BitMEX ceases cryptocurrency exchange operations

BitMEX, a prominent cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, officially ceased all exchange operations at 04:00 UTC on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The shutdown follows a strategic review conducted by its owner and operator, HDR Global Trading Limited. The company stated that the decision to close was not related to legal or regulatory issues.

While trading and deposits have been disabled, users can still log in to the website to withdraw remaining balances. As part of the phaseout process, API withdrawals are scheduled to be disabled on September 28, meaning users must use the web platform for remaining transactions. BitMEX has stated that user funds remain secure.

The platform, which launched in 2014, was a major player in the crypto market for over 11 years and was known for popularizing perpetual swaps with high leverage. This closure occurs amid legal friction, as the Celsius bankruptcy estate recently sued five BitMEX-linked companies, alleging fraud and market manipulation involving thousands of Bitcoin during a 2020 market crash.