Digital asset exchange operators Binance and Huobi are reportedly blocking new user registration in response to China’s latest measures against the crypto space.
Bloomberg reports that Binance and Huobi are still accepting new sign-ups from Hong Kong, but are no longer allowing new registration for traders with mainland China-based mobile phone numbers.
On September 24th, China banned all business activities related to the crypto industry including the trading of digital assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Tether (USDT).
Binance did not comment on halting registration for Chinese users, but a spokesperson says that the firm does not have an exchange operation in China and is blocking Chinese IP addresses.
“Binance takes its compliance obligations very seriously and is committed to following local regulator requirements wherever we operate.”
Meanwhile, Huobi says it has ceased account registration for new users in China effective September 24th to comply with the nation’s laws and regulations. It is also terminating its service to current users.
“Huobi Global will gradually retire existing Mainland China user accounts by 24:00 (UTC+8) on Dec 31st, 2021, and ensure the safety of users’ assets. We will inform users of the specific arrangements and details through official announcements, e-mails, text messages, etc.”
As Huobi works to end its services for Chinese users, Whale Alert has detected a number of large transfers from the exchange. According to the blockchain tracker, unknown entities moved a total of 600,000 Ethereum (ETH) worth $1.7 billion to wallets of unknown origins in six different transactions.
Featured Image: Shutterstock/Oliver Denker