Coinbase Halts 80 Crypto Pairs to Strengthen Liquidity

Maxwell Mutuma
October 17, 2023 Updated April 9, 2024
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CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Breaking: Coinbase UK Faces $4.5M Fine For Onboarding High-Risk Customers

Coinbase, a pivotal player in the digital asset exchange industry, has initiated the suspension of 80 non-USD trading pairs. This move, declared on October 17, aims to enhance liquidity and overall market health. The pairs facing delisting encompass those linked with Bitcoin, Tether, and the Euro. This decision aligns with the company’s continuous market evaluation efforts, affecting various facets of its operation, including Coinbase Exchange, Advanced Trade, and Coinbase Prime.

Impacted traders in qualifying regions aren’t left stranded, however, they retain access to these pairs via more fluid USD order books, employing their USDC balances. This alternative path keeps the trading ecosystem functional and inclusive despite the shift away from certain market pairs.

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USDC Balances Boost Coinbase Trading Flexibility

Moreover, Coinbase has engineered a system where users’ USDC balances are a gateway to continued trading activities. This ‘USDC unification’ implemented in April allows traders to engage with USD order books seamlessly. Such a move doesn’t just preserve uninterrupted trading; it underscores USDC’s versatility in deposit, withdrawal, and trading operations within the platform’s ecosystem.

Despite the considerable number of affected trading pairs, their collective volume represents a negligible portion of global trading activity on the platform. This underscores the decision’s strategic nature, focused more on consolidating market health than curtailing user options.

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Coinbase and Binance Navigate Regulatory Challenges

Centralized exchanges, despite criticism, reign supreme in the cryptocurrency trading space due to their liquidity and expansive market access. Leading entities like Binance and Coinbase dominate various jurisdictions, yet the landscape has challenges.

Coinbase, for instance, has experienced a substantial 52% decrease in spot trading volumes, with the third quarter of 2023 recording just $76 billion. Additionally, legal tensions with the SEC have dented confidence as cases around improper registrations and allegations of unregistered securities trading loom.

Binance shares this turbulent regulatory voyage, with its market share receding consistently amidst global scrutiny. Both giants have pledged robust legal defense strategies, highlighting the burgeoning pressure centralized exchanges face in aligning with evolving regulatory frameworks.

Read Also: Binance.US Adjusts Operations, Ends USD Withdrawals

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Maxwell is a crypto-economic analyst and Blockchain enthusiast, passionate about helping people understand the potential of decentralized technology. I write extensively on topics such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, tokens, and more for many publications. My goal is to spread knowledge about this revolutionary technology and its implications for economic freedom and social good.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.