The cryptocurrency exchange OKEx has announced an upcoming adjustment to the minimum trade quantity precision for the SHIB/USDT trading pair. This change aims to improve market liquidity and enhance the overall trading experience for users across both Unified Trading Account and Classic Account modes. The update will standardize the smallest tradable amount to a whole number—specifically, 1 SHIB per order—marking a shift toward simplified, user-friendly trading mechanics.
This article breaks down the key details of the adjustment, explains its implications for traders, and offers actionable guidance to help users adapt their strategies ahead of such platform updates.
Why Adjust Trade Quantity Precision?
Cryptocurrency exchanges frequently refine trading parameters to align with market demand, asset popularity, and technical efficiency. In the case of SHIB (Shiba Inu), a meme coin that has gained massive adoption since its inception, high trading volumes have made micro-precision less critical than ease of use.
By reducing the decimal places allowed in order sizes and setting the minimum trade quantity to 1 SHIB, OKEx is streamlining the trading process. This move reduces complexity for retail investors and minimizes system-level discrepancies during high-frequency trading operations.
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Key Timeline and Operational Changes
The adjustment was scheduled to take place on May 18, 2025 (HKT), with specific phases designed to ensure a smooth transition:
1. Trading Suspension at 16:55 (HKT)
At this time, the SHIB/USDT trading pair was temporarily suspended to prepare for the update. No new orders could be placed, and active trading halted.
2. Order Processing Window (16:55–17:00 HKT)
During this five-minute window, the system processed outstanding limit orders based on pre-update precision rules:
- Orders with non-integer quantities (e.g., 1,000,000.589 SHIB) were automatically canceled.
- Orders with whole-number quantities (e.g., 1,000,000 SHIB) remained active and valid after the update.
Example: A user who placed a limit order for 1,000,000.589 SHIB at $0.00002789 would see that order canceled. However, a clean order for exactly 1,000,000 SHIB at the same price would persist post-upgrade.
3. System Upgrade (17:00–17:10 HKT)
This critical maintenance window involved modifying the underlying trading engine settings:
- Classic Account Mode: Spot trading paused.
- Unified Account Mode: All services—including spot, futures, and margin—were temporarily unavailable.
4. Full Service Restoration (After 17:10 HKT)
All functionalities resumed normally. Traders could place new orders under the updated rules, with the minimum trade size now set at 1 SHIB.
Impact on Different Order Types
Not all orders were treated equally during the transition. Here’s how various order types were affected:
- Limit Orders: Subject to cancellation if they included fractional amounts beyond zero decimal places.
- Stop-Loss / Take-Profit Orders: All untriggered conditional orders were canceled.
- Plan Orders, Trailing Stop, Iceberg & TWAP Orders: These advanced order types—available primarily in Classic Account Mode—were also fully canceled if not yet executed.
Users relying on automated or conditional strategies needed to reconfigure their setups after the update to maintain continuity in their trading approach.
What This Means for Traders
For most retail traders, especially those dealing in large volumes of SHIB, this change simplifies order entry and reduces confusion caused by excessive decimal precision. However, certain considerations remain important:
- Strategy Adjustment: Traders using algorithmic bots or scripts must update their order-sizing logic to comply with integer-only inputs.
- Risk Management: With no support for sub-unit trades, users should review position sizing and ensure sufficient liquidity in their wallets.
- Market Depth: Improved clarity in order book entries may lead to tighter spreads and better price discovery over time.
👉 Learn how to optimize your trading strategy around updated precision rules
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why did OKEx make this change?
A: The adjustment improves market clarity and user experience by eliminating unnecessary decimal precision. It supports cleaner order books and aligns with growing retail participation in meme coin markets.
Q: Does this affect all account types equally?
A: Yes, both Unified and Classic Account modes were updated simultaneously. However, some advanced order types like trailing stops are only available in Classic mode and were therefore more heavily impacted.
Q: Were users notified in advance?
A: Yes, OKEx issued official notice via its social media channels and platform announcements several days prior to the change, allowing traders time to adjust positions and manage open orders.
Q: Can I still trade fractional amounts of SHIB?
A: No. After the update, only whole numbers (integers) are accepted as valid trade quantities. For example, you can buy 500 SHIB or 1,234 SHIB—but not 500.5 SHIB.
Q: Will other trading pairs undergo similar changes?
A: While no official list has been released, it's common for exchanges to apply similar optimizations to highly traded altcoins. Watch for future updates regarding tokens like DOGE, PEPE, or FLOKI.
Q: How does this impact stop-loss or take-profit orders?
A: Any unexecuted conditional orders were canceled during the maintenance window. Users must recreate these orders under the new quantity rules once trading resumes.
Best Practices for Handling Exchange Updates
To minimize disruptions during platform upgrades like this one:
- Monitor Official Channels: Follow exchange announcements via email, app alerts, or verified social media accounts.
- Review Open Orders Regularly: Cancel or adjust pending trades before scheduled maintenance.
- Update Trading Bots: Ensure APIs and third-party tools reflect current trading pair specifications.
- Maintain Buffer Funds: Keep extra USDT or margin assets available to handle sudden volatility or margin calls during transitions.
Final Thoughts
OKEx's decision to standardize the SHIB/USDT minimum trade quantity to 1 SHIB reflects a broader trend in digital asset platforms prioritizing usability without sacrificing performance. As cryptocurrencies like Shiba Inu continue gaining mainstream traction, exchanges are adapting their infrastructure to serve both novice and experienced traders effectively.
While short-term interruptions are inevitable during technical upgrades, proactive planning ensures minimal impact on your portfolio and trading rhythm.
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By staying informed and adjusting strategies accordingly, traders can turn routine platform changes into opportunities for refinement and growth in their crypto journey.