In a move that has caught the attention of crypto traders worldwide, the popular exchange OKX announced its decision to delist five altcoins from its spot trading platform. The affected tokens—ZeroLend (ZERO), PARSIQ (PRQ), IQ, Artyfact (ARTY), and Samoyedcoin (SAMO)—will no longer be tradable on OKX starting June 4, 2025. Additionally, the stablecoin trading pair USDT/USDC will also be removed, marking a notable shift in the exchange’s asset lineup.
This delisting announcement triggered immediate price fluctuations across the affected markets, highlighting the delicate balance between exchange listings and token liquidity. Deposits for these tokens were already halted on May 28, with withdrawals scheduled to stop on September 4, giving holders a few months to manage their assets before full removal.
Why the Delisting?
OKX explained that the removal of these tokens stems from their failure to meet the exchange’s updated listing criteria. The company underlined its ongoing commitment to maintaining a “strong and reliable” trading ecosystem, emphasizing regular assessments of each listed asset’s performance, security, and community engagement.
The exchange’s official statement reads:
“To ensure a robust spot trading environment, we continuously monitor the performance of all listed pairs and review their listing qualifications on a regular basis. Based on user feedback and our Token Delisting and Hiding Guideline, several trading pairs that no longer meet our standards will be removed.”
This transparent approach reflects the growing trend among major exchanges to tighten their listing policies, responding to market maturity and increasing regulatory scrutiny.
Market Reaction and Price Volatility
News of the delisting sent immediate shockwaves through the market. All five tokens experienced price drops soon after the announcement. Samoyedcoin (SAMO) took the hardest hit with a nearly 15% plunge, while PARSIQ (PRQ) saw its value drop by approximately 9%. ZeroLend and Artyfact each fell around 4%, with IQ facing a much milder dip of just 0.09%.
Interestingly, by the time of writing, PRQ and IQ partially rebounded—rising 7.9% and 0.4%, respectively—suggesting that some investors saw buying opportunities amid the uncertainty. Other tokens also tempered their losses, hinting at a market beginning to stabilize after the initial sell-off.
This rollercoaster price action is a familiar pattern for tokens facing delisting. Historically, announcements from exchanges like Gate.io and Binance have triggered similar short-term sell-offs, reflecting traders’ fears about liquidity drying up and access becoming restricted.
What Happens Next for Traders?
OKX’s schedule spells out a clear timeline for users to act. While deposits for the delisted tokens are already suspended, withdrawals will remain possible until early September. After the September 4 cutoff, these assets will no longer be withdrawable or tradable on the platform, although holders can still find them under an “Untradable Assets” section in their accounts.
For many traders, this announcement underscores the importance of closely monitoring exchange policies and being prepared to shift assets as market dynamics change. For smaller or less liquid tokens, exchange delistings can severely impact accessibility and value, increasing the risk for investors.
Broader Context: Exchanges Tightening Standards
OKX’s decision fits within a broader trend in the crypto industry. As regulatory pressures mount and investor demands evolve, exchanges are refining their token listing and delisting practices. This often results in purging projects that fall short on transparency, liquidity, or compliance standards.
By actively managing their token offerings, platforms like OKX aim to enhance user trust and protect investors from risks tied to low-quality or underperforming assets.
