tl;dr
Bybit, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, is launching its European operations from Vienna, Austria, supported by a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license. This strategic expansion leverages Austria’s favorable regulatory environment and MiCA’s single-license access to 29 EU countries. Bybit emphas...
Bybit, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, is officially launching its European operations from Vienna, Austria. This expansion is supported by a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license, representing a key milestone in Bybit’s global growth strategy by combining regulatory clarity, product innovation, and a commitment to mass adoption in Europe.
The choice of Vienna as Bybit’s EU base is strategic, not merely symbolic. Austria offers a supportive regulatory environment alongside a burgeoning crypto ecosystem, providing both licensing advantages and a prime location. The MiCA regulation allows a single license in one EU country to enable access across 29 member states, streamlining Bybit’s entry into European markets. According to Georg Harer, Managing Director and Head of Legal & Compliance at Bybit EU, MiCA raises the standards for consumer protection and compliance, allowing licensed exchanges to scale legally throughout the continent.
Bybit’s approach prioritizes compliance from the outset, deviating from the common practice of expanding first and seeking regulation later. Its EU office operates as an independent entity with dedicated compliance, risk, and legal teams implementing a three-lines-of-defense model. Transparency with both regulators and users is a core principle of this strategy.
Focusing on the European market’s unique needs, Bybit has introduced localized services and infrastructure rather than replicating global offerings. The platform already supports nine European languages, including German, French, Spanish, and Italian. Payment options have been tailored with SEPA, credit cards, and region-specific gateways. Additionally, Bybit plans to launch a Mastercard-backed crypto card offering up to 10% cashback, a significant fintech innovation in Europe. The user experience includes a Lite App inspired by platforms like Revolut, designed to appeal both to seasoned crypto traders and newcomers alike, with the aim of bridging Web2 familiarity with Web3 capabilities.
Bybit’s new EU headquarters in Vienna is envisioned not just as an office but as a vibrant crypto community hub. Plans are underway for meetups, educational programs, and partnerships with local universities. The upcoming “Bybit Academy” and support for hackathons and ambassador programs underline their commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering collaboration between crypto and institutional players.
With the MiCA regulation effectively in place, Bybit EU is opening access to institutional investors such as banks and family offices. This license enables them to offer custody-compliant products that will include tokenized real-world assets (RWAs). CEO Ben Zhou highlighted Bybit’s vision to build infrastructure for tokenized finance, aspiring to compete with established brokers like eToro by offering tokenized gold, stocks, and beyond once MiFID compliance is achieved.
Looking ahead, Bybit’s EU roadmap includes the launch of an iOS app, expansion of the Bybit card, and targeted marketing in crypto-friendly countries like Germany, France, Italy, and Romania. The company is scaling localized operations with dedicated teams in key markets.
With a global user base exceeding 72 million, $18.15 billion in assets under management, and a daily trading volume of $30 billion, Bybit brings impressive scale and speed to Europe — now with full regulatory backing. Their entry under MiCA could redefine how centralized exchanges grow within mature markets by emphasizing trust, transparency, and tailored experiences, signaling that cryptocurrency is becoming a regulated and accessible part of everyday finance.