Why BitMEX's 70,000 USDT Rewards Mark a Shift in Cross-Asset Trading Access

BitMEX launched a campaign from February 12 to March 12, 2026, offering 70,000 USDT in prizes for users trading equity perpetual contracts on stocks like Apple and Tesla. The campaign includes three reward categories: trade rewards up to 500 USDT for 10,000 USD volume, 5 USDT for social media sharing, and 5 USDT for completing an educational quiz. Equity perps allow cryptocurrency traders to speculate on stock prices without traditional brokerage accounts, operating 24/7 with leverage and crypto settlement. BitMEX emphasizes its security record and twice-weekly proof of reserves publications. The campaign targets user acquisition during Q1 earnings season when stock volatility typically increases trading interest.