Bybit Makes UK Comeback Under FCA’s New Promotion Rules After Earlier Exit

Bybit just pulled a regulatory U-turn. The crypto exchange is officially back in the UK, but this time it's playing strictly by the FCA's rulebook.

The Rulebook Re-Entry

No more gray areas. Bybit's return hinges on full compliance with the Financial Conduct Authority's financial promotion regime. That means clear risk warnings, no referral bonuses for Brits, and a platform that won't let UK users stumble into products they don't understand. It's a stark contrast to the freewheeling approach that forced its exit last year.

Why the Sudden Change of Heart?

Market maturity—or maybe just cold, hard opportunity. The UK represents a massive, sophisticated investor base hungry for crypto access. Bybit's previous exit left a gap competitors were happy to fill. Coming back compliant isn't just good PR; it's a strategic necessity to reclaim lost ground. Call it an expensive lesson in regulatory diplomacy.

The Bigger Picture for Crypto

This isn't just a Bybit story. It's a blueprint. Exchanges are realizing that long-term growth means working with regulators, not around them. The FCA's framework, while strict, provides legal clarity—something the crypto industry has desperately lacked. Other jurisdictions are watching. A compliant UK foothold could be a springboard for global legitimacy.

One cynical finance jab? It's the oldest play in the book: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em—after you've already tried beating 'em and lost. Bybit's return proves that in modern finance, even the disruptors eventually have to sit at the grown-ups' table and follow the rules. The question is whether the rulebook stifles innovation or finally makes crypto investable for the mainstream.

TLDR

• Bybit resumed UK services after exiting in 2023 due to stricter crypto rules.
• The exchange now offers spot trading across 100 cryptocurrency pairs.
• Bybit operates in the UK through a compliant partnership with Archax.
• FCA promotion rules continue to shape how crypto firms access UK users.

Crypto exchange Bybit has returned to the United Kingdom after a two-year absence. The company resumed services on December 19, 2025, offering spot trading for 100 cryptocurrency pairs. This return comes after Bybit exited the UK in 2023 due to stricter regulations on the promotion and marketing of crypto services.

Bybit now operates under a framework designed to align with the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) financial promotion rules. It has partnered with Archax, a London-based crypto exchange that holds special permissions to approve and supervise financial promotions. This collaboration allows Bybit to provide services in the UK without holding direct FCA authorisation.

Archax has previously supported other global exchanges, including Coinbase and OKX, in accessing the UK market under the same structure. The arrangement enables platforms without FCA registration to operate by complying with promotion standards through an authorised third party.

FCA Rules Prompted Previous Exit and Shaped New Return

In October 2023, the FCA introduced updated rules targeting how crypto firms advertise and market to UK users. These regulations prompted several exchanges, including Bybit, to suspend operations in the country. The authority emphasized investor protection and clarity in financial communications.

Bybit’s return reflects the company’s effort to meet these standards through a compliant structure. The platform is not directly authorised by the FCA but has adapted its operations to fit within the updated legal framework. The company also stated its intent to enhance transparency and maintain compliance throughout its UK offering.

Government plans to establish a comprehensive crypto regulatory framework by 2027 suggest a longer-term shift in the UK’s approach to the sector. This potential shift may allow firms like Bybit to participate more confidently under clearer, uniform regulations.

Bybit Targets Growth in UK Market Through New Partnership

Bybit aims to expand its presence in the UK by introducing products designed for local users. The company plans to continue offering services that align with evolving regulatory expectations. Its partnership with Archax forms the foundation of its renewed market strategy.

With over 80 million global users, Bybit ranks as the second-largest crypto exchange by trading volume. The UK relaunch includes spot trading, with potential for additional services in the future. Bybit stated that it will prioritise transparency, compliance, and responsible innovation as it builds its UK user base. The company’s return may signal renewed confidence among crypto firms exploring entry or reentry into the UK market under current regulatory pathways.