Bybit has just made regulatory history in the United Arab Emirates. The exchange became the first platform to receive a full Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). This move cements Bybit’s foothold in one of the world’s most ambitious crypto markets and signals the UAE’s intent to lead in digital asset regulation.
The license unlocks the ability to offer trading, brokerage, custody, and fiat conversion services across the UAE, all under a fully compliant framework.
Strategic Win for Bybit and the UAE
Bybit’s new license marks a turning point in its expansion strategy. After receiving In-Principle Approval in February 2025, the exchange worked closely with the Abu Dhabi Blockchain Centre to meet the SCA’s requirements. With approval now finalized, Bybit is the first exchange allowed to operate at full capacity under the UAE’s national regulator.
Executives say the milestone represents long-term intent rather than a symbolic win.
Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO, said the license proves Bybit’s commitment to “building trust through compliance and transparency,” adding that the UAE has set the benchmark for global digital asset standards.
Co-CEO Helen Liu credited the SCA’s structured approach for enabling regulated exchanges to scale responsibly in the region.
Abu Dhabi to Host 500-Employee Regional Hub
To capitalize on its UAE approval, Bybit plans to open a larger regional operations center in Abu Dhabi. The exchange will bring on more than 500 employees across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with hiring focused on compliance, operations, customer support, and infrastructure.
Beyond staffing, Bybit intends to invest in local blockchain education and Web3 innovation programs with regional partners. As part of its long-term footprint, you can expect new learning initiatives and developer collaborations to launch in 2025 and onwards.
License Follows a Year of Aggressive Regulatory Expansion
Bybit’s UAE achievement arrives on the heels of major regulatory gains in Europe and Asia.
MiCAR License Expands Reach to 29 Countries
Earlier this year, Bybit secured a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) license from Austria’s Financial Market Authority. This approval makes Bybit a fully regulated crypto-asset service provider across the European Economic Area.
Bybit has secured a MiCAR license from Austria’s FMA, enabling it to legally offer regulated crypto services across 29 EEA countries. The exchange has also opened its European headquarters in Vienna, signaling serious long-term investment in the region.Read Now
From its new headquarters in Vienna, Bybit can now serve nearly 500 million residents across 29 EEA countries. The company plans to hire more than 100 employees and invest in local blockchain education programs to accelerate adoption.
India Comeback and Compliance Push
In February 2025, Bybit officially resumed services in India after temporarily withdrawing from the market due to licensing requirements. The exchange re-registered with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit, paid a $1 million settlement, and restored access for new and existing users.
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However, compliance measures are increasing again. On October 10, 2025, Bybit introduced a mandatory KYC renewal for all Indian accounts.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Effective now: Identity re-verification is open and encouraged immediately.
- November 6, 2025 (8:00 AM UTC): Accounts without renewed KYC will switch to Close-Only mode.
- December 5, 2025 (8:00 AM UTC): Open positions on non-verified accounts will be liquidated.
Only one verified account per identity will be allowed going forward. Services are restored instantly after renewal, so acting early prevents disruption.
Binance Faced Similar Rules Earlier This Year
Bybit’s new KYC measure in India isn’t unprecedented. In April 2025, Binance enforced mandatory re-verification for all Indian users. PAN linking became compulsory to comply with anti-money laundering and tax enforcement rules.
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With regulators in India tightening scrutiny, major global exchanges are taking proactive steps to stay live in the market rather than risk withdrawal. While there are many other crypto exchanges in India, few can match Bybit’s recognition and safety.
UAE Licensing = Expanded Reach
The UAE has been positioning itself as a digital asset hub for years. Other licensed exchanges in United Arab Emirates include Crypto.com and XT.com, but until now no exchange held a full SCA license. Bybit’s approval signals the regulator’s readiness to greenlight fully compliant operators and expands access to regulated crypto trading for both institutional and retail participants.
You can expect other exchanges to follow, but Bybit now enjoys first-mover advantage in a region with rising adoption, sovereign-backed blockchain initiatives, and deep capital markets.
What’s Next for Traders and Institutions
With the new UAE license in place, you can expect:
- Regulated crypto trading and brokerage options
- Secure custody services
- Fiat conversion tools
- Localized onboarding for UAE residents
- Expanded support for institutional clients
Bybit’s Abu Dhabi hub will also help build stronger ties across the MENA region, with spillover effects into Africa, South Asia, and Europe.
Take Action Early
If you’re in the UAE, this is a prime moment to explore locally regulated crypto services before broader competition arrives. If you’re based in India or the EEA, renewed compliance means uninterrupted access and stronger legal protection.
Bybit’s regulatory roadmap — from Vienna to Abu Dhabi to New Delhi — shows the industry is entering a new era of oversight-led growth. You can now benefit from faster access to licensed services, safer infrastructure, and clearer rules across major markets.
Now that Bybit holds the UAE’s first full Virtual Asset Platform Operator License, the competition for compliant crypto expansion in the Middle East has officially shifted.
