Bybit wins Dubai spot trading licence, eyes derivatives approval

Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has announced that its Dubai entity secured a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licence for spot trading from the emirate’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), expanding its locally regulated exchange operations. Summary Bybit has announced a Dubai VARA licence permitting its local entity to provide cryptocurrency spot exchange services. VARA’s public register lists Bybit Fintech FZE as an active licensee authorized to serve three investor categories. CEO Ben Zhou described the approval as another step in Bybit’s commitment to its Dubai headquarters. Bybit plans to seek derivatives approval separately, with its current Dubai licence limited to Exchange Services. The exchange reported five other licences and regulatory approvals across international markets during 2026. According to the company’s October 21 announcement, Bybit Fintech FZE received authorization for Exchange Services, four years after the exchange established its international headquarters in Dubai. JUST IN: Bybit receives regulatory approval to operate in DubaiThe approval marks a new step in the crypto exchange’s expansion in the UAE market. pic.twitter.com/7KLq0dlYbK— cryp...