OKX’s altcoin delisting spree has jolted crypto markets, with five tokens: ZeroLend (ZERO), PARSIQ (PRQ), IQ (IQ), Artyfact (ARTY), and Samoyedcoin (SAMO) set to vanish from the platform by June 4, 2025.
The bombshell announcement triggered instant sell-offs, slicing prices before a shaky rebound, as traders grappled with the fallout of OKX’s sweeping purge.
The OKX altcoin delisting decision, part of the exchange’s routine review process, underscores its tightening standards for maintaining a “robust trading environment.”
Deposits for the tokens were halted May 28, while withdrawals will close on September 4, leaving traders scrambling to adjust strategies.
Why OKX altcoin delisting news spells trouble for projects
The OKX altcoin delisting impacts key trading pairs, including ZERO/USDT, PRQ/USD, and SAMO/USDT, alongside the stablecoin pair USDT/USDC. OKX cited failure to meet listing criteria, though specifics remain undisclosed.
“Delistings are a harsh but necessary reality in crypto. When exchanges like OKX pull support, it’s often a death knell for smaller projects,” said Martha Reyes, Head of Research at BeQuant Exchange.
ZERO, PRQ, SAMO, ARTY, IQ Price Performance. Credit: TradingView
Market data reveals stark reactions:
SAMO nosedived 15% post-announcement.
PRQ and IQ later rebounded 7.9% and 0.4%, respectively.
Traders brace for fallout from OKX altcoin delisting
The OKX altcoin delisting announcement follows similar moves by rivals like Binance and Gate.io, which recently purged 33 tokens. Analysts warn of a growing trend:
“Exchanges are pruning low-volume assets to avoid regulatory risks. This OKX altcoin delisting is part of a broader cleanup,” noted David Lawant, Head of Research at FalconX.
Retail investors voiced frustration on social media, with one trader lamenting, “Liquidity for these coins just evaporated overnight.”
What’s next after the OKX altcoin delisting?
While OKX assures users can access delisted tokens under “Untradable Assets,” the long-term outlook is bleak. Historical data shows delisted tokens often struggle to regain exchange support.
“Projects must diversify listings or face oblivion. The OKX altcoin delisting is a wake-up call,” warned Lex Sokolin, Partner at Generative Ventures.
As the June 4 deadline looms, the market watches for contagion effects—and whether OKX’s crackdown sets a precedent.
Key points
The OKX altcoin delisting targets ZERO, PRQ, IQ, ARTY, and SAMO.
Prices initially crashed but showed partial recovery.
Experts link the move to regulatory pressures and low liquidity.
Olivia Jackson is a US-based cryptocurrency writer and market analyst with a passion for decoding the complexities of blockchain technology and digital assets. With over five years of experience covering the crypto space, she specializes in breaking down market trends, regulatory developments, and emerging Web3 innovations for both retail and institutional audiences.
Her work has appeared in leading finance and tech publications, including CoinDesk, Decrypt, and The Block, where she provides data-driven insights on Bitcoin, DeFi, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Olivia is particularly interested in the intersection of traditional finance and decentralized systems, often exploring how macroeconomic shifts impact crypto markets.