Bybit has become the first cryptocurrency exchange to receive a full Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority, allowing it to operate regulated services across the entire country.
Key Takeaways
- Bybit is the first exchange to receive a full license from the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).
- The license allows Bybit to provide trading, brokerage, custody, and fiat conversion services nationwide.
- This approval gives Bybit a federal advantage over exchanges limited to Dubai’s VARA jurisdiction.
- Bybit plans to expand with a new regional hub in Abu Dhabi and over 500 hires across the UAE.
What Happened?
Bybit announced that it has secured the UAE’s first full Virtual Asset Platform Operator License issued by the Securities and Commodities Authority. This license allows Bybit to legally operate and offer a wide range of crypto services to both institutional and retail customers across all Emirates. The company also shared plans to scale operations with a major hiring push and educational initiatives to support Web3 adoption.
It’s official 🇦🇪
— Ben Zhou (@benbybit) October 9, 2025
Bybit has secured the UAE’s first-ever Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). A historic milestone — and a testament to the UAE’s global leadership in digital asset regulation and innovation!
Grateful for the… https://t.co/OY4DEa6IsB
Federal License Unlocks Nationwide Operations
Bybit’s achievement is more than just another regulatory win. The SCA license gives the company a national scope of operations, distinguishing it from competitors who operate under Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). Exchanges like Binance and OKX currently hold only provisional licenses under VARA, which limits their jurisdiction to Dubai. By contrast, Bybit can now legally offer its full suite of services across the UAE mainland.
The new license permits Bybit to deliver:
- Virtual asset trading
- Brokerage services
- Custody solutions
- Fiat conversion capabilities
This comprehensive coverage is designed to benefit both institutional investors and retail traders seeking regulated access to digital assets.
Support from Abu Dhabi and SCA
Bybit’s road to full licensing began with an In-Principle Approval from the SCA in February 2025, aided by support from the Blockchain Centre in Abu Dhabi. This structured approach reflects the UAE’s growing reputation as a global leader in blockchain regulation.
Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, stated, “Receiving the full license is a testament to our commitment to compliance and transparency.” He praised the UAE’s regulatory clarity and the opportunity to build a safe and secure crypto ecosystem.
Helen Liu, Co-CEO of Bybit, echoed this sentiment, thanking the SCA for a “clear and structured regulatory approach” and highlighting the mutual focus on innovation and compliance.
Bybit’s UAE Expansion Strategy
Alongside its federal license, Bybit announced major investment in its regional presence:
- A new regional operations center in Abu Dhabi.
- Over 500 new hires across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
- Initiatives in education and Web3 innovation, developed with local partners.
This move is aligned with the UAE’s vision to become a hub for blockchain technology and regulated digital finance.
Continued Global Growth
The UAE license follows a series of 2025 regulatory milestones for Bybit:
- In May, Bybit secured MiCAR registration in the European Union.
- In September, the exchange resumed full operations in India after satisfying new compliance rules.
These developments reflect Bybit’s regulatory-first strategy. Instead of entering markets without legal clarity, the company emphasizes obtaining licenses beforehand, appealing to institutional investors and regulators alike.
Despite a volatile market environment, Bybit continues to report strong global trading volumes, driven by its security-first and compliance-oriented model.
CoinLaw’s Takeaway
In my experience, what sets Bybit apart is not just speed but strategy. This isn’t just a win for Bybit. It’s a massive signal that the UAE is serious about becoming a regulated global crypto hub. I found the difference between Dubai’s VARA regime and the federal SCA approval particularly important. It tells us the UAE is building layers of regulation, and Bybit just got a head start on everyone else. If you’re a trader or a business eyeing the Middle East, this is your wake-up call.
