Bitget to Cease Services for Japan Residents by Dec 31 2026

The cryptocurrency exchange Bitget announced on Monday, August 3, 2026, that it will cease all services for residents of Japan, halting new account registrations immediately and initiating a phased withdrawal that will culminate in the forced closure of all remaining open positions by December 31, 2026. The decision follows years of regulatory warnings from Japanese authorities and underscores the increasing pressure on global crypto platforms to comply with stringent local licensing regimes or exit key markets.

Under the announced timeline, existing users identified as potential Japanese residents must complete a Level 2 identity verification process, including address confirmation, by November 1, 2026. Accounts that fail to meet this deadline will be automatically classified as belonging to Japanese residents and will face progressive service restrictions starting on that date. The exchange stated it will provide specific withdrawal instructions and asset management guidance to affected users via email. Any trading positions-including leveraged trades and derivatives-that remain open after December 31 will be forcibly liquidated.

The move is a direct response to sustained...