- Bybit can now provide crypto services in all European Economic Area countries.
- The exchange opened its new headquarters in Vienna to expand European operations.
- This move follows Bybit’s effort to improve security after a major theft in 2025.
Bybit has obtained a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) license from Austria’s Financial Market Authority (FMA). This regulatory approval allows Bybit EU to operate as a regulated crypto asset service provider across all 29 European Economic Area (EEA) states. Consequently, the exchange can now expand its services to 500 million Europeans under the EU’s unified MiCA framework, which aims to enhance security, transparency, and regulatory consistency. To demonstrate its commitment to compliance and global expansion, the exchange established its European headquarters in Vienna on May 29.
Bybit’s Strategic Entry into the European Market
Europe’s MiCA rules have established a standardized regulatory environment for crypto firms across the EU. Under MiCA, firms must choose a member state as their base of operations and can “passport” their services across the entire 27-member bloc. Bybit has chosen Austria as its MiCA home base, joining other licensed firms such as Bitpanda, which holds licenses in both Austria and Germany.
Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit, stated, “Securing the MiCAR license in Austria is a testament to our compliance-first approach. We collaborate actively with regulators and pursue licenses globally to ensure users access our platform with the highest regulatory assurance.” His remarks underline Bybit’s dedication to meeting international standards in the middle of growing regulatory scrutiny.
Overcoming Challenges After the Largest Crypto Heist
Following the largest digital asset theft, it has taken months for Bybit to achieve the licensing milestone. In February 2025, hackers gained access to $1.5 billion worth of assets on the system. The company used the experience to advance its regulatory efforts and stabilize operations.
On May 9, German authorities confiscated some 34 million euros’ worth (equivalent to $38 million) of bitcoin associated with the hack. The assets were linked to eXch, a crypto-swapping platform, which allegedly facilitated the exchange of around $1.9 billion in crypto, much of it believed to be from illicit sources. Given the increasing clamor for European regulators to clamp down on illicit crypto activities, this action bears weight on how MiCA can fortify such oversight.
Related: Bybit to Close NFT, Inscription, and IDO Platforms From April
Bybit, being one of the first to obtain EU licenses and establish its European headquarters, is a strong signal that it acts promptly in response to any security issues. Its transfer from Singapore to Dubai in 2022 and now increasing activities in Europe prove that it is following a global diversification plan. With these steps, Bybit emerges as a key player in the crypto market as it faces tighter regulations.
