In a significant move, Bybit, the Dubai-headquartered cryptocurrency exchange, announced its decision to withdraw from the Canadian market and halt the opening of new accounts starting Wednesday. This decision comes as a result of a “recent regulatory development,” following the footsteps of Binance, which had already pulled out of the country.
Bybit revealed that it will cease accepting new deposits and opening new positions for existing Canadian users by July 31. However, it assured users that they will be able to withdraw funds or reduce their existing positions. The exchange expressed the difficulty of its decision but emphasized the necessity due to the regulatory landscape.
The Canadian Securities Administrators regulatory body had earlier mandated that crypto companies planning to operate in Canada must register their compliance with a new set of regulatory guidelines. Bybit’s exit is a response to this requirement, as the exchange temporarily halts its products and services in the country.
Bybit’s departure follows the recent decision of Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, to also exit the Canadian market. Binance cited new guidance related to stablecoins and investor limits, which rendered the Canadian market untenable for the exchange.
However, Coinbase, the leading crypto exchange in the United States, is taking an opposite approach. Coinbase is actively expanding in Canada, indicating confidence in the market. The company revealed its plans in March to hire over 200 engineers in Canada to bolster its global product portfolio. In addition, Coinbase’s global leadership team is making frequent trips to Canada to engage with regulators, partners, and the community. This proactive approach demonstrates Coinbase’s commitment to understanding the unique needs of the Canadian market.
The decisions of Bybit, Binance, and Coinbase highlight the varied approaches taken by crypto exchanges in response to evolving regulations. While Bybit and Binance have chosen to exit due to regulatory challenges, Coinbase is doubling down on its presence in Canada. This divergence underscores the complexities that cryptocurrency businesses face when navigating regulatory landscapes around the world.
As the cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve, market participants and regulators must work together to establish clear guidelines that foster innovation while safeguarding investors. The decisions made by Bybit, Binance, and Coinbase serve as reminders of the ongoing transformation and adaptation required within the crypto ecosystem.
