The Kadena blockchain organization is shutting down due to unfavorable market conditions, leading to the delisting of its KDA token from major exchanges like Bybit and OKX. The network will continue operating independently through decentralized mining, but trading services are being suspended starting October 2025.
-
Kadena’s closure announced on October 21, 2025, ends all business operations and maintenance of the blockchain.
-
Bybit has halted KDA lending, borrowing, and perpetual contracts effective October 24, 2025.
-
OKX suspended KDA deposits and plans to end spot trading on October 26, with full delisting by October 29 and withdrawals disabled by January 22, 2026.
Discover the impact of the Kadena shutdown on KDA token trading and blockchain operations. Learn why major exchanges are delisting KDA and what it means for investors in 2025. Stay informed on crypto developments—explore more insights today.
What is the Kadena Shutdown?
The Kadena shutdown refers to the decision by the organization behind the Kadena blockchain to cease all business operations and active maintenance, announced on October 21, 2025. This move comes amid challenging market conditions in the cryptocurrency sector. While the company is closing, the decentralized network is designed to run independently, supported by proof-of-work mining and community-driven smart contracts.
Why Are Exchanges Delisting the KDA Token?
The delisting of the KDA token from exchanges like Bybit and OKX follows directly from the Kadena organization’s shutdown announcement. According to reports from COINOTAG, a prominent crypto news outlet, Bybit terminated all KDA-related lending and borrowing services, with perpetual contracts set to end on October 24, 2025. OKX has already paused deposits and will suspend spot trading on October 26, 2025, ahead of removing trading pairs entirely on October 29, 2025. Withdrawals for KDA will no longer be possible after January 22, 2026.
This action ensures compliance with exchange policies on unsupported assets. Industry experts note that such delistings protect users from potential liquidity issues. Data from market trackers shows KDA’s price dropped over 65% immediately after the news, trading at around $0.072, a stark 99.7% decline from its all-time high of $27.64 in 2021. The Kadena team emphasized in their official statement that the blockchain’s proof-of-work consensus, akin to Bitcoin’s, allows it to persist without centralized support. Developers intend to release an updated binary for seamless operation by individual maintainers.
Founded in 2020 by Stuart Popejoy and William Martino, former JP Morgan executives who pioneered the bank’s early blockchain efforts, Kadena aimed to create a scalable “blockchain for business.” Despite ambitions to outperform Bitcoin in trustworthiness and Ethereum in efficiency, the project struggled to gain sustained adoption in a competitive market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens to the Kadena Blockchain After the Shutdown?
The Kadena blockchain will continue functioning independently post-shutdown, relying on decentralized proof-of-work mining and smart contracts managed by community maintainers. The organization stated, “We regret to announce that the Kadena organization is no longer able to continue business operations,” but assured that an updated binary will support uninterrupted network activity without their involvement.
Why Did Kadena Shut Down in 2025?
Kadena’s closure stems from unfavorable market conditions affecting the crypto industry. As shared via the official Kadena account on X on October 21, 2025, the team cited unsustainable business viability. While specifics on finances weren’t detailed, experts point to broader sector challenges like reduced investment and regulatory pressures impacting smaller blockchain projects.
How Will the KDA Token Price Be Affected by Exchange Delistings?
The KDA token experienced a sharp 65% price drop to $0.072 following the announcement, reflecting reduced accessibility on major platforms. Delistings from Bybit and OKX may further limit liquidity, potentially increasing volatility for remaining holders, though the token’s value depends on network activity and market sentiment.
Can Investors Still Withdraw KDA from Exchanges?
Yes, for now—OKX allows withdrawals until January 22, 2026, while Bybit’s timeline aligns with their service suspensions starting October 24, 2025. Users should act promptly to transfer assets to personal wallets, as the decentralized network supports ongoing transactions independent of exchange support.
Key Takeaways
- Kadena Organization Ceases Operations: The shutdown ends all company-led maintenance, but the blockchain persists through decentralized mechanisms, ensuring continuity for users and developers.
- Major Exchange Delistings Underway: Bybit and OKX are removing KDA trading pairs due to lack of project support, highlighting risks for tokens tied to centralized entities in crypto.
- Investor Action Recommended: With prices down 99.7% from peaks, holders should withdraw KDA promptly and monitor network updates to assess long-term viability.
Conclusion
The Kadena shutdown marks a significant moment for the blockchain’s ecosystem, driven by persistent market challenges in 2025. As exchanges like Bybit and OKX proceed with KDA token delistings, the focus shifts to the network’s resilience through its proof-of-work design and community governance. Investors navigating this transition should prioritize asset security and stay attuned to developer releases. Looking ahead, this event underscores the importance of decentralization in sustaining blockchain projects amid volatility—consider diversifying portfolios with established networks for stability.