Bybit: availability and regulation
Bybit is a large cryptocurrency exchange that is available in many markets and holds a Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) licence authorised in Austria for the European Union. It is not available to United States residents. Availability and products vary by country.
Information, not advice. This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify the current rules with a qualified local professional and the official regulator before acting.
Bybit is a cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2018 that is known for spot and derivatives trading, led by chief executive Ben Zhou. As of May 2026 it is available to residents of many countries and serves the European Economic Area under a Markets in Crypto Assets licence authorised by the Financial Market Authority in Austria. It is not available to United States residents. Availability, products, and registrations vary by country, so check what applies where you live.
What Bybit is
Bybit is a cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2018 and operated by the Bybit group of companies. It offers spot trading, a broad set of crypto assets, and a large derivatives business, along with additional products such as earn features and a card programme in some markets. The platform has been led by chief executive Ben Zhou since it was founded.
The platform is custodial, which means Bybit holds the assets in your account on your behalf rather than handing you the private keys. Funding methods, supported assets, and features differ from one country to another, and derivatives in particular are offered only where Bybit holds the right authorisation or are restricted entirely.
Fees are charged on a tiered maker and taker basis, with separate schedules for spot and derivatives. Exact pricing and the product mix change over time, so confirm the current schedule and what is offered to your country on the platform before trading.
Registrations and regulatory position
- European Union. Bybit serves the European Economic Area through Bybit EU GmbH, which holds a Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) authorisation granted by the Financial Market Authority (FMA) in Austria, where the company has based its European headquarters (as of May 2026).
- United States. Bybit does not serve United States residents. The platform lists the United States as an excluded jurisdiction and blocks access from it (as of May 2026).
- Other markets. Bybit holds registrations or approvals in further markets and has pursued additional licences. Registers change, so confirm a specific country with the named regulator (as of May 2026).
- Restricted jurisdictions. Bybit restricts access from a number of countries to comply with sanctions and local law, and the exact list changes. Confirm whether your country is supported on the platform before signing up (as of May 2026).
Each registration is stated as of 21 June 2026. Licences, registrations, and the position under each framework change. Confirm the current status on the regulator register and with the platform before acting.
Where Bybit is available
As of May 2026 Bybit is available to residents of many countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, and it is one of the most widely used platforms in markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Brazil. The exact set of products offered, from spot trading to derivatives, varies by country and by local authorisation.
There are important exceptions. Bybit is not available to United States residents, access is blocked in jurisdictions subject to international sanctions, and some products are limited in particular markets. Because availability and the product mix vary by country, the country pages on this site track the position market by market.
Bybit is available in many countries but it is not available everywhere, including the United States. Availability depends on where you live, so compare the exchanges that are genuinely available in your country before you choose.
Regulator and sources
The relevant regulators differ by market: the Financial Market Authority (FMA) in Austria for the Markets in Crypto Assets authorisation that covers the European Economic Area, and national regulators in the other markets where Bybit operates or is restricted.
- Bybit, public information on its European entity and its licences.
- Financial Market Authority (FMA), Austria, register of authorised crypto asset service providers.
- Bybit terms of service, list of restricted and excluded jurisdictions.
- European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), information on the Markets in Crypto Assets framework.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bybit legal to use?
In many countries Bybit is available and, as of May 2026, it serves the European Economic Area under a Markets in Crypto Assets licence authorised in Austria. Its status differs by country and it is not available to United States residents, so check your local rules before acting.
Is Bybit available in the United States?
No. As of May 2026 Bybit does not serve United States residents and lists the United States as an excluded jurisdiction. Confirm the current position before acting.
Does Bybit hold a MiCA licence?
Yes. As of May 2026 Bybit serves the European Economic Area through Bybit EU GmbH under a Markets in Crypto Assets authorisation granted by the Financial Market Authority in Austria. Confirm the current scope with Bybit and the regulator before acting.
Does Bybit hold my crypto for me?
Yes. Bybit is a custodial platform, so it holds the assets in your account on your behalf. If you prefer to control your own private keys you would need a separate self custody wallet. This is general information, not advice.
Where can I check Bybit registrations directly?
Bybit publishes information about its European entity and its licences, and the Financial Market Authority in Austria keeps a public register of authorised providers. Those primary sources are the most current way to confirm the position before acting.
Rules change frequently. Exchange availability, registrations, and the rules that govern them can change at short notice and vary by region, and derivatives access in particular is restricted in many markets. The position on this page is dated 21 June 2026. Confirm the current status with the named regulator and the platform before you act.
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