| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cryptocurrency exchange |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founder | ViaBTC |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Services | Cryptocurrency trading, blockchain services |
| Website | www |
CoinEx is a global cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2017 by blockchain mining pool ViaBTC. It lists cryptocurrencies for trading and issues the CoinEx Token (CET), used on the platform for fee discounts, staking, and governance. [1]
CoinEx launched in 2017 as part of the ViaBTC Group, which was among early blockchain companies to publish proof-of-reserves. [2]
Following China's 2021 ban on cryptocurrency activities, CoinEx withdrew from the mainland market. [3]
In July 2025, it introduced CoinEx Vault, a self-custodial cold wallet for individuals and institutions, audited by firms including SlowMist. [4]
CET is used on the platform for trading fee reductions and governance, and follows a deflationary token burn model. [1]
In August 2025, CoinEx Research issued a report on the U.S. GENIUS Act, noting market capitalization growth, Bitcoin price increases, and Ethereum gains. [2]
CoinEx Charity, founded in 2022, has supported projects in education, healthcare, disaster relief, and infrastructure. [5] In June 2023, CoinEx launched a programme across Asia and Africa to provide scholarships and learning materials for children in need. [6] Its Starlink Initiative installs satellite internet in underserved areas across multiple regions. [5] In March 2025, it provided Benin's National Water Institute with Starlink internet access. [7]
In February 2025, CoinEx participated in "Pasigarbo 2025" at Holy Name University in the Philippines. [8] In March 2025, it sponsored the National Chess Federation of the Philippines Championships and partnered with Anichess. [9] [10]
In February 2023, the New York Attorney General Letitia James sued CoinEx for failing to register as a securities and commodities broker-dealer under the Martin Act. [11] The complaint alleged fraudulent practices and cited four tokens it considered securities. [12] The matter was resolved in June 2023 through a settlement in which CoinEx agreed to discontinue its services in the United States and enhance compliance measures. [13] [14]
On 12 September 2023, CoinEx reported a breach in which over US$70 million in cryptocurrency was stolen from hot wallets. [15] [16] Analysts including CertiK and Elliptic linked the attack to the Lazarus Group. [17] CoinEx said it would compensate affected users and develop a new wallet system. [15]