Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading
volume, today announced that it has officially secured the Virtual Asset
Platform Operator License from the Securities and Commodities Authority
(SCA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Bybit became the first crypto
exchange to obtain this full license from the SCA, marking a historic
milestone in the nation’s vision to establish itself as a global digital
asset hub. This licensing brings along with the full product capability of
Bybit’s existing global products and services into compliance.
Please find attached and below for more information.
Bybit Secures UAE’s First Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from
Securities and Commodities Authority
Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading
volume, today announced that it has officially secured the Virtual Asset
Platform Operator License from the Securities and Commodities Authority
(SCA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Bybit became the first crypto
exchange to obtain this full license from the SCA, marking a historic
milestone in the nation’s vision to establish itself as a global digital
asset hub. This licensing brings along with the full product capability of
Bybit’s existing global products and services into compliance.
This symbolic milestone demonstrates Bybit’s assurance to users that it is
committed to high standards of quality, product and service arising from
rigorous compliance frameworks found not just in UAE but also globally. It
also demonstrates Bybit’s long term global strategy of being locally
enshrined and its commitment to bringing crypto to local markets.
Bybit initially received its In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the SCA in
February 2025 with the help of the Blockchain Centre, Abu Dhabi, in
navigating SCA’s robust framework. The full license demonstrates the
regulator’s trust in Bybit’s robust security infrastructure, operational
transparency, and rigorous compliance standards.
This achievement follows a series of regulatory milestones for Bybit in
2025 — including securing its MiCAR license in May and resuming full trading
operations in India in September — as the exchange continues to expand its
presence under a compliance-first roadmap across key global jurisdictions.
Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, said:
“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. The UAE has emerged as a global leader in
digital asset regulation, and this recognition underscores the strength of
our security and governance standards.
At Bybit, we see regulation as the foundation for sustainable growth. This
milestone marks another step forward in our 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, added:
“We sincerely thank the Securities and Commodities Authority for their
trust and support throughout the licensing process. The SCA’s clear, robust,
and well-structured regulatory framework provides a strong foundation for
global exchanges like Bybit to operate with confidence and clarity.
This achievement would not have been possible without the SCA’s
forward-thinking approach to fostering innovation and compliance in the
digital asset space. We look forward to deepening our collaboration as we
bring more resources, products, and expertise to the UAE market.”
Bybit’s Upcoming Plan in UAE
Under the SCA’s Virtual Asset Platform Operator License, Bybit will offer
regulated virtual asset trading, brokerage, custody, and fiat conversion
services to both retail and institutional clients across the UAE.
The exchange plans to expand its local footprint by establishing a larger
regional operations center in Abu Dhabi with over 500 employees across Abu
Dhabi and Dubai, accelerating local hiring across compliance, operations,
and customer service, and introducing new education and Web3 innovation
programs in collaboration with local partners.
Bybit’s continued investment in talent, technology, and infrastructure
reaffirms its long-term commitment to supporting the UAE’s ambition to
become a global hub for digital assets and financial innovation.
