizable liability and the potential for a large, undisclosed settlement amount. Options premiums, especially nearâterm puts, may widen as traders price in the âunknownâsettlementâ risk.
- Mediumâterm: If the plaintiff appointment is announced shortly after the deadline, the stock may experience a shortâterm spike (positive if the lead plaintiff is perceived as âhardânosedâ and likely to negotiate a favorable settlement) or a sellâoff (if the market anticipates a large payout). Historical precedent for similar fintechâindustry class actions shows a 5â15âŻ% price swing over the 2â4âweek window surrounding the appointment announcement.
- Actionable: Consider defensive positioning (e.g., buying protective put spreads with strikes ~5âŻ% below current levels, expiring after the anticipated settlement windowâlate Q4â2025) to hedge downside risk, while simultaneously scaling into a modest long position if you believe the lawsuit will be settled on modest terms (e.g., a settlement under $0.10 per share). Keep a close eye on any subsequent court filings; a settlement announcement before yearâend could trigger a rapid rebound, making a bullâcall spread (e.g., 0â45âday expiration) a lowâcost way to capture upside while limiting downside.
Overall, the SeptemberâŻ13 deadline is the key date to watch; the market will likely price in the settlement risk over the next 3â6âŻmonths, so positioning should reflect that timeline.