Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Bithumb Shuts USDT Market, Ends Stellar Order-Book Sharing After FIU Probe

The closure follows FIU inspections into AML, KYC, Travel Rule risks tied to shared order books.

Overview

  • Bithumb closed the USDT market at 11:00 KST on Nov. 28, ending its order-book integration with Australia’s Stellar Exchange after two months.
  • Ten USDT trading pairs were removed as pending orders were canceled and related API functions were suspended, while KRW pairs, deposits, and withdrawals remain available.
  • The FIU launched on-site checks at Bithumb on Oct. 1 and later inspected Dunamu, Coinone, Korbit, and GOPAX as part of broader compliance reviews.
  • Regulators examined whether cross-border order-book sharing weakened anti-money-laundering controls, Know Your Customer processes, and compliance with the Travel Rule.
  • Bithumb attributed the shutdown to system maintenance and reorganization with no reopening timeline, and industry sources said the exchange has effectively given up on the service.