Bybit has secured a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licence from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for Exchange Services, covering spot trading, the company announced on Oct. 22, 2026. The approval was granted to Bybit Fintech FZE and marks a significant regulatory milestone for the exchange, which established its international headquarters in Dubai in 2022.
Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, said Dubai has made significant progress in building a regulatory environment for virtual assets and that the company is pleased to take this next step. Peter Loo, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, emphasized that a healthy digital asset market needs strong oversight, sound risk management and a commitment to protecting users.
Bybit said it hopes to expand its licensed activities in Dubai to include derivatives, subject to further regulatory approvals, noting that derivatives are a major part of its global trading business. The milestone is part of a broader regulatory push: in October 2026, Zhou highlighted five new licences and regulatory approvals across the European Union, the Cayman Islands, Indonesia, South Africa and El Salvador.
The company said it continues to invest in compliance, security and risk management as it develops products for users across different jurisdictions and intends to support Dubai's growing blockchain and Web3 ecosystem.
