Bybit secures MiCA license in Austria, opens EU base in Vienna

Bybit, the second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has received a significant regulatory boost. The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) has granted Bybit EU a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license, officially establishing the exchange as a regulated crypto asset service provider (CASP) within the European Economic Area (EEA). This allows Bybit to legally operate and offer its services across all 29 EEA member states.

This licensing represents a pivotal step in Bybit’s global expansion strategy. The company, registered under commercial number 636180i, has established its European headquarters in Vienna, Austria, providing access to a market of nearly 500 million potential customers. Bybit’s co-founder and CEO, Ben Zhou, emphasized the company’s commitment to compliance, highlighting the active collaboration with regulators worldwide to ensure user access while maintaining the highest regulatory standards.

The MiCA license is a testament to Bybit’s proactive approach to regulatory compliance, particularly crucial given the recent history of the firm. In February 2025, Bybit experienced a massive security breach resulting in the loss of $1.5 billion, the largest cryptocurrency theft on record. Despite this setback, Bybit has actively pursued regulatory approvals, demonstrating a commitment to rebuilding trust and demonstrating its commitment to adhering to international regulatory frameworks.

Bybit’s expansion into Europe includes significant investment in its Viennese operations. Over 100 new employees will be hired to support European operations, offering localized crypto services tailored to the specific demands of EU regulations. Mazurka Zeng, CEO of Bybit Europe, highlighted Vienna’s role as the hub for Bybit’s European operations and emphasized the firm’s contribution to Austria’s evolving financial landscape.

Beyond its commercial activities, Bybit plans to engage with Austrian universities through its Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) initiative, promoting the responsible development and application of blockchain technology. This move underscores Bybit’s commitment to contributing positively to the European technological landscape. The MiCA framework, which came into force in early 2025, is designed to enhance regulatory consistency, prevent illicit activities, and safeguard consumers. Bybit’s licensing under MiCA signifies its alignment with these goals and underscores its long-term commitment to the European market.