The Development and Current Status of BTCC (formerly BTC China)
BTCC, formerly BTC China, was established in June 2011 and is one of the world's earliest Bitcoin trading platforms. In the early stages of cryptocurrency development, BTCC briefly became the world's largest Bitcoin exchange by trading volume in November 2013. However, with the tightening of cryptocurrency regulatory policies by the Chinese government, BTCC ceased all trading services within mainland China in September 2017. In January 2018, the platform was acquired by a Hong Kong investment company and successfully transformed into an international cryptocurrency exchange.
Currently, BTCC operates globally, primarily focusing on derivatives trading, offering leverage up to 500x, and also supporting spot trading. The platform claims to be one of the longest-operating cryptocurrency exchanges globally, with 11 million registered users by the end of 2025. In 2025, BTCC's total trading volume reached $3.7 trillion, with futures trading volume at $3.27 trillion and spot trading volume at $431 billion. BTCC emphasizes its security, stating that it has not experienced any security breaches in its 14 years of operation and publishes monthly Merkle tree proof-of-reserves reports. In 2026, BTCC also launched new features such as SpaceX Pre-IPO futures trading and the TOKEN2049 trading competition.
Overview of Major Global Cryptocurrency Trading Platforms
The global cryptocurrency market is composed of numerous trading platforms, each with its own focus on trading volume, user base, product diversity, and compliance. Below are some of the major players in the market as of 2026:
- Binance: Continues to rank first in trading volume and asset size, known for its deep liquidity, global scale, and competitive fees. In 2025, Binance processed approximately $7.3 trillion in spot trading volume and held about $136 billion in assets.
- Coinbase: Considered ideal for beginners and users who prioritize trust, known for its user-friendly interface, strong regulatory compliance in the United States, and a wide range of tradable assets (over 400).
- Kraken: Known for its robust security, transparency, and regulatory compliance, particularly favored by advanced traders, offering quarterly Merkle tree proof-of-reserves.
- OKX: As one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges globally, it offers spot, margin, options, staking, and perpetual contract services, and leads with its Web3 integration and professional trading toolset. As of 2026, OKX holds approximately $21.29 billion in assets.
- Bybit: Stands out in overall product quality and innovation, especially suitable for active derivatives traders, known for its strong trading focus and reputation for good liquidity. As of 2026, Bybit holds approximately $13.10 billion in assets.
- MEXC: Experienced significant trading volume growth in 2025, increasing from $766.7 billion in 2024 to $1.5 trillion, a 90.9% increase.
- Bitget: Trading volume increased by 45.5% in 2025.
- HTX (formerly Huobi): Once one of China's largest Bitcoin exchanges, it shifted to international markets after ceasing services in mainland China in 2017 and rebranded as HTX in 2023, focusing on institutional services and fiat on/off-ramps.
- Bitfinex: As of 2026, holds approximately $16.76 billion in assets.
- Other notable platforms include Gemini, KuCoin, and Bitstamp, among others.
Cryptocurrency Regulatory Environment in Mainland China
As of September 17, 2026, mainland China enforces a strict and continuously tightening ban on cryptocurrency trading and related business activities. The People's Bank of China and other departments issued a notice in February 2026, further strengthening controls over cryptocurrencies, expanding the scope of regulation to include Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization and RMB-pegged stablecoins, and explicitly prohibiting overseas entities from providing virtual currency-related services to residents within China.
In mainland China, cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender, and authorities classify virtual currency business activities as illegal financial activities. Financial institutions and payment service providers are prohibited from providing banking, payment, clearing, custody, or insurance services for cryptocurrency businesses. These policies aim to curb speculation, money laundering, and maintain financial stability.
Despite strict prohibitions, some Chinese investors may still seek ways to access global platforms. However, such actions carry extremely high legal and financial risks, including violating capital control regulations and potentially breaking local laws. Please ensure compliance with local laws and regulations; do not register or participate in related activities if you do not meet the conditions.
Bitcoin Trading Channels
For Bitcoin (BTC), as the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, its trading channels are very extensive globally. Investors can trade on international cryptocurrency exchanges that support Bitcoin trading. As of the time of publication, some platforms that support Bitcoin trading include: BTCC, CoinUp.io, Pionex, Azbit, BitDelta, Binance, KCEX, BloFin, Hotcoin, Tapbit, Ourbit, DigiFinex, MEXC, WEEX, Toobit, and others.
Please note that the cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and investments carry risks. Please fully understand the relevant risks and conduct a prudent assessment before trading.
The platform information for sale in this article changes with the listing and delisting dynamics of each exchange. Please refer to the official announcements of the exchanges.
