Haipo Yang
Haipo Yang is the founder and CEO of ViaBTC and CoinEx. His work in cryptocurrency mining and digital asset exchanges has contributed to the development of blockchain infrastructure. In September 2026 Yang announced that CoinEx would cease operations and formally close on December 22, 2026, with an orderly wind-down that keeps withdrawals open until that date and includes a CET token buyback at its initial listing price of 0.005 USDT per token.[18][19]
Education
Haipo Yang graduated from Northwestern Polytechnical University in China in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. His academic background provided a foundation for his later work in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency systems.[1][3][14]
Career
After completing his studies, Yang began working as a backend developer at Tencent from 2012 to 2014, where he contributed to the development of Tencent Weibo, a social media platform. In 2015, he joined Futu Securities, a Hong Kong-based fintech company specializing in stock trading services. Yang became involved in Bitcoin and blockchain technology in 2013.
He later worked at ZeusMiner in 2014-2015, where he led research and development efforts related to mining hardware and software.
In April 2016, Haipo Yang established ViaBTC, a cryptocurrency mining pool. Within two months, he developed the initial version of the ViaBTC mining pool, which launched in June 2016. The platform grew to support mining for Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and other cryptocurrencies. ViaBTC introduced the PPS+ (Pay Per Share Plus) payment method, which incorporates transaction fees into miner payouts. The company also implemented financial services for miners, such as mining revenue hedging and transaction acceleration. By 2021 ViaBTC had open-sourced its Bitcoin mining pool code, and in 2024 its mining pool ranked among the top three by Bitcoin network hashrate and mined halving block #840,000.[16]
In December 2017, Yang founded CoinEx, a cryptocurrency exchange. CoinEx received investment support from Bitmain and other entities. The platform offers trading services, including spot trading, futures contracts, margin trading, and options trading. Under Yang’s leadership, CoinEx reported 25 major product upgrades in 2024 and in March 2025 launched a brand upgrade with the slogan “Your Crypto Trading Expert”, focusing on AI-powered trading tools, professional market analysis, and expanded educational products.[17]
In September 2026, Yang announced that CoinEx would cease operations and begin an orderly wind-down, with non-spot services phased out, spot trading scheduled to end on September 29, 2026, and the platform formally closing on December 22, 2026, nine years after its launch.[20][18] He cited prolonged market weakness, CoinEx’s failure to become a leading exchange, and increasingly difficult security and compliance risks as key reasons for the shutdown, while stating that user withdrawals would remain open until December 22, 2026 and were backed by reserves exceeding 100% of customer assets.[20][19] Yang also committed to buying back the CoinEx Token (CET) at its initial listing price of 0.005 USDT per token with no cap on quantity, offering a buyback window from September 15 to September 29, 2026 followed by automatic conversion of remaining CET balances at the same rate as part of the wind-down plan.[20][19]
CoinEx expanded its ecosystem to include CoinEx Smart Chain (CSC), a blockchain designed for decentralized applications (dApps) and DeFi projects. The company also introduced the CET token, used within the CoinEx ecosystem.
Yang later established ViaBTC Capital, an investment initiative focused on early-stage blockchain projects in areas such as DeFi, Web3, and Layer 2 solutions. CoinEx also launched CoinEx Chain, a public blockchain designed for decentralized trading and token issuance.[1][2][3][7][10][11][14]
Interviews and Public Statements
Haipo Yang has discussed various aspects of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology in interviews. Topics he has addressed include:
- Decentralized Exchanges: He has stated that decentralized trading platforms could play an increasing role in the cryptocurrency industry.
- Bitcoin and Market Trends: He has remarked that while Bitcoin remains a central component of the cryptocurrency market, other blockchain applications continue to develop.
- Ethereum vs. Bitcoin: He has suggested that Ethereum’s transition to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) and ecosystem expansion may influence its adoption.
- Regulatory Challenges: He has acknowledged regulatory developments in the cryptocurrency sector and the importance of compliance.
- Blockchain Applications: He has commented on the potential use of blockchain technology in financial accessibility and infrastructure.
- Artificial Intelligence and Professional Services: He has described how ViaBTC and CoinEx are deploying AI for content generation, localization, market analysis, risk assessment, and smarter trading tools, framing exchanges as knowledge-driven platforms rather than purely trading venues.[16][17][4][5][6][8][9][12][13]
In his September 2026 public letter announcing CoinEx’s closure, Yang wrote that although he had seriously considered selling the exchange, he rejected this option in favor of what he described as a “clean ending” for users, employees, and CET holders.[18][19] He framed the wind-down as a way to ensure fully backed withdrawals, a clear exit route for CET through buybacks at its initial listing price, and what he called a “decent ending” to the project.[19]
Interview on Bitcoin Cash #01
In an interview aired on the YouTube channel "Bitcoin Cash Site" on September 9, 2020, Haipo Yang shared his perspective on Bitcoin Cash (BCH), discussing its history, challenges, and future potential. According to Yang, BCH emerged due to scalability concerns in Bitcoin, advocating for larger block sizes to enhance transaction efficiency. He emphasized the role of market support in BCH's growth, highlighting that adoption extends beyond mining activities.
Yang also addressed governance challenges, suggesting that clearer decision-making structures and community cohesion could strengthen BCH's development. He discussed how the project aligns with the original vision of Bitcoin as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in response to technological and market changes. Furthermore, he noted that BCH's long-term success would depend on its ability to navigate regulatory landscapes and integrate effectively into the broader blockchain ecosystem.[15]
Haipo Yang on CoinEx's Growth #02
In an interview published on the CoinEx website on September 30, 2024, Haipo Yang reflected on his experience leading CoinEx, discussing the challenges, opportunities, and future direction of the exchange. According to Yang, CoinEx’s growth has been driven by a combination of technological advancements, regulatory adaptation, and a commitment to user-focused product development.
Yang highlighted the evolution of the cryptocurrency industry, noting that while early adoption was driven by grassroots enthusiasm, institutional participation and regulatory frameworks have become increasingly influential. He emphasized that maintaining innovation while ensuring compliance is a critical challenge for exchanges. CoinEx, he stated, has aimed to balance these aspects by enhancing security, expanding its product offerings, and engaging with regulators worldwide.
Regarding the exchange’s future, Yang reiterated the importance of continuous technological development, particularly in blockchain scalability and decentralized applications. He also discussed the role of the CoinEx Token (CET) within the platform's ecosystem, describing ongoing efforts to expand its utility.
In the broader cryptocurrency landscape, Yang expressed the view that long-term success depends on adaptability and maintaining user trust. He suggested that exchanges must evolve beyond simple trading platforms and offer integrated services, including decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions and compliance-ready infrastructures. He concluded by reaffirming CoinEx’s focus on innovation, security, and accessibility in an increasingly competitive market.[5]
