Crypto Exchange Bitstamp to Discontinue Services in Canada
Bitstamp, a crypto exchange, has announced that it will be discontinuing its services in Canada from January 8, 2024. Bobby Zagotta, Bitstamp’s U.S. CEO and Global Chief Commercial Officer, stated that all Canadian accounts will be closed and customers will lose access to their accounts. Zagotta advised customers to withdraw their funds before the given date. However, he expressed hope of serving Canada again in the future and thanked Canadian customers for their loyalty.
Halting of Services and Regulatory Crackdown
In addition to ending services in Canada, Bitstamp has also halted certain services in the U.S., citing the regulatory crackdown by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on specific cryptocurrencies. The exchange stopped trading MATIC, SOL, NEAR, AXS, CHZ, MANA, and SAND on August 9. Furthermore, ether trading was terminated on August 23.
Hot Take: Bitstamp Makes Strategic Withdrawal from Canada
Bitstamp’s decision to discontinue its services in Canada reflects the challenges faced by crypto exchanges due to evolving regulatory environments. The move comes as part of a broader trend within the industry to ensure compliance with regulations and avoid potential legal risks. While this may disappoint Canadian customers, it is a proactive step taken by Bitstamp to align with regulatory requirements. It remains to be seen how these developments will impact the overall crypto landscape in Canada and whether other exchanges will follow suit.