Crypto exchanges report uptick in trade volumes as coronavirus impacts the global economy

The coronavirus pandemic has pushed global markets into a state of shock – but major cryptocurrency exchanges appear to remain unaffected.

Seven crypto exchanges The Block spoke with – including centralized, decentralized and peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplaces – said they have witnessed increased user numbers and trading volumes since the pandemic started escalating.

"We've seen a significant uptick in sign-ups and a 300% increase in verified accounts," Dave Ripley, chief operating officer at Kraken, told The Block. Ripley did not disclose specific user numbers, but said Kraken currently serves "millions of clients around the world."

OKEx has also seen "steady" growth in its user base, CEO Jay Ho told The Block. "Especially during early-March, we recorded an estimated 1.7% boost globally."

Quick Take

  • Major cryptocurrency exchanges appear to remain unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact
  • At least seven exchanges The Block spoke they have seen an uptick in user sign-ups and trading volumes
  • These include Kraken, Gemini, Bitfinex, OKEx, Bitstamp, Paxful, and KyberSwap.

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Bitfinex and Tether Chief Strategy Officer Resigns

Chief Strategy Officer Phil Potter of Bitfinex announced Friday that he has decided to resign.

He is also leaving the same role at Bitfinex’s partner company, Tether Ltd., issuers of a stablecoin (USDT) that is pegged 1:1 in value to the US Dollar.

Potter Steps Down

In an emailed statement released to the media on Friday, Potter stated:

As Bitfinex pivots away from the U.S., I felt that, as a U.S. person, it was time for me to rethink my position as a member of the executive team.

The dubious timing on Potter’s departure, which comes in the wake of both companies being served subpoenas by the United States Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in December of last year, has raised questions as to whether the investigation was related to the split.

Bitfinex CSO Phil Potter Resigns

All Eyes Are on Bitfinex

Bitfinex is currently the sixth largest cryptocurrency exchange, with a 24-hour trade volume of more than $432 million. The exchange has been under scrutiny from...