BitMEX Ends Crypto Trading After 11 Years, Withdrawals Still Open

BitMEX officially ceased all exchange operations on September 23, 2026, at 4:00 UTC, ending more than 11 years as one of the most prominent crypto derivatives platforms. The shutdown, first announced on July 23, follows a strategic review by owner and operator HDR Global Trading Limited. BitMEX confirmed the closure was not tied to any legal or regulatory issues.

Although trading and deposits have been disabled, users can still log in and withdraw remaining balances through the BitMEX website. The platform will discontinue API-based withdrawals on September 28, directing all remaining withdrawals through the web interface. BitMEX has urged customers to remove their funds promptly and assured users that assets remain secure.

Launched in 2014, BitMEX became a central venue for crypto derivatives and helped popularize perpetual swaps with leverage of up to 100x. Its closure coincides with a lawsuit from the Celsius bankruptcy estate, which is suing five BitMEX-linked companies for alleged fraud, market manipulation, and wrongful liquidations involving 6,360 Bitcoin during the March 2020 market crash — a sum worth approximately $490 million at the time of the filing.