Bithumb to Temporarily Halt STABLE Deposits and Withdrawals for Network Upgrade

South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb has announced a temporary suspension of deposits and withdrawals for the STABLE token, effective May 13 at 2:00 a.m. UTC. The halt is being implemented to support a scheduled network upgrade for the token.

Scheduled Maintenance Details

According to Bithumb’s official notice, the suspension will begin at 2:00 a.m. UTC on May 13. During this period, users will be unable to deposit or withdraw STABLE tokens through the exchange. The maintenance is directly tied to the token’s network upgrade, a process that typically requires exchanges to pause transactions to ensure compatibility and security.

Bithumb has not yet specified the exact duration of the suspension, but similar network upgrade halts in the crypto industry often last several hours to a full day, depending on the complexity of the upgrade and network conditions.

What This Means for Traders and Holders

For STABLE token holders and traders using Bithumb, the suspension means that any pending deposits or withdrawals initiated before the cutoff time should still process normally. However, transactions attempted after the halt will be queued or rejected until the upgrade is complete and services resume.

Trading of STABLE on Bithumb’s spot market may continue during the suspension, depending on the exchange’s internal policies. Users are advised to check Bithumb’s official announcements for real-time updates on the maintenance window and any potential changes to trading availability.

Network Upgrades and Exchange Coordination

Network upgrades are a routine but critical part of blockchain maintenance. They introduce improvements such as enhanced security, scalability fixes, or new features. Exchanges like Bithumb coordinate with development teams to pause services during the upgrade window to prevent transaction errors, lost funds, or network splits.

For STABLE, which operates as a stablecoin or utility token depending on its specific protocol, the upgrade could affect transaction finality, smart contract interactions, or token standards. Bithumb’s proactive suspension aligns with standard industry practice to protect user assets.

Conclusion

Bithumb’s temporary suspension of STABLE deposits and withdrawals on May 13 is a standard precautionary measure ahead of a network upgrade. While the exact duration remains unconfirmed, users should plan accordingly and monitor official channels for updates. The move reflects the exchange’s commitment to maintaining operational integrity and user asset safety during critical blockchain events.

FAQs

Q1: When will STABLE deposits and withdrawals resume on Bithumb?
A: Bithumb has not provided a specific resumption time. Users should watch for a follow-up announcement once the network upgrade is complete and stability is confirmed.

Q2: Will my STABLE tokens be safe during the suspension?
A: Yes. Your tokens remain in your Bithumb wallet or on the blockchain. The suspension only affects the ability to transfer tokens in or out of the exchange temporarily.

Q3: Can I still trade STABLE on Bithumb during the halt?
A: Trading may continue on the spot market, but this depends on Bithumb’s internal policies. Check the exchange’s trading interface or announcements for confirmation.