Bybit Expands European Footprint With Austrian EMI License

Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit announced on August 4 that its local subsidiary, Bybit Payments GmbH, has received an electronic money institution (EMI) license from Austria’s Financial Market Authority (FMA). The license permits Bybit Payments to offer regulated electronic money and payment services across Europe through the Bybit.eu platform.

The move marks a significant regulatory step for Bybit in Europe, where digital asset platforms are aligning with stricter regional oversight. Under the framework, crypto-asset services will remain separate under Bybit EU, which has been authorized as a crypto-asset service provider under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) since May 2025.

Bybit’s strategy reflects a wider trend of firms securing dual authorizations to bridge traditional finance and digital assets. While over 170 entities have registered as crypto-asset service providers under MiCA, only a small fraction hold full trading platform permissions or combined electronic payment authorizations.

Bybit stated that maintaining separate corporate entities satisfies local regulatory mandates: Bybit Payments handles fiat and e-money operations, while Bybit EU GmbH manages digital assets.

“Europe is setting the global benchmark for how digital assets and financial services can evolve together under clear regulation,” said Georg Harer, managing director of both Bybit EU GmbH and Bybit Payments GmbH. “The EMI licence granted to Bybit Payments GmbH is an important milestone in our long-term commitment to Europe.”

The EMI framework will support the launch of future payment features, including peer-to-peer transfers, open-banking functionality, merchant solutions, card programs, and strong customer authentication tools.

“Maintaining a clear distinction between the two regulated entities is fundamental,” said Bernhard Krick, managing director at Bybit Payments GmbH. “Each entity will provide services within its own permissions, while customers will be able to access those services through the Bybit.eu platform.”

Company officials added that the EMI license will help Bybit Payments establish direct partnerships with European financial institutions and payment processors, gradually reducing its dependence on third-party payment providers.

Source: https://news.bitcoin.com/exchanges/bybit-expands-european-footprint-with-austrian-emi-license/