- Bybit says its Dubai entity secured a VARA license covering spot crypto trading.
- Bybit plans to add derivatives in Dubai, subject to further regulatory approval.
- Bybit reports five new licenses and regulatory approvals across markets in 2026.
Bybit said its Dubai entity, Bybit Fintech FZE, has secured a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The authorization covers exchange services for spot crypto trading, while the company’s plans to introduce derivatives in the emirate remain subject to further regulatory approval.
Bybit Plans Derivatives Expansion After Spot Trading License
Peter Loo, Bybit’s chief legal and compliance officer, said the company hopes to expand its licensed activities to include derivatives through the required regulatory process. Derivatives represent a major part of Bybit’s global trading business, Loo said. He also pointed out oversight, risk management and user protection as the company continues working with VARA.
The regulator published a unique system for crypto exchange-traded derivatives in early 2026, outlining conditions licensed providers must meet before offering those products. However, Bybit’s announcement did not include a derivatives launch date or identify the products it would seek to offer through any expansion of its Dubai license.
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Dubai License Adds to Bybit’s Regulatory Approvals
Bybit opened its international headquarters in Dubai in 2022. Co-founder and CEO Ben Zhou said the company would continue building its local business in line with VARA’s standards.
Zhou added, noting that Bybit plans to develop its Dubai operations in line with VARA’s standards while continuing to support the local digital asset community. During his October keynote, Zhou highlighted five new licenses and regulatory approvals across the European Union, Cayman Islands, Indonesia, South Africa and El Salvador in 2026.
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Within Dubai, its activities have included blockchain and Web3 partnerships, industry engagement and initiatives supporting knowledge sharing and collaboration. Bybit said it plans to continue working with local stakeholders as it develops its presence in the emirate.
It linked the Dubai license to its broader efforts to meet local requirements across different markets. The company, which reports more than 80 million users worldwide, said it continues investing in compliance, security and risk management across jurisdictions.
Related: Bybit Opens 24/7 Access to Major FX Markets
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