Bybit Deepens USDC Integration with Circle Partnership as Stablecoin Market Expands

In a significant development for the cryptocurrency ecosystem, leading digital asset exchange Bybit has announced an expanded strategic partnership with Circle, the issuer of USD Coin (USDC). This collaboration comes at a pivotal moment, with USDC's market capitalization approaching the $80 billion mark, underscoring the accelerating institutional and retail adoption of regulated, transparent stablecoins. The partnership is designed to deeply integrate USDC across Bybit's core trading, payment, and settlement infrastructure, enhancing liquidity, cross-chain functionality, and fiat on-ramps for users globally. As of December 2025, this move signals a maturation within the crypto finance sector, where trusted stablecoins are becoming fundamental pillars for efficient and compliant digital asset transactions. The integration aims to streamline user experience, reduce settlement friction, and provide a robust, dollar-denominated digital asset for Bybit's vast user base, further cementing the exchange's position at the forefront of institutional-grade crypto services. This strategic alignment between a top-tier exchange and a leading stablecoin issuer highlights the ongoing convergence of traditional finance principles with blockchain innovation, driving the next wave of growth in digital asset markets.

Circle and Bybit Expand USDC Integration Amid Stablecoin Growth Surge

Circle and Bybit have announced a strategic partnership to deepen USDC integration across the exchange's trading and payment infrastructure. The MOVE comes as USDC's market capitalization nears $80 billion, reflecting robust demand for regulated stablecoins.

The collaboration will enhance liquidity provisioning, cross-chain support, and fiat ramps—streamlining settlements and stablecoin transactions. Bybit's existing USDC pairs, savings products, and institutional tools will be expanded under the agreement.

Circle emphasized the partnership's focus on transactional speed and transparency, aligning with MiCA compliance in the European Economic Area. The firms plan further infrastructure development to support USDC's global market operations.

Bybit Secures UAE VAPO License, Targets Institutional Crypto Growth

Bybit has obtained a full VIRTUAL Asset Provider Operator (VAPO) license in the UAE, marking a strategic pivot toward regulated institutional services. The exchange unveiled a Credit Suite and low-latency trading infrastructure designed for professional investors, signaling its ambition to bridge traditional finance and digital assets.

CEO Ben Zhou disclosed at the Bybit Institutional Gala in Dubai that institutional inflows surged from $1.3 billion in Q3 to $2.88 billion in Q4, while assets under management ballooned from $40 million to $200 million during the same period. "This validates institutional demand for platforms with robust governance and liquidity," Zhou remarked, positioning the Dubai hub as a gateway for compliant crypto services.