BitMEX Announces Shutdown of Operations on September 23, 2026

BitMEX, a prominent cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, announced that it will cease its operations on September 23, 2026. According to BitMEX's owner and operator, HDR Global Trading Limited, this decision was made after a thorough review of the company's business strategy.

The exchange had previously stopped accepting new account registrations in July 2026, citing the same reason for the shutdown. During the remaining period before its closure, users will be allowed to reduce their positions but not build new ones, with all trading functionality halted post-closure.

BitMEX was founded by Arthur Hayes, Benjamin Delo, and Samuel Reed in 2014, known for introducing perpetual swaps with unlimited leverage up to 100 times. However, the exchange has faced legal issues in the past, including a $1 billion fine imposed by the CFTC in 2021 for operating without registration and failing to implement adequate anti-money laundering measures.

Despite these issues, BitMEX's founders received clemency from former US President Trump in March 2025. HDR Global Trading Limited also faced charges related to violating bank secrecy laws but was subsequently granted clemency as well.