CEX PROOF OF RESERVES EL SALVADOR BAS ITALIAN OAM VASP

Bitfinex review

Name: Bitfinex Review 2026: Fees, Safety & Features
Item: Bitfinex
Rating: 5.8
Author: BanksForCrypto Editorial Team

Long-operating exchange with deep liquidity; reformed compliance posture post-2021 settlements

Open Bitfinex Account ↗ Methodology

PUBLISHED 28 MAY · UPDATED 28 MAY · 8 MIN READ

The verdict

5.8 / 10 · SKIP

Bitfinex is one of the longest-operating major crypto exchanges (founded 2012) with deep BTC/USD liquidity and a comprehensive derivatives + margin product surface. Operating record includes a notable 2016 security incident (resolved via multi-year customer-repayment programme) and 2021 CFTC + NYAG settlements over USDT-disclosure issues (resolved with operational reforms and ongoing transparency obligations). Currently licensed in multiple jurisdictions including El Salvador (Bitfinex Securities), with EU CASP application paths. NOT available to US persons.

◆ BUY IT IF

Among the longest-operating major exchanges (2012-)
Deep BTC liquidity + tight spreads on flagship pairs
Comprehensive derivatives + margin product line
Reformed compliance posture post-2021 settlements

◇ SKIP IT IF

Operating record includes the 2016 hack (~120k BTC stolen; subsequently repaid to customers via multi-year LEO-token-linked programme)
2021 CFTC + NYAG settlements (US$42.5M combined; USDT-reserves disclosure misrepresentation 2016-2018)
Closely related to Tether (USDT) via shared parent iFinex — concentration risk on a single stablecoin issuer
Not available to US persons

§ 01 SCORE BREAKDOWN

Seven axes, weighted.

DIMENSION WEIGHT RATING SCORE

Regulatory safety

Multiple national authorisations including El Salvador BAS for Bitfinex Securities; Italian OAM VASP registrat

2×

5.0

Trading fees

Maker undefined% · Taker undefined%

1.5×

7.0

Coin selection

170 coins supported

1×

7.0

Liquidity

CEX — order-book depth

1×

9.0

User experience

1×

6.0

Security

Publishes Proof of Reserves

1.5×

6.0

Support

0.5×

5.0

§ 02 SPECIFICATIONS

Everything, in one table.

Regulation

Regulatory status: Multiple national authorisations including El Salvador BAS for Bitfinex Securities; Italian OAM VASP registration; EU MiCA CASP transitional/application pending in some jurisdictions; subject to 2021 CFTC + NYAG settlement orders + ongoing supervisory obligations
KYC required: Yes
Proof of Reserves: Yes
Founded: 2012
Type: CEX

Fees

Maker fee: undefined%
Taker fee: undefined%
Withdrawal fee: Network fee + small flat fee depending on currency

Trading

Spot trading: Yes
Futures trading: Yes
Margin trading: Yes
Copy trading: No
Supported coins: 170

Other features

Earn / staking: No
Debit card: No
Fiat on-ramp: Yes

Reviewed by Stephan Kulik · Last updated: 2026-05-28 · How we rank

§ 03 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bitfinex safe to use? +

Bitfinex Multiple national authorisations including El Salvador BAS for Bitfinex Securities; Italian OAM VASP registration; EU MiCA CASP transitional/application pending in some jurisdictions; subject to 2021 CFTC + NYAG settlement orders + ongoing supervisory obligations. The platform publishes proof of reserves.

What are Bitfinex's trading fees? +

Bitfinex charges undefined% maker fee and undefined% taker fee. Volume-tiered fees with material discounts at high volumes; LEO token holdings discount fees further

How many coins does Bitfinex support? +

Bitfinex supports 170 coins and tokens. Spot trading is available. Futures trading is also supported.

◆ OPEN ACCOUNT

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