The cryptocurrency landscape is constantly evolving, and major exchanges like Gemini play a pivotal role in shaping market dynamics. Recently, Gemini announced plans to discontinue support for several digital assets — including LUNC (Terra Classic), SNX (Synthetix), QRDO (Qredo), and ZBC (Zebec Protocol). This decision has sparked widespread discussion among traders, investors, and blockchain enthusiasts.
While delistings are not uncommon, they often signal deeper shifts in market standards, regulatory pressures, and platform strategy. Understanding why Gemini made this move offers valuable insight into how leading crypto platforms maintain quality, security, and compliance in an increasingly complex ecosystem.
Cryptocurrencies Facing Delisting on Gemini
LUNC (Terra Classic)
LUNC, or Terra Classic, is the rebranded token of the original Terra blockchain that collapsed in 2022 following the de-pegging of its algorithmic stablecoin UST. Once a top-tier project with billions in market capitalization, the Terra ecosystem suffered a catastrophic failure due to structural vulnerabilities.
Despite community-led efforts to revive the network under the "Classic" banner, LUNC has struggled to regain investor confidence. Trading volumes have dwindled significantly, and liquidity remains thin across most exchanges. For platforms like Gemini, supporting a token with minimal activity and ongoing reputational risk no longer aligns with their commitment to high-quality assets.
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SNX (Synthetix)
SNX powers Synthetix, one of the earliest decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols enabling synthetic asset trading — essentially allowing users to gain exposure to real-world assets like stocks, commodities, and currencies through crypto.
While innovative at launch, Synthetix has seen declining usage and liquidity over recent years. Competitors have emerged with more efficient models, and SNX’s on-chain activity has slowed. Low trading volume on major platforms reduces the incentive for exchanges to maintain listing support, especially when operational costs outweigh benefits.
Gemini’s potential delisting of SNX reflects a broader trend: even early DeFi pioneers must continuously innovate to stay relevant.
QRDO (Qredo)
QRDO is the native token of Qredo Network, a platform focused on decentralized custody and institutional-grade settlement solutions. The project aimed to bridge traditional finance and crypto by offering secure multi-party computation (MPC) wallets and cross-chain infrastructure.
However, despite solid technology, QRDO failed to gain significant adoption or trading momentum. Limited visibility, low exchange volume, and lack of mainstream traction likely contributed to its inclusion on Gemini’s delisting watchlist.
For any cryptocurrency to remain listed, sustained user engagement and market demand are essential — two areas where QRDO currently falls short.
ZBC (Zebec Protocol)
ZBC represents Zebec Protocol, a continuous payment streaming platform designed for real-time salary disbursements, subscriptions, and instant transfers. The idea of “money flowing in real time” attracted early attention, particularly from Web3 payroll startups.
Still, Zebec has not achieved widespread adoption. Trading volumes remain low, and developer activity has slowed. Without strong ecosystem growth or regulatory clarity around its use case, ZBC struggles to justify continued presence on premium exchanges like Gemini.
Key Reasons Behind Gemini's Delisting Decision
Low Trading Volume
One of the most critical factors in any delisting decision is trading volume. Tokens with consistently low activity generate minimal fees for the exchange and contribute little to overall liquidity. From an operational standpoint, maintaining infrastructure for such assets becomes inefficient.
Low volume also increases price volatility and slippage, negatively impacting user experience. By removing underperforming tokens, Gemini ensures its platform remains focused on assets with healthy markets and active communities.
Regulatory Compliance Risks
As global regulators tighten oversight on digital assets, exchanges must exercise greater caution. Some tokens may pose legal risks due to ambiguous classifications, unregistered securities status, or links to past controversies.
Gemini, as a U.S.-based exchange operating under strict financial regulations, prioritizes compliance. Delisting potentially risky assets helps mitigate exposure to enforcement actions by agencies like the SEC.
Project Viability and Development Activity
Exchanges increasingly assess not just current performance but also long-term project sustainability. Metrics such as GitHub commits, team updates, community engagement, and roadmap progress help determine whether a project is alive and evolving.
Tokens like LUNC and ZBC have shown limited development momentum recently, raising concerns about their future relevance. Gemini likely evaluated these indicators before deciding to end support.
Protecting Platform Reputation
A trusted exchange must safeguard its market reputation. Listing inactive or failing projects can erode user trust and position the platform as less selective. By curating a high-quality asset roster, Gemini reinforces its image as a secure, professional venue for crypto trading.
This quality-over-quantity approach resonates with institutional investors and retail users alike who prioritize safety and reliability.
What Happens After a Delisting?
Price Impact and Market Sentiment
Historically, announcements of delisting lead to short-term price drops. Investors often sell preemptively out of fear of reduced liquidity or access. Over time, delisted tokens may continue to trade on smaller exchanges or decentralized platforms (DEXs), but their visibility and value typically decline.
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Community Response
Delisting news often triggers strong reactions from project communities. Some view it as a death knell; others see it as motivation to rebuild independently. In certain cases, teams respond with aggressive marketing, new partnerships, or technical upgrades in hopes of qualifying for relisting.
Potential for Relisting
Delisting isn’t always permanent. If a project improves transparency, boosts trading volume, resolves regulatory issues, or demonstrates renewed development activity, it may be reconsidered for listing in the future.
However, relisting requires proactive effort from the project side — passive waiting rarely works.
Broader Implications for the Crypto Market
Increased Selectivity Across Exchanges
Gemini’s move could set a precedent for other major platforms. As the market matures, expect stricter listing criteria centered on liquidity, compliance, security, and project health.
This trend may reduce the number of available trading pairs but enhance overall market stability.
Market Consolidation
We’re likely entering an era of crypto market consolidation, where only the strongest projects survive on top-tier exchanges. While this benefits long-term investors seeking reliability, it may limit opportunities for speculative or emerging tokens.
Ripple Effects on Other Platforms
When a respected exchange like Gemini delists assets, others take note. Competitors may conduct internal reviews of similar tokens, potentially triggering a wave of additional delistings — especially for those already on thin ice.
How Investors Can Prepare
- Monitor official exchange announcements regularly.
- Transfer assets early if delisting is announced — avoid last-minute congestion.
- Diversify holdings across multiple exchanges and self-custody wallets.
- Conduct due diligence on project fundamentals before investing.
👉 Stay ahead with tools that track asset performance and exchange updates
Final Thoughts
Gemini’s decision to end support for LUNC, SNX, QRDO, and ZBC underscores a growing emphasis on quality control, regulatory alignment, and user protection in the crypto space. While challenging for affected holders, such moves help strengthen the integrity of digital asset markets.
For investors, this serves as a reminder: always research beyond hype. Focus on projects with active development, clear use cases, strong communities, and compliance readiness.
The future of crypto belongs not to every token — but to those built to last.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens to my LUNC, SNX, QRDO, or ZBC tokens after delisting?
You must transfer your tokens to another exchange or a private wallet before the delisting date. Failure to do so may result in loss of access on Gemini.
2. Can a delisted cryptocurrency be relisted in the future?
Yes, but only if the project addresses underlying issues — such as improving trading volume, regulatory compliance, or development activity — and meets the exchange’s current listing standards.
3. Why does Gemini delist certain cryptocurrencies?
Common reasons include low trading volume, regulatory risks, lack of project development, poor liquidity, and efforts to maintain platform quality and user trust.
4. How can I avoid investing in tokens that might get delisted?
Research the project’s team, roadmap, trading volume, community engagement, and regulatory status. Prioritize established projects with consistent activity and transparent operations.
5. Should I panic if my crypto gets delisted?
Not necessarily. Delisting affects convenience and liquidity but doesn’t destroy the token itself. You can still trade it elsewhere or hold it in self-custody while monitoring project developments.
6. Does delisting mean the project is dead?
Not always. Some projects continue developing independently or find new exchange partners. However, losing major exchange support is a significant setback that requires strong recovery efforts.