7 minute read
Is MEXC Exchange Banned in the Netherlands? A Honest Answer
from MEXC Exchange
by XM Blog
Yes, MEXC Exchange is not authorized to operate in the Netherlands and is considered illegal by Dutch regulators. The Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank – DNB) has made it clear that MEXC does not have the required registration to offer crypto-related services to Dutch residents. Therefore, from a legal standpoint, MEXC Exchange is banned in the Netherlands.
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What Does This Ban Mean for Users?
This ban means that MEXC is not allowed to provide services such as crypto trading, custody, or exchange of crypto assets for fiat money to residents of the Netherlands. Dutch users who continue to use MEXC are doing so at their own risk, and without any legal protection under Dutch financial laws.
Even though the platform is still technically accessible via the internet, that does not mean it is operating legally. Dutch authorities have already warned that unregistered crypto service providers — like MEXC — are violating the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act (Wwft).
Who Banned MEXC in the Netherlands?
The Dutch Central Bank (DNB) is responsible for regulating and supervising crypto service providers in the Netherlands. As part of the implementation of the European Union's AMLD5 regulations, the Netherlands requires all crypto service providers to register with DNB.
On August 16, 2023, the DNB officially stated that MEXC Global Ltd. is providing crypto services illegally in the Netherlands. The central bank’s press release was clear and direct — MEXC has not registered, and by offering services, it is acting in violation of Dutch law.
Is This a Unique Case?
No, MEXC is not the only platform affected. The Dutch authorities have cracked down on any crypto exchange operating without registration, regardless of origin. In the past, other major platforms such as Binance have also been forced to exit the Dutch market due to non-compliance with DNB requirements.
However, MEXC’s case is particularly noteworthy because, unlike Binance or Coinbase (which made efforts to register), MEXC has continued to offer services to Dutch users without authorization, drawing direct attention from regulators.
Why Is Registration Required?
Under Dutch law, any company offering crypto-related services — such as exchanging crypto and offering wallets — must:
Register with the Dutch Central Bank
Comply with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) rules
Demonstrate transparency in operations
These rules are intended to protect consumers, prevent money laundering, and ensure financial integrity. If a company fails to meet these conditions, it cannot legally offer services in the Netherlands.
Can Dutch Users Still Access MEXC?
Yes, technically they can — but that doesn’t make it legal.
Some users may bypass local restrictions using VPNs or access the platform directly through their browser. MEXC itself has not blocked IP addresses from the Netherlands as of this writing. However, that does not legitimize the activity.
Using MEXC in the Netherlands now falls into a grey or illegal zone, and users should understand that:
They are not protected by Dutch law
They risk regulatory consequences
They could lose funds without any recourse
In other words, if something goes wrong — for example, if MEXC collapses or freezes accounts — Dutch users will have no legal way to recover funds through their own country’s financial system.
Has MEXC Responded to the Ban?
As of now, MEXC has not issued a public statement in response to the DNB’s warning. There has been no official acknowledgment of the issue on their website, social media, or press channels. This lack of transparency only adds to the risk for users in restricted jurisdictions like the Netherlands.
Unlike compliant platforms that communicate regulatory decisions, MEXC seems to be silent — which may indicate either non-compliance or an unwillingness to cooperate with regulators.
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What Are the Risks of Using MEXC in the Netherlands?
Here are the main risks if you choose to use MEXC while living in the Netherlands:
Legal Risk: You may be violating national laws by using an unregistered service.
Financial Risk: If your funds are lost, hacked, or frozen, you cannot turn to Dutch courts or regulators for help.
Security Risk: Without regulation, there is no guarantee of how your data or money is handled.
Lack of Transparency: MEXC has not made its operations clear to Dutch regulators or users.
Increased Scrutiny: Banks may flag your transactions if they involve illegal exchanges.
What Should Dutch Crypto Users Do?
If you're a resident of the Netherlands and interested in crypto trading, the safest course of action is to use a platform that is registered and approved by the Dutch Central Bank.
Some legally operating platforms in the Netherlands include:
Bitvavo
Coinmerce
Anycoin Direct
Coinbase (registered)
eToro (for certain services)
These platforms are licensed, regulated, and transparent, offering legal protection and regulatory oversight.
Switching to a regulated platform may seem inconvenient, but it offers long-term peace of mind and compliance with local laws.
Is This Part of a Larger Trend in Europe?
Yes. The crackdown on unregulated crypto exchanges like MEXC in the Netherlands is part of a broader trend across the European Union.
The EU has implemented the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation — a framework aimed at unifying and strengthening crypto oversight across all member states. Under MiCA, all crypto platforms operating in Europe will need to:
Obtain clear authorization
Disclose operational details
Protect consumer funds
Follow strict AML/KYC protocols
The Netherlands, known for its strict financial regulation, is one of the first countries to enforce these rules rigorously. MEXC’s ban is likely the first of many actions as the EU tightens its control over the crypto industry.
What If You Already Have Funds on MEXC?
If you are a Dutch resident and currently hold assets on MEXC, you should consider:
Withdrawing your funds to a personal wallet or a registered platform.
Avoiding future deposits on MEXC.
Monitoring regulatory updates from the Dutch Central Bank.
Avoiding public promotion of MEXC in the Netherlands — as that might attract legal scrutiny.
Even if you have not yet encountered issues, the longer you leave your funds on an unregistered exchange, the higher the risk of loss or account suspension.
Is MEXC Banned in Other Countries Too?
MEXC has faced regulatory scrutiny in several countries, not just the Netherlands. As of mid-2025, MEXC is reportedly:
Restricted or banned in the United States
Limited in Canada and the UK
Not registered in many EU countries
This pattern suggests that MEXC operates in a regulatory grey zone, often offering services without obtaining proper licenses.
Therefore, even outside the Netherlands, users should approach the platform with caution and verify its regulatory status in their own country.
Final Thoughts
To summarize:
Yes, MEXC Exchange is banned in the Netherlands.
It is not registered with the Dutch Central Bank, making its operations illegal.
Users who continue using MEXC in the Netherlands are not protected by law and may face serious risks.
There are legal alternatives that are safer, regulated, and transparent.
MEXC has not responded publicly to the ban, raising more questions than answers.
If you live in the Netherlands and value the safety of your crypto assets, your best move is to stop using MEXC immediately and transition to a locally approved exchange.
The world of crypto is full of opportunity — but also risk. Being on the right side of regulation is one of the smartest decisions you can make as a responsible investor.
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