What is Bitfinex?
Bitfinex is one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges, founded in 2012 and operated by Hong Kong-based iFinex Inc. It owns Tether (USDT), the largest stablecoin by market capitalization. The centralized exchange (CEX) platform caters to professional traders and institutions, supporting both fiat and crypto. Known for its liquidity in BTC pairs and major altcoins like ETH and XMR, Bitfinex employs robust security measures such as two-factor authentication and IP monitoring.
Founders of Bitfinex
Bitfinex was co-founded by Raphael Nicolle and Giancarlo Devasini in 2012.
- Nicolle: IT technician turned Bitcoin ecosystem developer, leveraging Bitcoinica’s codebase.
- Devasini: Current CFO with a background in medicine and tech entrepreneurship, overseeing trading and risk management.
Headquarters
Registered in the British Virgin Islands, Bitfinex is headquartered in Hong Kong.
Restricted Countries
Bitfinex restricts access for users from: Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, and the U.S. (citizens/residents). Additional exclusions apply to Canada, Venezuela, Austria, and Italy.
Supported Coins
Bitfinex lists 270+ cryptocurrencies, including:
- BTC, ETH, USDT
- SOL, LTC, XRP, EOS
Fee Structure
- Spot Trading: 0.10% Maker | 0.20% Taker
- Derivatives: 0.020% Maker | 0.065% Taker
- Discounts: 15–25% fee reduction for UNUS SED LEO token holders.
- Deposits: Free for crypto; 0.10% for wire transfers.
Leverage and Margin Trading
Qualified users ("Basic Plus" verification) can access:
- 10x leverage
- P2P margin financing
FAQ
Can U.S. citizens trade on Bitfinex?
No, Bitfinex restricts access for U.S. citizens and residents.
What security features does Bitfinex offer?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) and IP address monitoring.
How does Bitfinex compare to other exchanges?
Bitfinex excels in liquidity for BTC/altcoin pairs and offers advanced tools like margin trading, making it ideal for professionals.