Bybit Secures First UAE Virtual Asset License

Bybit, a global leader in the cryptocurrency exchange sector, has achieved a significant milestone by securing the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) inaugural Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). This landmark achievement positions Bybit as the first crypto exchange to attain a full operational license from the SCA, underscoring its commitment to regulatory compliance and marking a pivotal moment in the UAE's strategic ambition to emerge as a preeminent global hub for digital assets. The acquisition of this license not only validates Bybit's robust operational frameworks but also enables the full integration and compliance of its existing global product offerings within the regulated UAE market.

A Strategic Leap Towards Global Regulatory Compliance

This licensure is more than just a regulatory approval; it represents Bybit's steadfast dedication to fostering trust through adherence to the highest standards of quality, product integrity, and service excellence. Such standards are meticulously maintained within rigorous compliance frameworks, not exclusively in the UAE, but across its global operations. This move is an integral component of Bybit's overarching global strategy, which emphasizes localized integration and a profound commitment to bringing accessible and regulated cryptocurrency services to diverse local markets worldwide. Bybit's journey to this full license commenced with an In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the SCA in February 2025. This initial phase was expertly navigated with the crucial assistance of the Blockchain Centre in Abu Dhabi, which provided invaluable guidance through the SCA's comprehensive regulatory landscape. The subsequent granting of the full license stands as a clear testament to the regulator's confidence in Bybit's advanced security infrastructure, its unwavering operational transparency, and its stringent compliance protocols.

Key Regulatory Milestones and Global Expansion

The securing of the UAE license is part of a series of strategic regulatory successes for Bybit throughout 2025. This year has seen the exchange consistently expand its global footprint under a compliance-first philosophy, successfully obtaining its MiCAR license in Europe in May and fully resuming its trading operations in India in September. These achievements collectively highlight Bybit's methodical and comprehensive approach to regulatory engagement, demonstrating its capacity to adapt and thrive within varied international regulatory environments. Each milestone reinforces Bybit's position as a compliant and trustworthy platform in the rapidly evolving digital asset ecosystem.

Leadership Perspectives on Trust and Innovation

Commenting on this monumental achievement, Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, articulated the profound significance of the license. “Receiving the full Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from the SCA is a testament to Bybit's unwavering commitment to building trust through compliance and transparency,” Zhou stated. He further emphasized the UAE's burgeoning role as a global leader in digital asset regulation, noting that this recognition firmly underscores the strength and reliability of Bybit's security and governance standards. Zhou also reiterated Bybit's foundational belief in regulation as the bedrock for sustainable growth, viewing this latest milestone as yet another progressive step in its global regulatory roadmap — from MiCAR in Europe to India and now the UAE — as we continue to set new benchmarks for a secure and responsible digital asset ecosystem.

Helen Liu, Co-CEO of Bybit, expressed sincere gratitude to the Securities and Commodities Authority for their continuous trust and support throughout the intricate licensing process. Liu highlighted the SCA's regulatory framework, describing it as “clear, robust, and well-structured,” providing a formidable foundation for global exchanges like Bybit to operate with both confidence and clarity. She acknowledged that this achievement would have been unattainable without the SCA's forward-thinking and innovative approach to fostering both innovation and stringent compliance within the dynamic digital asset domain. Liu also conveyed Bybit's anticipation of deepening its collaborative efforts, with plans to channel additional resources, sophisticated products, and specialized expertise into the burgeoning UAE market.

Bybit's Future Vision and Expansion in the UAE

Under the authority of the SCA’s Virtual Asset Platform Operator License, Bybit is poised to introduce a comprehensive suite of regulated virtual asset services. These will encompass trading, brokerage, secure custody, and efficient fiat conversion services, tailored to serve both retail and institutional clientele across the entire UAE. This expansion is not merely about service provision; Bybit harbors ambitious plans to significantly enhance its local presence. This includes the establishment of a considerably larger regional operations center within Abu Dhabi, projecting an increase of its workforce to over 500 employees distributed across both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This strategic expansion will entail an accelerated local hiring drive, particularly in critical areas such as compliance, operations, and customer service. Furthermore, Bybit is committed to launching innovative education and Web3 innovation programs, fostering collaborative partnerships with local entities to nurture talent and drive technological advancement within the region.

Commitment to the UAE's Digital Asset Ambition

Bybit’s continuous and substantial investment in talent development, cutting-edge technology, and robust infrastructure unequivocally reaffirms its enduring commitment to bolstering the UAE’s ambitious vision. This vision aims to solidify the nation's status as a leading global nexus for digital assets and financial innovation. By aligning its strategic goals with the UAE’s progressive regulatory landscape, Bybit is not only expanding its own operational reach but also actively contributing to the development of a secure, compliant, and thriving digital economy within the Emirates. The company's efforts are designed to ensure that users have access to a secure, transparent, and efficient platform for engaging with virtual assets, thereby empowering the broader adoption and responsible growth of the crypto industry in the region and beyond. This synergy between Bybit's global aspirations and the UAE's regulatory foresight is set to create a paradigm for how digital asset platforms can successfully integrate and contribute to national economic strategies in the new digital age.

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