📝 Executive Summary
BitMEX, co-founded by Arthur Hayes in 2014, redefined the global crypto market by introducing the 100x leverage perpetual swap.
BitMEX, co-founded by Arthur Hayes, is shutting down by September 23 after pioneering the perpetual swap product that revolutionized crypto derivatives trading.
BitMEX was the originator of the 100x perpetual swap, a product deeply tied to Bitcoin derivatives trading. Its shutdown removes a historical liquidity venue and could pressure short-term Bitcoin prices as traders unwind leveraged positions or migrate to other platforms.
The closure could trigger short-term selling pressure as traders close positions or transfer assets, though its diminished market share and the expectation of an orderly shutdown might limit the effect.
Yes, major exchanges that already dominate perpetual swap volumes—such as Binance, Bybit, and OKX—are likely to absorb any migrating users, reinforcing their market position.
No; the perpetual swap is now a ubiquitous crypto derivative, and BitMEX’s exit does not threaten its existence—trading will continue on dozens of other platforms.
BitMEX, co-founded by Arthur Hayes in 2014, redefined the global crypto market by introducing the 100x leverage perpetual swap.
BitMEX invented the 100x leverage perpetual swap in 2014, a product that allowed traders to speculate on crypto prices without an expiry date, fundamentally changing cryptocurrency derivatives trading.
According to the user notification, BitMEX will end all operations by September 23, 2026, after an 11-year run.