BitMEX is set to remove 65 derivative contracts and trading pairs in July, a sharp increase from the 19 delistings recorded across the first six months of the year. The exchange cited insufficient trading interest as the primary factor, in tandem with its decision to wind down operations.

In early July the platform delisted 21 derivative contracts. Two weeks later it removed nine spot pairs for the same reason. On Thursday it placed an additional 35 derivative contracts in the delisting queue, bringing the monthly total to 65.

The firm stated that the contracts were being removed because of limited trading interest and the forthcoming closure of the exchange. On Thursday BitMEX confirmed that it would end all exchange services on September 23 at 4:00 a.m. UTC. The decision followed a strategic review of the business and the broader cryptocurrency industry, without further elaboration on specific causes.

A restructuring adviser noted that the closure illustrates broader pressures confronting mid-sized centralized exchanges. Liquidity has increasingly concentrated among the largest market participants, while regulatory compliance costs continue to rise.