Bitget Stops Serving Japanese Users as Rules Tighten

Bitget is scaling back its Japan service after the FSA tightened crypto exchange rules further. Existing customers have until the end of 2026 to wind down positions.

Key Takeaways

• Bitget is stopping new registrations for Japanese users and starting a phased exit.
• Accounts linked to Japan must be verified by November 1, 2026 at the latest, and open positions will be closed on December 31, 2026.
• The move follows tighter Japanese rules for crypto exchanges and earlier warnings from the Financial Services Agency.

Crypto exchange Bitget is ending new sign-ups from Japanese users and beginning a gradual exit from the market, with all remaining open positions set to be closed on December 31, 2026. The decision comes as Japan continues to tighten rules for crypto exchanges while the yen remains under heavy pressure.

Tight Deadline for Users

Bitget said on August 3 that any account that may be tied to Japan has to complete verification by November 1, 2026 at the latest. Users who do not meet that deadline will see restrictions begin at that point. Any positions still open after that will be forcibly closed at the end of December.

The exchange said it will email affected users with details about the wind-down. Bitget framed the move as part of its broader effort to meet regulatory compliance standards, but for Japanese customers it effectively means access to the platform will be phased out over time.

Japan Puts Pressure on Exchanges

The move is closely tied to Japan's regulatory setup. The Financial Services Agency requires crypto service providers that serve local customers to register under the Payment Services Act. In practice, that comes with strict requirements for capital, custody, consumer protection, and anti-money laundering. The regulator also says exchanges must keep most customer assets in cold wallets and undergo regular audits and compliance reviews.

Bitget and other foreign exchanges were already warned by the FSA in November 2024 for operating without proper registration. After that, Bitget's app was removed from the Japan App Store, although web and Android access stayed available for existing users.

Japanese regulators have become more active in recent years when it comes to foreign platforms. For instance, Bitbank was pulled further into the local market through an acquisition by SBI Holdings, underscoring how important registration and local ties have become.

Why This Matters Outside Japan

For European crypto readers, Bitget's exit is a reminder of how wide the gap can be between markets with relatively open access and markets where compliance gets expensive and complicated fast. For offshore exchanges, that often leaves two choices: spend heavily to meet local registration rules or pull back entirely. In a setting shaped by strict oversight and ongoing currency pressure, those decisions can also influence how exchanges approach their regional strategy.