Bitget Withdraws Crypto Services for Japan Residents Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

Bitget Ends Crypto Services for Residents of Japan

In a significant move, Bitget has announced its decision to cease crypto services for residents of Japan. This announcement includes an immediate halt to new account registrations, with existing accounts facing restrictions starting November 1.

Immediate Impact on Users

As part of the exit strategy, any users who believe they were incorrectly identified as residents of Japan must complete a Level 2 identity verification, including address verification, before the November deadline. Those who do not meet the requirements by that date will remain classified as Japan residents, leading to account restrictions. Furthermore, open positions as of December 31 will be automatically closed.

Regulatory Warnings Prompting Withdrawal

Bitget’s withdrawal follows repeated warnings from Japanese regulators. The Financial Services Agency of Japan first issued a warning in March 2023, citing concerns over the exchange providing services without proper registration. Subsequent notifications in both November 2024 and June 2025 highlighted ongoing regulatory scrutiny regarding Bitget’s operations.

Shifting Strategies in Global Markets

The move to exit Japan is consistent with Bitget’s pattern of adjusting its services based on local regulatory statuses. Similar actions have been taken in other regions, including Singapore, where the exchange confirmed it does not operate without local authorization.

Looking Ahead: Expansion Plans

Despite reducing services in Japan, Bitget is actively pursuing opportunities in other markets. Recently, the exchange registered with New Zealand’s Financial Service Providers Register and is preparing to enter the U.S. market, aiming to secure necessary licenses and approvals before launching.
Bitget’s Chief Executive Officer, Gracy Chen, has reiterated the company’s commitment to adhering to local regulations as part of its international expansion strategy.