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BitMEX to shut down operations on Sept. 23, 2026
The exchange has halted new account registrations and plans to forcibly close open contracts before the final shutdown date.
CoinDesk reports that BitMEX, the crypto derivatives exchange that helped pioneer the perpetual swap market, has notified users it is winding down operations. The shutdown is set for Sept. 23, 2026, at 04:00:00 UTC, after a review by its parent company.
CoinDesk said BitMEX has encouraged users to close positions and withdraw funds immediately. The exchange has already halted new account registrations, and it will apply strict limits on Aug. 26 to prevent users from opening new positions before the final deadline.
According to CoinDesk, BitMEX will forcibly close open contracts before the September cutoff to run an orderly wind-down. Users who do not withdraw by the deadline will face maintenance charges, including a monthly $50 fee or an annualized 1% levy on their assets, as outlined in an email to account holders.
CoinDesk also noted that the decision ends BitMEXs 11-year run after it launched in 2014 and helped establish core plumbing for digital asset derivatives trading. The outlet said BitMEXs earlier loss of perpetuals market share to newer centralized and decentralized venues contributed to the environment in which the shutdown decision was made.