Coincidence? Bitfinex Mysteriously Halts FIAT Deposits

With Bitcoin going below $6300 and ETH back below $200, the Hong-Kong based exchange Bitfinex seems to have done something to make the situation worse.

As first reported by Block, the crypto exchange has suspended all forms of fiat deposits in USD, EUR, JPY, and GBP. Even though social media updates suggest that the situation should “normalize after a week,” there has been no official response from the Bitfinex team in the lead up to press time either on its Twitter account or blog.

Bitfinex Deposits. Image from Bitfinex by Cryptopotato

Bitfinex was also in the news the recent week after speculations arose that the exchange’s banking relationship and financial stability was under threat. The owners subsequently issued a press release saying that “Bitfinex has not become insolvent.”

With the latest development, it is certain that the crypto exchange has come under the public radar once again.

Bitfinex Banking Relationship Remains Obscure

Over the weekend, Bitfinex reportedly secured a major banking partner in HSBC through a private account – Global Trading Solutions:

Owing to the nature of the private account, it is likely that HSBC may not be aware that Bitfinex is banking with them. Now, it appears that the private account which Bitfinex has with HSBC is not working hence the halt in fiat deposits on the platform.

If HSBC has become Bitfinex’s new banking partner, then it will likely take some time until the issue is resolved. The exchange is rumored to have separated from for former banking partner Puerto Rico-based Noble International.

Add to the above the fact that Bitfinex cold wallet is at its low levels:

Bitfinex_balance — Bitfinex cold wallet. Source: Blockchain.info

Red Markets Amid Bitfinex Saga

The crypto markets woke up to a significant dip especially within the last few hours to press time amid reports of a sell-off.

Bitfinex is the sixth largest exchange by trading volume, and it is apparent that halting fiat deposits could have affected the market negatively. So far, traders on the exchange have not reported any issues with withdrawals.

Be the first to know about our price analysis, crypto news and trading tips: Follow us on Telegram or subscribe to our weekly newsletter.