Bitfinex: availability and regulation
Bitfinex is a long running cryptocurrency exchange aimed at active and professional traders. It is available in many countries to verified users and holds licences in El Salvador, but it does not serve residents of the United States.
Information, not advice. This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify the current rules with a qualified local professional and the official regulator before acting.
Bitfinex is a cryptocurrency exchange operated by iFinex, known for advanced trading tools and deep liquidity on major pairs. As of June 2026 it is available to verified users in many countries, and in May 2026 the core platform received a Digital Asset Service Provider licence in El Salvador, where related Bitfinex entities are also licensed for securities and derivatives. Bitfinex does not accept customers in the United States. Supported assets and features vary by country, so check what is offered where you live.
What Bitfinex is
Bitfinex is a centralised cryptocurrency exchange operated by iFinex, in service since 2012. It offers spot trading, margin trading, derivatives, and lending, and it is generally aimed at active and professional traders rather than first time buyers.
The platform is custodial, which means Bitfinex holds the assets in your account on your behalf rather than handing you the private keys. Users who prefer to control their own keys would need a separate self custody wallet.
Fees are charged on a tiered maker and taker basis, with lower fees for higher volume. Exact pricing and the list of supported assets change over time, so confirm the current schedule on the platform before trading.
Registrations and licences
- El Salvador, spot. A Digital Asset Service Provider licence for the core Bitfinex platform, granted by the Comision Nacional de Activos Digitales (CNAD) and announced in May 2026 (as of June 2026).
- El Salvador, securities. Bitfinex Securities holds a Digital Asset Service Provider licence granted in April 2023, reported as the first such licence issued under the digital assets law of El Salvador (as of June 2026).
- El Salvador, derivatives. Bitfinex Derivatives holds a Digital Asset Service Provider licence granted in January 2025 (as of June 2026).
- Other markets. Bitfinex serves verified users in many other countries on a cross border basis. It is not registered as a United States money services business and does not serve that market (as of June 2026).
Each registration is stated as of 21 June 2026. Licences and registrations change. Confirm the current position on the regulator register and the licences page of the platform before acting.
Where Bitfinex is available
As of June 2026 Bitfinex is available to verified users in many countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and beyond, subject to local law and identity verification. El Salvador now serves as a licensed regional base for its spot, securities, and derivatives businesses.
Bitfinex does not accept residents of the United States, and it states that it does not serve a number of other restricted jurisdictions. Because the supported country list is set by Bitfinex and changes over time, confirm that it serves your country on the platform before you sign up.
Bitfinex is one of several platforms available in many markets. Availability still depends on where you live, so compare the exchanges that are genuinely available in your country before you choose.
Regulator and sources
The main named regulator for Bitfinex licences is the Comision Nacional de Activos Digitales (CNAD) in El Salvador, which supervises digital asset service providers under the digital assets framework of that country.
- Bitfinex, official announcements on its El Salvador licences (blog.bitfinex.com).
- Comision Nacional de Activos Digitales (CNAD), El Salvador, register of digital asset service providers.
- Bitfinex, terms of service and supported countries information.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bitfinex available in the United States?
No. As of June 2026 Bitfinex does not accept residents of the United States. If you live in the United States you would need a platform that serves that market.
Is Bitfinex licensed anywhere?
Yes. As of June 2026 the core Bitfinex platform holds a Digital Asset Service Provider licence in El Salvador granted by the CNAD, and related Bitfinex entities are licensed there for securities and derivatives. Confirm the current position on the CNAD register before acting.
Who operates Bitfinex?
Bitfinex is operated by iFinex. The exchange has been in service since 2012 and is generally aimed at active and professional traders. This is current as of June 2026.
Does Bitfinex hold my crypto for me?
Yes. Bitfinex is a custodial platform, so it holds the assets in your account on your behalf. If you prefer to control your own private keys you would need a separate self custody wallet. This is general information, not advice.
Where can I check Bitfinex licences directly?
Bitfinex publishes its licence announcements on its own blog, and the CNAD keeps a public register of licensed digital asset service providers in El Salvador. Those primary sources are the most current way to confirm the position before acting.
Rules change frequently. Exchange availability, registrations, and the rules that govern them can change at short notice and vary by region. The position on this page is dated 21 June 2026. Confirm the current status with the named regulator and the platform before you act.
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