Margin operations are closed for multiple cryptocurrency pairs in February 2026

The cryptocurrency trading industry experienced a significant movement in early February 2026, when several asset pairs were removed from margin trading platforms. This change affected traders using both cross-margin and isolated-margin modes, requiring immediate action to protect their positions and assets.

Margin Pairs That Were Removed

The closure process impacted multiple cross-margin trading pairs, including KNC/BTC, COTI/BTC, BAT/BTC, DUSK/BTC, RLC/BTC, GRT/ETH, GLM/BTC, and KAVA/BTC. Additionally, isolated-margin trading saw the disappearance of a broader set of pairs: the aforementioned ones plus JST/BTC and CTK/BTC.

This consolidation of trading options reflects changes in the platforms’ risk management strategies. Since early February, users could no longer transfer assets from these pairs to their isolated-margin accounts via manual transfers or automated systems. Only those with outstanding debts in these tokens could make limited transfers up to the amount of their pending obligations.

Execution Timeline and Measures Taken

The closure process was carried out in clearly defined phases. Four days before the full shutdown, the ability to obtain new loans for isolated-margin trading in these pairs was suspended. Subsequently, on February 6 at 06:00 UTC, the platform proceeded with the forced closure of all open positions, executing automatic liquidations and canceling pending orders for both margin modes.

The technical delisting process took approximately three hours, during which users faced restrictions on updating or modifying their positions. Although the platform did not assume responsibility for potential losses incurred during this operational window, communication emphasized the importance of proactively preparing for these changes.

Alternative Strategies for Margin Operators

Affected traders have options to continue their trading strategies. The impacted assets remain available in other active trading pairs on margin platforms, allowing operators to redirect their positions to equivalent alternatives. This diversification of options offers flexibility but requires reconfiguring previous strategies.

Users were advised to proactively close their positions before the deadline and transfer their assets from margin accounts to spot accounts, thereby avoiding complications during the removal process. Advance planning was critical to minimize disruptions to margin operations and to ensure the safety of funds during this transition.