Bybit EU and MiCAR: What European traders need to know
Bybit Europe (Bybit EU) recently achieved a major milestone by securing a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) license in Austria. This is a landmark development for users across the European Economic Area (EEA). This article will explore what MiCAR entails, detail Bybit EU's journey to obtaining this license and introduce the tangible benefits that it brings to crypto traders and investors in the EEA.
Key Takeaways:
Bybit EU has secured a MiCAR license in Austria, enabling regulated crypto services across 29 EEA countries.
MiCAR provides a unified EU regulatory framework, enhancing consumer protection, transparency and market stability.
Bybit EUβs dedicated platform will benefit its users with tailored services, increased security and a regulated trading environment.
What is the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR)?
The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, or MiCAR, is a comprehensive framework established by the European Union to regulate the crypto asset market. Introduced by the European Commission in 2020 and formally approved in 2023, MiCAR's full implementation started on Dec 30, 2024, with certain provisions for stablecoins having been active since June 2024.
The primary goal of MiCAR is to create a harmonized regulatory environment for crypto assets across all EU member states. It aims to enhance transparency, ensure robust consumer protection, prevent illicit activities such as money laundering and guarantee the stability of the crypto market within the region. MiCAR applies to 29 countries within the EEA. It aims to establish a unified standard for crypto asset service providers (CASPs) and foster a safer, more reliable ecosystem for everyone involved.
Bybit obtains MiCAR license in Austria
In May 2025, Bybit achieved a significant regulatory milestone: Bybit Europe, operating under Bybit EU GmbH, secured a MiCAR license from Austria's Financial Market Authority (FMA). This officially designates Bybit EU as a regulated CASP and grants passporting rights, enabling us to offer regulated products and services to nearly 500 million people across 29 EEA member states.
Bybit chose Austria as its EEA hub because of the countryβs forward-thinking regulatory environment and strong commitment to financial innovation. In addition to obtaining this license, Bybit has established Bybit EU's official European headquarters in Vienna. This new base will be pivotal for our operations throughout the EEA, allowing us to better serve the European crypto community with localized and compliant offerings.
What does this licensure mean for EU crypto users?
This development brings important changes designed to enhance the trading experience for our users in the EEA. Bybit EU GmbH is now the dedicated entity for residents within this region. The EEA includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden (Note, however, that services via Bybit EU will not be available to Maltese residents at this time.)
Effective immediately, new users residing in the EEA can no longer register on the global Bybit platform. Instead, theyβre invited to pre-register on the new Bybit EU website. Starting Jul 1, 2025, the full Bybit EU platform will go live. On this date, existing users from eligible EEA countries will also be able to onboard to the new, fully licensed European platform, ensuring they can continue to access our services within a compliant framework.
Benefits for EU crypto traders and investors
The MiCAR framework β and Bybit EU's compliance with it β brings numerous advantages for our users. MiCAR's stringent standards translate to enhanced security measures, greater operational transparency and significantly improved consumer protection. Its framework is designed to reduce risks associated with fraud and financial crime, providing a safer trading environment.
Bybit EU is focused on delivering a suite of tailored and regulated products and services specifically for the European market. Initially, this will include seamless fiat on-ramp and off-ramp solutions, Spot trading, Spot Margin trading, a range of Bybit Earn products and the Bybit Card for everyday crypto spending. Bybit is also establishing a dedicated EU customer support team to ensure users across the EEA receive timely assistance in various languages. This commitment to regulatory compliance and user-centric service is designed to boost trust and provide a reliable platform for all your crypto activities.
Future of crypto trading in the EU
Bybit EU's MiCAR license is more than just regulatory approval β it's a foundational step toward fostering broader crypto adoption across Europe. This license allows us to tap into a vibrant market of nearly 500 million people, offering them secure and compliant access to the world of digital assets. Bybit is committed to investing in Austria's dynamic fintech and blockchain ecosystem, and to cultivating local talent and driving innovation. Our plans include hiring over 100 professionals in Vienna in order to support our European expansion.
As Ben Zhou, our co-founder and CEO, recently stated, "We are actively collaborating with regulators and pursuing licenses globally to ensure our users can access our innovative platform with the highest levels of regulatory and compliance assurance."
Existing EEA users can switch over to Bybit EU from July 1, 2025. All eligible new users from the EEA can pre-register on the new Bybit EU platform starting today!
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