TLDR
- Bybit has received the first full Virtual Asset Platform Operator license from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority.
- The license allows Bybit to offer trading, brokerage, custody, and fiat services across the entire United Arab Emirates.
- Bybit’s approval follows its In-Principle Approval from the SCA in February 2025, supported by the Blockchain Centre in Abu Dhabi.
- This federal license gives Bybit a competitive edge over exchanges operating under Dubai’s local VARA regime.
- The achievement reflects the UAE’s growing status as a global hub for regulated digital asset activity.
Bybit has become the first crypto exchange to receive a full Virtual Asset Platform Operator license from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). This authorization enables Bybit to operate nationwide with regulatory approval for trading, brokerage, custody, and fiat conversion. The license reinforces the UAE’s growing role as a hub for regulated digital assets.
Bybit Achieves Regulatory Milestone in UAE
Bybit received the full license after securing In-Principle Approval from the SCA in February 2025. The approval followed support from the Blockchain Centre in Abu Dhabi and demonstrated Bybit’s regulatory maturity. Now, the exchange can offer its full range of services within the federal framework.
This license sets Bybit apart from other exchanges operating under Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). While exchanges like Binance and OKX hold provisional licenses under VARA, Bybit now holds federal approval. This allows the platform to provide regulated services across all Emirates, not just Dubai.
Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, said, “Receiving the full license is a testament to our commitment to compliance and transparency.” He noted that the UAE’s forward-looking regulations support secure and responsible digital asset operations. Bybit will use this license to expand its regulated offerings across the Gulf region.
Federal License Enhances Competitive Edge
The SCA license strengthens Bybit’s position in a region embracing compliant digital finance. It distinguishes the exchange from its rivals, which are limited to local jurisdictions. Moreover, it enables Bybit to offer a broader range of services to both institutional and retail users under a single national license.
Bybit plans to scale its operations and deepen institutional relationships across the UAE. This license provides legal clarity that appeals to regulated financial partners. It also marks a shift toward cooperation between crypto firms and regional regulators.
Helen Liu, Co-CEO of Bybit, said, “We thank the SCA for their clear and structured regulatory approach.” She added that the license reflects a shared commitment to fostering innovation with compliance. Bybit now views the UAE as a cornerstone of its long-term strategy.
With the license, Bybit can now fully operate its trading, brokerage, and custody services in a regulated environment. This assures both users and institutional clients. It also supports regional ambitions to become a global hub for digital assets.
Global Expansion Continues with Regulatory Wins
The UAE license caps a string of 2025 regulatory achievements for Bybit. In May, the exchange secured Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) registration in the European Union. Then in September, it resumed full operations in India after meeting new compliance requirements.
These developments underline Bybit’s proactive approach to global regulatory engagement. Its strategy focuses on securing licenses before market entry, rather than facing legal hurdles after launch. This aligns with the expectations of institutional clients seeking regulatory certainty.
Despite market volatility, Bybit’s global trading volumes have remained strong. The company attributes this to its security-first and compliance-oriented model. Its growing list of licenses reflects investor demand for transparent, law-abiding platforms.
