Binance Shifts Focus from Altcoin/BTC Pairs in 2025

The landscape of cryptocurrency trading is changing as Binance moves to phase out Altcoin/BTC pairs, reflecting a broader shift in trader preferences.

In early 2025, Binance announced the delisting of several Altcoin/BTC pairs such as MDT/BTC, MLN/BTC, and XAI/BTC due to their low liquidity and trading volume. This is part of a larger trend where many similar pairs have been removed from the platform, with bids for Altcoin/USDT pairs gaining traction among traders.

Binance's Strategic Delisting of Altcoin/BTC Pairs

The decision to delist these pairs is backed by the need for high-quality trading conditions. Binance stated, "To protect users and maintain a high-quality trading market, periodic reviews of trading pairs are conducted, which may lead to delisting options based on factors such as poor liquidity and low trading volumes."

This year alone, Binance has delisted 34 trading pairs in total, half of which were in the Altcoin/BTC category. However, not all Altcoin pairs are affected; many have a corresponding Altcoin/USDT pair that remains available, indicating a strategic pivot towards more stable trading options.

Market Dynamics: Retail vs. Institutional Investors

Recent data from CryptoQuant shows a clear trend: while retail investors are reducing their Bitcoin holdings, institutional players are actively accumulating BTC. As Bitcoin prices rise, retail traders feel priced out, leading them to explore altcoins, particularly favoring meme coins.

“Retail is panic-selling. Whales are accumulating,” commented investor Mister Crypto.

With the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs and heightened interest from institutional investors, Bitcoin has become a key investment asset. Retail investors are increasingly allocating their resources to altcoins.

Engaging in Altcoin/BTC trading can be risky, exposing traders to dual volatility from both Bitcoin and altcoins. High-profile pairs like ETH/BTC have seen increased fluctuations, raising concerns about potential losses.

Shifting Preferences in Trading Strategies

Market analysts are increasingly focusing on Altcoin/USDT trading pairs, leading to decreased attention toward Altcoin/BTC pairs. The trading volume of USDT remains robust, frequently surpassing $115 billion daily, which further bolsters its standing as the primary medium for traders looking for profit opportunities.