BitMEX remains one of the most recognized names in the world of cryptocurrency derivatives trading. Known for its deep liquidity, advanced trading tools, and exclusive focus on crypto-to-crypto trading, BitMEX caters primarily to experienced traders seeking high-leverage opportunities and sophisticated financial instruments.
With a 24-hour trading volume exceeding ¥3.1 million and handling over 4 BTC in transactions, BitMEX continues to maintain a strong presence in the global crypto market. While it does not support fiat deposits, its robust infrastructure, security protocols, and wide range of supported assets make it a go-to platform for seasoned investors.
What Is BitMEX?
BitMEX, short for Bitcoin Mercantile Exchange, is a peer-to-peer (P2P) cryptocurrency exchange specializing in derivatives trading. Operated by HDR Global Trading Limited and registered under Seychelles’ International Business Companies Act, BitMEX was designed from the ground up for traders familiar with margin trading, perpetual contracts, and leveraged tokens.
The platform stands out due to its:
- Deep liquidity in Bitcoin perpetual contracts
- Professional-grade trading dashboard
- Low trading fees
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
Unlike beginner-friendly exchanges, BitMEX offers a complex interface best suited for those with prior experience in derivatives markets. It supports only cryptocurrency deposits—there are no options for fiat on-ramps.
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Founders Behind BitMEX
BitMEX was co-founded by three key figures:
- Arthur Hayes – Former derivatives trader at Deutsche Bank and Citigroup, Hayes served as CEO until 2020. He holds a degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
- Samuel Reed – Chief Technology Officer responsible for building the exchange’s secure trading engine.
- Ben Delo – Chief Security Officer and expert in distributed systems, contributing to the platform’s resilience against cyber threats.
Their combined expertise in finance, technology, and cybersecurity helped establish BitMEX as a pioneer in crypto derivatives.
When Was BitMEX Founded?
BitMEX was launched in 2014 in Hong Kong and later registered in Seychelles. Its parent company, HDR Global Trading Limited, continues to operate the platform with a focus on institutional-grade trading solutions.
Regions Where BitMEX Is Restricted
Due to regulatory compliance requirements, BitMEX restricts access from certain jurisdictions. Users located in the following regions cannot use the platform:
- United States
- Cuba
- Iran
- Syria
- Crimea
- Sevastopol
- Donetsk People's Republic
- Luhansk People's Republic
- Kherson Oblast
- Zaporizhzhia Oblast
- Seychelles
- Bermuda
- Japan
- Ontario and Quebec (Canada)
These restrictions ensure adherence to international financial regulations and prevent unauthorized trading activities.
Supported Cryptocurrencies on BitMEX
As a top-tier crypto derivatives exchange, BitMEX supports a wide range of digital assets for futures and perpetual contract trading. Available cryptocurrencies include:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Solana (SOL)
- XRP
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Binance Coin (BNB)
- Chainlink (LINK)
- Polkadot (DOT)
- Cardano (ADA)
- And many more
Notably, BitMEX offers more variety in derivative products than typical spot exchanges, allowing traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset.
BitMEX Fee Structure
BitMEX uses a maker-taker fee model, which incentivizes liquidity provision:
Spot Trading Fees:
- Maker fee: 0.01%
- Taker fee: 0.075%
Derivatives Trading Fees:
- Maker fee: –0.01% (rebate)
- Taker fee: 0.075%
This means liquidity providers (makers) are rewarded with a rebate, while takers pay a small fee. Additionally, there are no deposit or withdrawal fees, making it cost-effective for high-volume traders.
Bitcoin is accepted for deposits, further reinforcing the platform’s crypto-native approach.
Leverage and Margin Trading Options
Yes—BitMEX supports both isolated and cross-margin trading modes, giving users flexibility in risk management.
The platform offers up to 100x leverage on select instruments, particularly for major assets like Bitcoin. Depending on the asset class, leverage ranges from 20x to 100x:
- BTC/USD Perpetual: Up to 100x
- ETH/USD: Up to 50x
- Altcoin pairs: Typically 20x–50x
High leverage amplifies both gains and losses, so it's crucial that traders employ proper risk controls such as stop-loss orders and position sizing.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is BitMEX safe to use?
A: Yes. BitMEX stores encrypted funds in cold wallets and uses multi-signature technology. Its MPC (Multi-Party Computation) system enhances fund transfer security and prevents unauthorized access.
Q: Can I trade with fiat currency on BitMEX?
A: No. BitMEX does not support fiat deposits or withdrawals. All trading must be conducted using cryptocurrencies.
Q: Has BitMEX ever been hacked?
A: According to public reports, BitMEX has never suffered a successful hack. Its security architecture has been praised for its resilience despite past scrutiny.
Q: What is the difference between isolated and cross-margin?
A: Isolated margin limits risk to the allocated collateral for a specific position. Cross-margin uses your entire account balance as collateral, increasing risk but reducing liquidation chances during volatility.
Q: Does BitMEX charge withdrawal fees?
A: No. BitMEX does not charge any fees for depositing or withdrawing cryptocurrencies.
Q: How do I start trading on BitMEX?
A: You need to create an account, complete verification (if required), deposit cryptocurrency, and begin trading futures or perpetual contracts based on your strategy.
Current Market Listings
BitMEX offers numerous trading pairs across major cryptocurrencies. Below is an overview of active markets:
Top Trading Pairs on BitMEX
BMEX/USDT
BitMEX Token leads in trading volume with over ¥2.19 million in daily activity, representing 92% of total exchange volume.
STLS/USDT
STELSI follows with significant volume, indicating growing interest in newer altcoins listed on the platform.
SOL/USDT
Solana maintains strong liquidity with bid depths exceeding ¥200k within ±2%, reflecting institutional-level engagement.
XRP/USDT & UNI/USDT
Both XRP and Uniswap show stable depth and moderate volumes, appealing to swing traders and arbitrageurs.
BTC/USDT & ETH/USDT
Despite excluded price/quantity data due to anomalies, Bitcoin and Ethereum remain core offerings with massive underlying liquidity.
Other notable pairs include LINK/USDT, TRX/USDT, APE/USDT, AXS/USDT, ATOM/USDT, and POL/USDT—all contributing to diverse trading strategies.
Core Keywords: BitMEX, crypto derivatives, margin trading, perpetual contracts, high leverage trading, BTC futures, trading fees, leverage up to 100x
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