CEX.io: availability and regulation
CEX.io is a crypto exchange that states it is registered with FinCEN as a Money Services Business and holds money transmitter licences across a number of United States states, alongside service in many other countries. As of April 2026 some states and services are excluded and availability varies by region.
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.
CEX.io is a crypto exchange founded in 2013 that serves users across many countries. As of April 2026 it states that it is registered with FinCEN as a Money Services Business in the United States and holds money transmitter licences in a number of United States states, which lets eligible United States users access services where it is licensed. Some states and certain services are excluded, and availability varies by region.
What CEX.io is
CEX.io is a crypto exchange founded in 2013. It offers spot trading, card purchases, and a range of account features across web and mobile, and it serves a broad international user base while also operating in parts of the United States under state money transmitter licences.
The platform is custodial, which means CEX.io holds the assets in your account for you. Supported assets, funding methods, and features vary by country and by United States state. Fees are charged through spreads and trading fees that differ by product, so confirm the current fee schedule and asset list on the platform before trading.
CEX.io presents itself as a compliance focused platform and publishes information on its registrations and the United States states where it is licensed. Some services, such as certain staking products, have been limited or suspended in United States jurisdictions pending regulatory clarity.
Registrations and licences
- United States, federal. CEX.io states that it is registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as a Money Services Business for anti money laundering purposes (as of April 2026).
- United States, states. CEX.io states that it holds money transmitter licences in a number of United States states, with reporting and its own materials citing figures in the range of around thirty or more state licences. The exact list changes over time (as of April 2026).
- State exclusions and service limits. Some United States states, which have included examples such as New York, Hawaii, and West Virginia, are restricted, and some services such as staking have been limited or suspended in United States jurisdictions. Confirm your state and the available services (as of April 2026).
- International. CEX.io serves users in many other countries, with a published list of unsupported countries and territories. Availability and product mix vary by region (as of April 2026).
Each registration is stated as of 21 June 2026. Licences and registrations change. Confirm the current position on the CEX.io licensing pages and the relevant state regulator registers before acting.
Where CEX.io is available
As of April 2026 CEX.io is available to users in many countries and to eligible United States residents in states where it holds the required money transmitter licence. Because access in the United States is state by state, your eligibility depends on where you live, and some states are excluded.
Outside the United States, CEX.io supports many regions but publishes a list of countries and territories it does not serve, and some products are limited in certain places. Check the current supported country and state list and the available services on the platform before signing up.
CEX.io is one of several platforms available in many countries. Availability depends on where you live, including which United States state, so compare the exchanges that are genuinely available where you are before you choose.
Regulator and sources
In the United States, anti money laundering registration sits with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), and money transmission is licensed by individual state regulators. Availability in other countries is governed by each country's own financial authorities.
- CEX.io legal and security pages, including its United States licences and registrations page.
- CEX.io help centre pages on supported countries, states, and services.
- Public reporting on CEX.io registrations and money transmitter licences.
Frequently asked questions
Is CEX.io registered and regulated?
CEX.io states that it is registered with FinCEN as a Money Services Business in the United States and holds money transmitter licences in a number of United States states. Registration covers anti money laundering and money transmission rules and does not remove market or platform risk. This is information rather than advice and is current as of April 2026.
Is CEX.io available in the United States?
In part. As of April 2026 CEX.io states that eligible United States users can access services in states where it holds the required money transmitter licence, while some states and services are excluded. Availability and the list of supported states change, so check the platform for your state before signing up.
Which countries can use CEX.io?
CEX.io serves users across many countries, with availability that varies by region and product. As of April 2026 some countries and territories are not supported, and certain services such as staking are restricted in some places. Check the platform for your country before signing up.
Which United States states does CEX.io exclude?
CEX.io's own materials indicate that some states, which have included examples such as New York, Hawaii, and West Virginia, have restrictions on its services. The supported state list changes, so confirm your state on the CEX.io licensing pages before signing up. This is current as of April 2026.
Does CEX.io hold my crypto?
Yes. CEX.io is a custodial platform and holds the assets in your account for you. Holding your own keys requires a separate self custody wallet.
Rules change frequently. Exchange availability, registrations, and the rules that govern them can change at short notice and vary by region and by United States state. 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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