Cryptocurrency exchange Bitget will cease services for Japanese residents by December 31 after years of regulatory warnings and account restrictions. Users must complete Level 2 verification or face f
On August 3, 2026, cryptocurrency trading platform Bitget announced it would exit the Japanese market entirely, marking a significant shift in its global operations. The exchange has ceased accepting new registrations from residents of Japan and will begin progressively restricting existing accounts starting November 1.
According to the announcement, any open positions held by Japanese users as of December 31 will be forcibly closed. To avoid this outcome, users who believe they have been incorrectly classified must complete a Level 2 identification process that includes address verification before the deadline.
This decision comes after several regulatory warnings from Japanese authorities. The Financial Services Agency (FSA) warned Bitget in March 2023 and again in November 2024 for allegedly providing crypto services to residents of Japan without proper registration. In June 2025, the Kanto Local Finance Bureau further warned BTG Technology Holdings Limited for soliciting unregistered online over-the-counter derivatives transactions.
Bitget users will receive detailed instructions via email regarding the necessary procedures and how to manage their assets during this transition period. The move reflects a broader trend in Japan's regulatory environment, which has been tightening its oversight of cryptocurrency exchanges since 2019 when it passed new financial regulations.
The implications for Bitget are significant as they will need to realign resources away from the Japanese market and focus on other jurisdictions where their services remain available. For traders using or considering Bitget, this news underscores the importance of staying informed about regulatory changes in different markets.
Traders should monitor how this decision impacts overall liquidity and trading volumes on platforms like Bitget. Additionally, they may want to consider alternative exchanges that still operate legally within Japan's framework for cryptocurrency transactions.
Source: Cointelegraph. Summarized and rewritten by the Vexoda Newsroom. This is market news, not financial advice.