Bybit Secures VARA Licence for Crypto-Asset Exchange Services in Dubai
Bybit Fintech FZE has received regulatory approval for spot trading, strengthening the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance and the development of Dubai’s digital-asset ecosystem.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (ANTARA/PRNewswire) – Bybit, The New Financial Platform trusted by more than 80 million users worldwide, announced that Bybit Fintech FZE has obtained a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licence from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for crypto-asset exchange services, including spot trading.
The licence marks an important development in Bybit’s efforts to strengthen its presence in Dubai, where it has had its global headquarters since 2022. It also supports the company’s ongoing efforts to grow its business within the established regulatory framework and contribute to the development of Dubai’s digital-asset industry.
“Dubai has made significant progress in building a regulatory framework for virtual assets. We are pleased to take the next step in our journey in Dubai,” said Ben Zhou, Bybit’s co-founder and chief executive. “We want to continue operating in Dubai, supporting the local digital-asset community and growing our business in compliance with the standards set by VARA.”
Building a business for the long term
“This licence is an important step for Bybit. We greatly appreciate VARA’s efforts in establishing a clear and robust regulatory framework for virtual assets,” said Peter Loo, Bybit’s chief legal and compliance officer. “A healthy digital-asset market requires strong oversight, sound risk management and a commitment to protecting users. We want to continue working with VARA as our business grows in Dubai. Looking ahead, we also hope to expand our authorised activities to include derivatives trading, subject to regulatory approval. Derivatives are an important part of Bybit’s global trading business, and we want to bring more of our services to Dubai through the appropriate regulatory channels.”
For Bybit, the licence is part of a broader effort to develop its business in each market in accordance with local regulations. The company continues to invest in regulatory compliance, security and risk management as it develops products and services for users across different jurisdictions.
The Dubai milestone follows Bybit’s progress in meeting regulatory requirements during 2026. In an update in October, Ben highlighted five new licences and regulatory approvals obtained by Bybit in 2026 in the European Union, the Cayman Islands, Indonesia, South Africa and El Salvador.
These developments reflect Bybit’s focus on working with regulators and securing licences as it expands globally. The company believes strong relationships with regulators and services that comply with local requirements are important to building long-term trust among users and market participants.
Supporting Dubai’s digital-asset ecosystem
Since establishing its global headquarters in Dubai in 2022, Bybit has participated in the development of the market’s blockchain and Web3 ecosystem through industry engagement, partnerships and initiatives supporting knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Dubai’s regulatory framework and global reach make it an important market for the development of digital assets. Bybit aims to strengthen its presence there, work with relevant stakeholders and develop its services in line with applicable regulatory requirements.