Lawsuit Forces Delisting of 40+ Pairs on Binance US – Is Coinbase Next?

After the recent lawsuit filed against Ripple Labs by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), major cryptocurrency exchange Binance US announced its decision to delist over 40 trading pairs associated with several altcoins. This move has sparked speculation among the crypto community about whether Coinbase, another prominent exchange, will follow suit.

Binance US made this move in response to the legal action taken against Ripple Labs, which alleged that the company had sold unregistered securities in the form of XRP tokens. As a result, the exchange has decided to remove all trading pairs associated with XRP from its platform. Additionally, other altcoins that are closely linked or utilized by Ripple, such as Stellar (XLM) and Zcash (ZEC), also faced delisting.

This action by Binance US begs the question of whether Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, will take a similar step. Coinbase is known for its strict adherence to compliance with regulatory frameworks, and it has previously delisted assets that have come under scrutiny by authorities. For instance, in 2019, the exchange removed support for Zcash in the United Kingdom due to regulatory concerns.

However, the decision to delist certain trading pairs is not a simple one for Coinbase. While the exchange is committed to maintaining a secure and compliant platform, it also aims to offer its customers a wide range of options for trading. Coinbase prioritizes user experience and recognizes the importance of not limiting its users’ choices without solid regulatory justifications.

Moreover, Coinbase has witnessed significant growth in recent years, becoming a publicly traded company through a direct listing on April 14, 2021. This development marks a notable milestone for the crypto industry and underscores Coinbase’s commitment to further expansion. Consequently, the exchange may be more inclined to handle any regulatory concerns differently than Binance US, taking into account its position as a publicly traded entity.

It is worth noting that Coinbase had already suspended trading of XRP on its platform altogether following the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple Labs, before Binance US announced its decision to delist XRP trading pairs. This suggests that Coinbase has already taken steps to mitigate any risks associated with Ripple and XRP.

However, the situation could evolve, as the outcome of the lawsuit against Ripple Labs is still uncertain. If the SEC successfully proves that XRP is an unregistered security, Coinbase may be compelled to take further action, such as permanently delisting XRP from its exchange. This would be in line with Coinbase’s track record of complying with regulatory requirements and prioritizing the safety of its users.

It is important to remember that exchanges often operate within different regulatory jurisdictions, and decisions made by one exchange may not be directly applicable to another. Each exchange must analyze the specific circumstances, regulatory environment, and legal considerations applicable to them before making any decisions regarding delistings.

In conclusion, while Binance US has recently chosen to delist over 40 trading pairs associated with certain altcoins following the Ripple Labs lawsuit, it remains to be seen whether Coinbase will take a similar step. Coinbase has already suspended trading of XRP on its platform, indicating a cautious approach to regulatory compliance. However, the outcome of the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple Labs could influence Coinbase’s future decisions regarding XRP. As exchanges navigate rapidly evolving regulatory landscapes, they must balance compliance with offering their users a diverse array of trading options.