Two major cryptocurrency exchanges, Bybit EU and WhiteBIT EU, have obtained full authorization under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) in Austria, just ahead of the final July 1, 2026 transition deadline. The licenses, granted by the Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA), enable both platforms to offer regulated crypto-asset services across the European Economic Area (EEA), marking a significant step in the industry’s shift toward a harmonized regulatory environment.
Bybit EU’s “Move Your Funds, Get Rewarded” Campaign
Bybit EU GmbH, headquartered in Vienna, announced a limited-time incentive program on June 19, 2026, to attract new users to its MiCAR-licensed platform. The campaign runs until July 31, 2026, and is open to EEA residents (excluding Malta) who have never held a Bybit EU account. It features three tracks: a welcome package with up to €120 in card bonuses and 100% cashback on subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify (capped at €50); a quick VIP upgrade path based on deposit size — starting from $100 in crypto top-ups for a 30-day VIP 1 trial card, scaling up to a 90-day VIP Supreme trial card for $1,000,000; and a 3% annualized cashback on cumulative top-ups above $50,000, paid monthly in USDC over 12 months, with a maximum payout of $30,000.
Bybit EU CEO Mazurka Zeng emphasized that the July 1 deadline represents a critical inflection point, underscoring the importance of operating on a platform with established regulatory authorization. The campaign is part of Bybit’s broader European strategy focused on compliance, local partnerships, and educational initiatives.
WhiteBIT EU’s MiCAR Authorization
On the same day, WB-Shield Innovations GmbH, operating as WhiteBIT EU, also announced its MiCAR authorization from the FMA. This consolidates WhiteBIT’s European operations under a single regulatory framework, allowing the exchange to serve millions of retail and institutional clients with compliant services. WhiteBIT is preparing to launch whitebit.eu, a dedicated platform for the EEA. Founder Volodymyr Nosov stated that the license reinforces the company’s commitment to building a transparent and secure crypto ecosystem in Europe, where WhiteBIT was originally founded.
Both developments highlight the accelerating transition toward regulated crypto platforms in the EU, as unlicensed CASPs wind down operations in line with ESMA guidance. With MiCAR setting a global benchmark, these moves are viewed as positive signals for market maturity and investor protection.
