Bybit’s Strategic Ascent: Regulatory Milestones and Institutional Vision Unveiled at Abu Dhabi Gala
On December 9, 2025, Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, hosted a pivotal institutional event in Abu Dhabi. The 'BIG Series Institutional Gala' served as a strategic platform to outline the company's ambitious vision for 2026 and beyond, with a core focus on institutional adoption and regulatory compliance. The event underscored Bybit's significant regulatory achievements, which are positioning it as a leader in the maturing digital asset landscape. Key highlights included the celebration of obtaining a full Virtual Asset Platform Operator (VAPO) license from the UAE's Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and securing a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) license across the European Economic Area. These licenses are not merely operational permits; they represent a foundational commitment to operating within robust regulatory frameworks, which is crucial for attracting institutional capital and fostering mainstream trust. The gala brought together key stakeholders, including institutional investors, regulators, and partners, to deliberate on the future trajectory of digital markets. Discussions centered on bridging traditional finance with the crypto ecosystem, enhancing market infrastructure, and developing sophisticated financial products tailored for professional investors. Bybit's leadership emphasized that this regulatory-first approach, combined with deep institutional engagement, is central to its strategy for sustainable growth and market leadership. The event in Abu Dhabi, a burgeoning global hub for digital assets, signals Bybit's intent to solidify its presence in strategically important regions. By establishing a stronghold in the Middle East through its UAE license and ensuring seamless access to the vast European market via MiCAR, Bybit is building a formidable global operational footprint. This proactive stance on compliance and institutional outreach, as showcased at the gala, sets a clear strategic vision. It aims to move beyond retail-centric models and capture the immense opportunity presented by the accelerating inflow of institutional capital into the cryptocurrency sector, thereby shaping the future architecture of global digital finance.
Bybit Institutional Gala in Abu Dhabi Sets Strategic Vision for 2026
Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, hosted its BIG Series Institutional Gala in Abu Dhabi, gathering key stakeholders to discuss the future of digital markets. The event highlighted Bybit's regulatory milestones, including a full Virtual Asset Platform Operator license from the UAE's SCA and a MiCAR license across the European Economic Area.
"With our regulatory foundation in the UAE and EEA, plus a unified liquidity engine built around transparency and resilience, Bybit is committed to powering the next phase of institutional digital finance," said Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit. The Gala underscored the industry's shift toward an integrated, institution-ready market structure.
Bybit's retail ecosystem continues to drive growth, with the Bybit Card surpassing 1.8 million issuances across 13 regions in its first year. Expanding Pay services and bank-integrated fiat rails further solidify its position as a leader in digital finance.
Bybit Partners with Circle to Expand USDC Access and Enhance Crypto Liquidity
Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has forged a strategic partnership with Circle Internet Group, the issuer of USDC. This collaboration aims to broaden global access to the regulated stablecoin while bolstering liquidity across Bybit's ecosystem.
The integration will streamline fiat on-ramps and off-ramps, enabling faster conversions between cryptocurrencies and traditional currencies. USDC support will extend to Bybit's Earn, Card, and Pay services, creating new utility avenues for the stablecoin.
Market makers and traders stand to benefit from enhanced USDC liquidity in spot and derivatives markets. Joint promotional campaigns will further drive adoption, reinforcing Bybit's commitment to compliant operations across multiple jurisdictions.
