BitMEX to close platform permanently on September 23

Cryptocurrency derivatives exchange BitMEX announced on Thursday, July 23, 2026, that it will permanently shut down its trading platform on September 23, marking the end of its 11-year run. The decision, made by its owner and operator HDR Global Trading Limited following a strategic review, will see a phased wind-down of operations with users urged to close positions and withdraw their assets.

Effective immediately, the exchange has halted new user registrations. Normal trading will continue until August 26 at 0400 UTC. After that deadline, users will no longer be able to open new positions, and the platform will enter a "reduce-only" phase. Between August 26 and the final shutdown on September 23, the company will begin systematically force-closing any remaining open positions to ensure an orderly market closure. Any contracts still active at the final deadline will be closed automatically.

The company emphasized that the closure is not due to a hack or insolvency, stating that its assets exceed its liabilities and pointing users to its Proof of Reserves and Liabilities page. Users will retain access to their accounts to withdraw funds after trading services end. However, the...