Delisting
Also called: delist · token delisting
Definition
Delisting is when an exchange removes a token or trading pair, ending trading and usually setting a deadline to withdraw the remaining balances.
This entry is shown in English.
How Delisting works
Exchanges delist tokens for reasons such as low trading volume and liquidity, a project that stopped developing, security problems, regulatory concerns or failure to meet updated listing standards. Many exchanges first add a monitoring or risk tag to a token as a warning before any decision.
A delisting announcement normally gives dates: when trading pairs close, when deposits stop and the last day for withdrawals. Open orders are cancelled when trading ends. If the token has perpetual futures, those contracts are usually settled earlier. After the withdrawal deadline, some exchanges convert leftover balances into a stablecoin, others do not, so read each announcement.
Prices often fall sharply after a delisting announcement because liquidity is about to shrink. If you hold the token, decide early whether to sell or move it to a wallet or another exchange that supports it, and check that the destination supports the same network.
Example
Suppose an exchange announces that token XYZ will be delisted, with trading ending in 7 days and withdrawals closing in 30 days. You hold 5,000 XYZ worth 0.10 USDT each, so 500 USDT. After the news the price drops 30% to 0.07, making your holding 350 USDT. You can sell for about 350 USDT on the exchange, or withdraw the 5,000 XYZ to your own wallet for a 50 XYZ fee, leaving 4,950 XYZ to trade elsewhere.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring the withdrawal deadline and losing access to the remaining balance.
- Holding perpetual positions in a token being delisted without noting the earlier settlement date.
- Withdrawing to a network or wallet that does not support the token.
Learn and practise
FAQ
What happens to my tokens when they are delisted?
You can usually withdraw them until a set deadline. After that, depending on the exchange, they may be converted to a stablecoin or become inaccessible.
Why do exchanges delist tokens?
Common reasons include low liquidity, project inactivity, security incidents, regulatory issues or failing the exchange's ongoing review standards.