Bybit Makes History as UAE’s First Fully Licensed Crypto Exchange
In a landmark development for the cryptocurrency industry, Bybit has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first fully licensed crypto exchange in the United Arab Emirates. The exchange secured the UAE's inaugural Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), marking a significant breakthrough in regulatory clarity and institutional adoption within the region. This comprehensive license authorizes Bybit to operate as a fully regulated platform, offering a complete suite of services including cryptocurrency trading, secure digital asset custody, and seamless fiat currency conversion capabilities. The regulatory approval represents a watershed moment not only for Bybit but for the entire Middle Eastern cryptocurrency landscape, establishing new standards for compliance and operational excellence. Bybit's leadership emphasized that this achievement validates their "compliance-first approach" to building trust and security in the digital asset ecosystem. The licensing positions Bybit as the exclusive fully operational and licensed cryptocurrency exchange in the Emirates, providing institutional and retail investors with unprecedented regulatory certainty and protection. This development signals the UAE's growing commitment to embracing digital innovation while maintaining robust regulatory frameworks, potentially setting a precedent for other nations in the region. The timing of this approval, coming in late 2025, underscores the accelerating maturation of cryptocurrency markets and the increasing importance of regulatory compliance in attracting mainstream adoption. For investors and traders, this regulatory milestone offers enhanced confidence in the security and legitimacy of cryptocurrency operations within the UAE market, potentially driving increased institutional participation and market liquidity. The comprehensive nature of the license enables Bybit to provide end-to-end cryptocurrency services while operating within a clear regulatory framework, bridging the gap between traditional finance and the emerging digital asset economy.
Bybit Becomes First Fully Licensed Crypto Exchange in UAE
Bybit has secured the UAE's first-ever Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), marking a watershed moment for regulatory clarity in the region. The approval positions Bybit as the only fully operational, licensed crypto exchange in the Emirates, with authorization to offer trading, custody, and fiat conversion services.
"This license validates our compliance-first approach," said CEO Ben Zhou, highlighting the UAE's progressive stance on digital asset oversight. The exchange plans to hire 500+ employees across Abu Dhabi and Dubai while expanding Web3 education initiatives—a strategic bet on the region's growing crypto ecosystem.
