Suspension of USDT and WBTC Deposits in Canada by Kraken

Status
Not open for further replies.

William

New Member
Rookie
Aug 7, 2023
103
0
0
Crypto exchange Kraken is set to suspend all Trading, deposits, and withdrawals for Tether USD (USDT), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), and other reserve-backed assets in Canada. The move follows similar actions taken by other Canadian exchanges in response to regulatory guidance regarding the legal status of stablecoins. Kraken will suspend deposits and trading for the mentioned assets on November 30 and withdrawals on December 4. The assets will then be converted into USD at the prevailing market rate on December 5. Kraken encourages users to consider other supported trading pairs or to withdraw their funds before the suspension takes effect.

The assets affected by the suspension are derivatives of other currencies and digital assets. USDT and WBTC, for example, are backed by centralized reserves made up of cash and BTC, respectively. This move by Kraken is in line with the crackdown on stablecoins in Canada. Coinbase and Crypto.com have also suspended support for stablecoins in the country based on their own listing standards and instructions from the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), respectively.

Canadian regulators, unlike those in the United States, have deemed value-pegged crypto assets, such as stablecoins, as securities. The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) clarified this stance in December, stating that crypto trading platforms are not allowed to permit Canadian clients to trade or obtain exposure to any crypto asset that is considered a security or a derivative. Despite the strict regulations, Coinbase has commended Canadian lawmakers for their efforts in recognizing citizens’ right to self-custody and acknowledging the distinct nature of stablecoins compared to other cryptocurrencies.

The regulatory landscape for stablecoins remains uncertain in many jurisdictions. In the United States, regulators have yet to reach a consensus on the legal status of stablecoin assets. However, in Canada, the stance is clear, with regulators classifying them as securities. This poses challenges for exchanges operating in the country, as they must adhere to these regulatory guidelines or risk facing penalties or legal consequences. It also highlights the need for clearer and more consistent regulations across different jurisdictions to provide certainty and clarity for market participants.

Overall, Kraken’s decision to suspend trading, deposits, and withdrawals for certain stablecoins in Canada is in response to regulatory guidance and reflects the ongoing crackdown on these assets in the country. As regulatory scrutiny increases, exchanges must navigate the evolving landscape to ensure compliance and maintain a seamless trading experience for their users..

”altcoins”


#Kraken #Suspend #USDT #WBTC #Deposits #Canada
 
Status
Not open for further replies.