Uphold Crypto Exchange Delists Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and Cardano: What HODLers Should Know

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The cryptocurrency landscape is constantly evolving, and recent moves by Uphold — a well-known digital asset exchange — have sent ripples through the community. In late 2023, Uphold announced the delisting of several major cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and Cardano (ADA), specifically for users in Canada. This decision has raised concerns among investors and long-term holders (HODLers) about market stability, regulatory compliance, and the future of altcoins on global platforms.

This article explores the reasons behind the delisting, its implications for investors, and what steps affected users should take to protect their assets.

Why Is Uphold Delisting These Cryptocurrencies?

Uphold’s decision to remove Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Cardano, and seven other digital assets stems from regulatory requirements in Canada. In an official email sent to Canadian users, the exchange clarified that the move aligns with the Pre-Registration Undertaking it entered into with the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC). This agreement is part of Uphold’s broader effort to achieve full regulatory registration within the country.

Cryptocurrencies classified as Tier 3 and all Tier 4 tokens are being removed from the platform to ensure compliance with local financial regulations. While the exact criteria for tier classification aren't publicly detailed by Uphold, such tiers typically reflect factors like market maturity, liquidity, security audits, and legal risk exposure.

The full list of delisted Tier 3 cryptocurrencies includes:

Additionally, all Tier 4 tokens — which often include newer or higher-risk projects — are also being phased out. Examples include Terra Classic (LUNC) and Solana-based meme coins like BONK.

👉 Discover how top exchanges handle regulatory shifts and protect user assets.

Which Major Cryptocurrencies Survived the Delisting?

Despite the broad sweep, not all Tier 3 assets were removed. Notably, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and XRP remain supported on Uphold’s Canadian platform. This selective retention underscores a strategic distinction between foundational blockchain assets and more speculative tokens.

Bitcoin and Ethereum are widely recognized as the two dominant players in the crypto ecosystem, often treated differently under evolving regulatory frameworks due to their size, adoption, and decentralization levels.

XRP’s survival is particularly noteworthy. Uphold has maintained a long-standing relationship with Ripple, XRP’s parent company, including a strategic partnership aimed at advancing cross-border payments. This alliance likely played a role in XRP’s exemption from the delisting.

What Does This Mean for HODLers?

For holders of Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, or Cardano on Uphold Canada, the delisting presents both urgency and opportunity.

Users were given a 30-day window to either:

After January 15, 2024, any unmanaged holdings in delisted assets would be automatically converted into Canadian Dollars (CAD) at the prevailing market rate — a measure designed to protect users from potential volatility but one that may not align with individual investment strategies.

This situation highlights a critical lesson: reliance on centralized exchanges carries inherent risks, especially in regions with tightening crypto regulations. Long-term investors should consider self-custody solutions like hardware wallets to maintain full control over their digital assets.

👉 Learn how to securely manage your crypto portfolio beyond exchange platforms.

Key Implications for the Broader Crypto Market

While this delisting is limited to Canada, it signals a growing trend: regulatory scrutiny is reshaping exchange listings worldwide. As governments seek clearer oversight of digital assets, exchanges are forced to make difficult choices between compliance and inclusivity.

This could lead to:

For projects like Cardano, which emphasize academic rigor and regulatory engagement, this moment may serve as a wake-up call to strengthen outreach to global regulators. Meanwhile, meme coins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu face ongoing challenges in proving long-term utility beyond community-driven hype.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Why did Uphold delist Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and Cardano?

Uphold delisted these cryptocurrencies to comply with regulatory obligations under its Pre-Registration Undertaking with the Ontario Securities Commission. The affected tokens were categorized as Tier 3 or Tier 4 assets, which the exchange determined did not meet current compliance standards for continued listing in Canada.

❓ Can I still trade DOGE, SHIB, or ADA on Uphold?

No. Canadian users can no longer deposit or purchase these cryptocurrencies on Uphold. Trading pairs have been removed, and support for these assets has been discontinued on the platform.

❓ What happens if I don’t withdraw my tokens before the deadline?

If you failed to act by January 15, 2024, Uphold automatically converted your holdings in delisted tokens into Canadian Dollars (CAD). These funds should now appear in your account balance in fiat currency.

❓ Are these tokens gone forever from Uphold?

Not necessarily. Delisting does not mean permanent removal. If regulatory conditions change or if these projects meet future compliance criteria, Uphold may reconsider relisting them. However, there is no current timeline for such action.

❓ Where can I still trade Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, or Cardano?

Many other global exchanges continue to support these cryptocurrencies, including major platforms like OKX, Binance (in accessible regions), Kraken, and Coinbase. Always verify availability based on your jurisdiction.

❓ Should I be worried about other exchanges delisting similar coins?

It’s possible. Regulatory pressure is increasing globally. Exchanges operating in highly regulated markets (such as the U.S., U.K., or EU) may follow similar patterns by delisting assets deemed high-risk or non-compliant. Staying informed about exchange policies and diversifying custody methods can help mitigate risk.

👉 Stay ahead of exchange updates with real-time crypto market tools.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Change in a Regulated Era

The delisting of Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and Cardano by Uphold in Canada reflects a pivotal shift in how digital assets are governed. As regulators step in to define what constitutes a legitimate financial instrument, exchanges must adapt — sometimes at the expense of popular but legally ambiguous tokens.

For investors, this reinforces the importance of:

While short-term volatility and access limitations may cause concern, the long-term health of the crypto ecosystem depends on sustainable regulation and responsible innovation.

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