Bybit Secures MiCA License in Austria Amid EU Crypto Regulation Shift

Bybit, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume, has received regulatory approval to operate in Austria under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework. The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) confirmed the license on its official website, marking a significant step for Bybit as it expands its regulatory compliance footprint in Europe.

The MiCA regulation, which came into effect in early 2025, aims to harmonize crypto oversight across the 27 EU member states. As a result, many crypto firms are strategically selecting countries like Austria as their regulatory base to passport services across the bloc. Austria is also the MiCA jurisdiction of choice for Bitpanda, a fellow crypto trading platform that also holds licensing in Germany.

Founded in 2018 by Ben Zhou, Bybit originally operated out of Singapore before relocating its headquarters to Dubai in 2022. The exchange has since grown to become the second-largest crypto exchange globally, according to CoinMarketCap rankings.

Despite its growing presence and compliance efforts, Bybit faced a major setback in February 2025, when it suffered a $1.5 billion hack—considered the largest crypto theft on record. The exchange has not yet issued a statement regarding the Austria license or the aftermath of the security breach.

By securing a MiCA license, Bybit strengthens its foothold in Europe’s rapidly evolving crypto market, aligning itself with the EU’s push for increased investor protection and transparent digital asset regulation. As regulatory clarity continues to shape the industry, Bybit’s move signals growing institutional confidence in Europe as a key crypto hub.