BitMEX reopens withdrawals to six previously barred jurisdictions

BitMEX reopened withdrawal access on Sept. 24 for customers in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong SAR, Bermuda, the Seychelles and Myanmar. Affected users can log in with existing credentials, complete identity verification where required and submit withdrawal requests through the web platform.

The exchange halted trading at 04:00 UTC on Sept. 23 and is winding down operations while keeping account and withdrawal infrastructure active to return customer assets. The reopening covers account access and withdrawals only; trading remains suspended.

Users who remain unable to access their accounts are asked to contact BitMEX support. The platform warned customers not to send new deposits to BitMEX addresses, noting incoming funds will not be credited. Withdrawals are subject to asset minimums, applicable network fees and ongoing monitoring. BitMEX said remaining balances may begin to incur account charges as the wind-down continues.

Territories and individuals subject to international sanctions were not included in the broad reopening. Accounts linked to Cuba, Iran, North Korea and several Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine remain restricted. Withdrawals from those accounts will continue to undergo compliance checks rather than the standard withdrawal process available to the six jurisdictions.

The company said some people in sanctioned or sensitive categories may apply for limited access. Iranian nationals living outside Iran who are not subject to U.S., U.N. or EU sanctions may request withdrawals after providing proof of residence. Russian nationals residing in the European Union or Switzerland can seek access by submitting documents such as recent utility bills, bank statements or government correspondence. BitMEX will review such applications on a case-by-case basis.

Founded in 2014 by Arthur Hayes, Ben Delo and Samuel Reed, BitMEX grew into a major crypto derivatives platform and helped popularize perpetual futures products. The exchange pleaded guilty in 2024 to violating the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act and agreed to pay $100 million in penalties. In March 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump issued pardons for the platform’s founders.

After the Sept. 23 suspension of trading, BitMEX has concentrated operationally on returning funds to customers and ensuring withdrawals comply with legal and sanctions obligations. The exchange urged users to complete any required identity verification promptly and to request withdrawals rather than leave balances on the platform.