Coincidence? CFTC Probes BitMEX Following The Roubini Debate

The most popular Bitcoin margin trading exchange, BitMex, is reportedly getting investigated by the United States Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for allowing US-based traders to use the platform. 

Trouble For BitMex?

According to Bloomberg Columnist Tim Culpan, the US CFTC is launching an investigation against popular Bitcoin margin trading exchange BitMex. The probe is related to the latter breaking the rules by allowing US-based traders to operate on its platform. Supposedly, the probe is going to be months-long. 

Interestingly enough, the reported move by the CFTC comes shortly after the heated debate between BitMex’s CEO Arthur Hayes and popular nocoiner Nouriel “Dr. Doom” Roubini. 

Breaking news
*U.S. REGULATOR PROBING CRYPTO EXCHANGE BITMEX ON CLIENT TRADES@BitMEXdotcom under investigation, just two weeks after that @Nouriel v @CryptoHayes Tangle in Taipei.

— Tim Culpan (@tculpan) July 19, 2019

BitMex And US-Based Traders: The Current Position

Going through the Terms and Conditions of using the BitMex platform, we can see that US-based are not allowed to use it at all. 

You are not allowed to access or use the Services or the Trading Platform if you are located, incorporated or otherwise established in, or a citizen or resident of: (i) the United States of America… – The ToS read.

However, as Cryptopotato reported back in November 2018, the Hong Kong-based BitMex started shutting down the accounts which originated in the USA. Hence, it’s questionable whether the reported investigation will yield any fruits at all. 

Meanwhile, commenting on the matter was a BitMex spokeswoman who noted:

HDR Global Trading Limited, owner of BitMEX, as a matter of company policy, does not comment on any media reports about inquiries or investigations by government agencies or regulators and we have no comment on this report.

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