BitMEX Crypto Exchange to Shut Down After 11 Years

On September 23, 2026, at 04:00 UTC, BitMEX will cease operations of its cryptocurrency trading platform, marking the end of an 11-year era for this prominent derivatives exchange. Following a strategic assessment by HDR Global Trading Limited, the entity behind BitMEX, the announcement made on July 23, 2026, halted new account registrations and urged users to withdraw assets and close their positions. A two-month winding down process will commence, with new risk limits imposed on August 26, 2026, at 04:00 UTC, potentially leading to forced closures of certain positions. Additionally, 35 illiquid derivatives contracts will be delisted on July 30, 2026, at 12:00 UTC. Founded in 2014, BitMEX was a pioneer in perpetual swap contracts and high-leverage trading, catering to over 2 million traders. Co-founders Arthur Hayes, Benjamin Delo, and Samuel Reed admitted guilt in 2022 to violations of anti-money laundering regulations in the US. Currently, the exchange sees a daily trading volume of about $400,000, with a market share below 0.01%, as reported by Reuters' Kaiko data, indicating its closure is unlikely to significantly affect the market. Users are encouraged to manage their accounts promptly to mitigate risks associated with volatility or system overload.