@BitMEX has officially ceased all trading activity, bringing to a close more than 11 years of operation as one of the most recognised names in crypto derivatives. The closure took effect on 2
@BitMEX has officially ceased all trading activity, bringing to a close more than 11 years of operation as one of the most recognised names in crypto derivatives. The closure took effect on 23 September 2026 at 04:00 UTC.
The owner and operator of BitMEX, HDR Global Trading Limited, made the decision to close operations following a strategic review of the business. The shutdown was not abrupt. Derivatives contracts for Bitcoin and Ethereum were settled on September 16, spot market operations concluded on September 21, and the conversion functionality was disabled on September 22, before the final curtain fell on September 23.
BitMEX was the exchange that pioneered the 100x leverage perpetual swap, a product that reshaped how retail and professional traders access crypto markets globally. It is now the most traded financial product in the crypto industry, adopted by thousands of users and exchanges. At its height, the exchange handled over $1 trillion in annual trading volume, capturing roughly 57% of the global crypto derivatives market share.
While trading has ended, the exchange has been clear that user assets are not at risk. BitMEX will continue operating a limited website after the shutdown so customers can check balances, view transaction histories, and withdraw remaining assets. Deposits, however, are suspended, and deposits sent after the closure time may not be credited and could be unrecoverable.
Users who leave funds on the platform should act quickly. Customers who leave funds on the platform after September 23 will face account charges, with verified accounts billed monthly based on the higher of $50 or an annual rate of 1%.
BitMEX says customer assets remain fully backed and noted that it did not lose customer funds to hacks during more than 11 years of operation, a record the exchange has consistently highlighted as a point of pride throughout its wind-down communications.
Sources:BitMEX Official Closure Announcement, BitMEX BlogBitMEX's 11-Year Run Comes to an End, CoinDesk
