Security Compliance
Bitget uses two-factor authentication, sends alerts for logins and withdrawals, and offers an anti-phishing code to verify genuine emails. It maintains a protection fund of over $300 million to compensate users for losses where they're not at fault, and publishes monthly Proof of Reserves. Worth knowing: Bitget has had at least one security incident in its history and has been criticized for limited transparency around it.
Bitvo's exit was orderly and its record clean. It was a CSA-registered restricted dealer that operated on a full reserve basis, meaning it never lent customer funds, and held client assets with third-party custodians BitGo, with over 80% in cold storage. No customer funds were lost in the wind-down, and its refusal to close the FTX deal after the collapse protected its clients from being dragged into the largest fraud in crypto history.
Bitget emphasizes security, offering two-factor authentication and email notifications for user activities. They also provide an emergency insurance coverage of $300 million, ensuring user assets are protected. Bitvo holds most of its digital assets in third-party cold storage, typically ranging between 95% to 100%. They also utilize a multi-layered firewall infrastructure and third-party scrutiny for any cryptocurrency listings, reducing the risk of scam coins.
Regulatory Compliance
Bitget is not registered with Canadian securities regulators and, as of 2026, Canada sits on its list of restricted jurisdictions. The Alberta Securities Commission had already warned investors that Bitget was not registered in the province before the broader restriction took effect. Canadians should avoid workarounds like VPNs, which breach Bitget's terms and put funds at risk of being frozen.
Bitvo was registered with FINTRAC and as a restricted dealer with Canadian securities regulators, and that registration shaped its ending: rather than collapsing, its client accounts were transferred to another registered platform under regulatory oversight. Its successor chain: Bitvo clients to Bitbuy (November 2023), Bitbuy's parent WonderFi to Robinhood (2025). Former Bitvo customers with account questions should contact Bitbuy support.
Bitget's position on Canadian federal compliance isn't explicitly mentioned. In contrast, Bitvo stands as a registered Money Service Business in Canada, ensuring its alignment with FINTRAC regulations, a federal organization overseeing money services businesses and ensuring their compliance with Canadian law.
Customer support
Reviewers frequently describe Bitget's customer support as slow or unhelpful, particularly for complex issues involving futures or copy trading. That matters less now for Canadian readers, since the platform is closed to them, but anyone with a legacy account trying to withdraw remaining funds should be prepared for a slow support process.
There is no Bitvo support team anymore. Former customers should reach out to Bitbuy, which assumed servicing of migrated accounts. If anyone contacts you offering to recover Bitvo funds for a fee, treat it as a recovery scam.
Bitget's customer support has mixed reviews, with a 2.8-star rating on Trustpilot, some users citing it as unhelpful. Bitvo takes pride in its customer support, offering 24/7 availability through live chat, email, and even phone—a rarity among crypto exchanges.
Conclusion
Both Bitget and Bitvo offer commendable services for Canadians in the crypto realm. However, if we had to pick a winner, Bitget takes the edge. Its expansive altcoin offerings, advanced trading features, and competitive fee structure make it a favored choice, especially for those delving deeper into the crypto trading world.
We recommend choosing Bitget over Bitvo for your cryptocurrency trading needs. By opting for Bitget through our referral link, you support us in conducting comprehensive independent analyses of crypto trading options for Canadians.
If you find that neither Bitget nor Bitvo meets your requirements, we encourage you to explore our monthly-updated list of the best exchanges for Canadians to trade crypto. This list provides a range of alternative options that may better suit your specific needs and preferences.
