Mercado Bitcoin to reopen access in phases after hack, pledges to cover losses
Brazil's largest crypto exchange is moving to restore customer access after a security breach disrupted accounts and exposed client assets. The phased reopening starts Monday, while trading, withdrawals and transfers remain restricted until further independent security testing is completed.
Highlights
- Mercado Bitcoin estimates over $46 million in assets stolen in the hack and will phase in access to balance checks before restoring transfers, withdrawals, and trading.
- The company commits to use its own funds to cover losses, has already frozen more than $15 million in stolen assets, and is preparing repurchases in domestic and international markets.
- Mercado Bitcoin maintains a strong liquidity position, bolstered by a $20 million investment from Tether to support operational expansion amid sector-wide scrutiny on crypto security.
Phased restoration plan and loss coverage
As reported by Cointelegraph, Mercado Bitcoin says customers will first regain access through its website to check balances, statements, holdings and investments after the hack that blockchain analysts estimate results in more than $46 million in stolen assets.The exchange says transfers, withdrawals and trading will return only in later phases. It adds that those services remain subject to independent security testing before full reinstatement.
Mercado Bitcoin also says it will use company funds to replenish assets affected by the breach. The company says more than $15 million in stolen funds has already been frozen with help from industry participants, and its trading desk is preparing repurchases in domestic and international markets.
Liquidity position and broader crypto impact
The update comes after Mercado Bitcoin disclosed a security breach on Monday, when attackers transferred funds from the company's hot wallets and customer deposit addresses through standard transfers. The incident puts renewed focus on operational resilience and wallet security across Latin America's crypto sector.On liquidity, Mercado Bitcoin says it holds a strong cash position. The company adds that this position is supported by a $20 million investment from stablecoin issuer Tether intended to back operational expansion.
In our earlier article on the surge in cybersecurity and privacy startup funding, we highlighted how Q3 2026 investment rose to $6.8 billion mainly because late-stage rounds got larger even as the number of deals fell. We also noted strong investor focus on AI-driven and identity security solutions, alongside an uptick in consolidation through major acquisitions—signaling that security spending remains a priority as digital threats intensify.
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