Cryptocurrency exchanges are in a constant race to list new altcoins and memecoins, but is this cycle sustainable? According to River Financial CEO Alex Leishman, once an exchange steps into altcoin listings, it becomes stuck in an endless loop—what he calls the “forever hamster wheel.”
Leishman argues that after listing one non-Bitcoin asset, exchanges feel pressured to keep adding more, often chasing trends in ecosystems like Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL). This creates a pattern where short-term speculation takes priority over long-term financial growth.
River Financial, known for its Bitcoin-only approach, refuses to follow this path. Leishman emphasizes that many exchanges have turned into “crypto casinos,” focusing on quick profits rather than sustainable investment strategies. His stance raises a crucial question: are altcoin listings truly beneficial, or are they just a way to keep traders engaged in a cycle of hype and volatility?
Despite these concerns, memecoins continue to dominate market trends. The recent launch of Memeinator, which raised $7.7 million before its exchange listing, highlights how much attention these tokens attract. However, their extreme price fluctuations make them risky investments, reinforcing Leishman’s skepticism.
As crypto exchanges expand their offerings, they must consider whether endless listings strengthen the market or merely fuel speculation. The debate continues, but one thing is clear—once an exchange starts down this path, stepping off the hamster wheel isn’t easy.
