Bittrex Bites the Dust: Crypto Exchange Closes for Good after SEC Onslaught

Tuesday, 21/11/2023 | 08:36 GMT by Damian Chmiel
  • After the bankruptcy in the US, Bittrex announced the complete end of operations.
  • The exchange's problems began in April 2023.
closed

Another cryptocurrency exchange has just announced that it is disappearing from the market. Bittrex Global, originating from Liechtenstein, will suspend trading and operations in US dollars from the beginning of next month. This occurred after the US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) actions that began in April led to the closure of the platform's distinct branch in the USA.

Bittrex Global Ends Operations

On 20 November, the cryptocurrency exchange announced "with great regret" that it had decided to end its current operations. As a result, trading on the platform will be suspended from December 4, and after that date, users will only be able to withdraw their funds.

"All our customers are strongly encouraged to log into their account and withdraw assets as soon as possible," Bittrex Global commented.

At the same time, the exchange has asked its users who have funds in US dollars to exchange them for euros or cryptocurrencies before the mentioned date, otherwise, they may not be able to withdraw them.

The platform also warned against depositing new funds. "We cannot guarantee that they will be received safely. If you do send a deposit, your funds may be permanently lost as a result of the attempted transfer."

It All Started with Bittrex USA

The exchange's problems appeared in April when the platform announced its intention to leave the US market due to regulatory issues. Two weeks later, the SEC filed a lawsuit against the platform, accusing it of operating without proper authorization, just as it did in relation to Binance and Coinbase.

From that moment, the problems began to escalate. In May, Finance Magnates reported that Bittrex had declared bankruptcy , the United States objected plans to repay US customers, and in August, the SEC imposed a $24 million fine on the platform for operating without registration.

Ultimately, at the end of October, a US court accepted Bittrex's bankruptcy in the USA. At that time, however, nothing indicated that the exchange would decide to suspend its operations in other parts of the world as well.

Bittrex was a platform with a small reach compared to its biggest competitors. A large part of the approximately $300 million in monthly exchange volume came from the US.

Another cryptocurrency exchange has just announced that it is disappearing from the market. Bittrex Global, originating from Liechtenstein, will suspend trading and operations in US dollars from the beginning of next month. This occurred after the US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) actions that began in April led to the closure of the platform's distinct branch in the USA.

Bittrex Global Ends Operations

On 20 November, the cryptocurrency exchange announced "with great regret" that it had decided to end its current operations. As a result, trading on the platform will be suspended from December 4, and after that date, users will only be able to withdraw their funds.

"All our customers are strongly encouraged to log into their account and withdraw assets as soon as possible," Bittrex Global commented.

At the same time, the exchange has asked its users who have funds in US dollars to exchange them for euros or cryptocurrencies before the mentioned date, otherwise, they may not be able to withdraw them.

The platform also warned against depositing new funds. "We cannot guarantee that they will be received safely. If you do send a deposit, your funds may be permanently lost as a result of the attempted transfer."

It All Started with Bittrex USA

The exchange's problems appeared in April when the platform announced its intention to leave the US market due to regulatory issues. Two weeks later, the SEC filed a lawsuit against the platform, accusing it of operating without proper authorization, just as it did in relation to Binance and Coinbase.

From that moment, the problems began to escalate. In May, Finance Magnates reported that Bittrex had declared bankruptcy , the United States objected plans to repay US customers, and in August, the SEC imposed a $24 million fine on the platform for operating without registration.

Ultimately, at the end of October, a US court accepted Bittrex's bankruptcy in the USA. At that time, however, nothing indicated that the exchange would decide to suspend its operations in other parts of the world as well.

Bittrex was a platform with a small reach compared to its biggest competitors. A large part of the approximately $300 million in monthly exchange volume came from the US.

About the Author: Damian Chmiel
Damian Chmiel
  • 3355 Articles
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About the Author: Damian Chmiel
Damian Chmiel is a Senior Analyst & Editor at Finance Magnates with more than 15 years of experience in the CFD and online trading industry. Active as both a trader and journalist since 2010, he focuses on broker coverage, fintech innovation, and regulatory developments across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. His work includes interviews with C-level leaders at major brokerages and fintech platforms, as well as co-authoring Finance Magnates’ quarterly industry benchmarking reports. Damian’s reporting is data-driven, market-aware, and grounded in direct industry engagement. His analysis and commentary have also been cited by external media outlets, including Investing.com, Binance, The Asset, Stockhead, and Dispatch. Education: MA in Finance and Accounting, Cracow University of Economics
  • 3355 Articles
  • 105 Followers

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