Bybit signals institutional push after UAE VAPO licence
Bybit CEO Ben Zhou has outlined how a full UAE VAPO licence positions the crypto exchange for institutional markets.
Bybit co‑founder and CEO Ben Zhou has set out the crypto exchange’s strategic move into a fully regulated institutional era.
The company, in a statement following a speech at an event in Dubai, highlighted that its newly secured full UAE Virtual Asset Platform Operator (VAPO) licence places it under one of the world’s most robust regulatory regimes, and enables a complete institutional product stack from a supervised UAE hub.
“Bybit’s growth this year reflects a market seeking reliability,” Zhou stated, and the release cites asset inflows rising from $1.3 billion in Q3 to $2.88 billion in Q4 and wealth management AUM increasing from $40 million to $200 million.
Zhou also noted Bybit’s retail ecosystem now spans card, Pay, and fiat integration across 13 regions, supporting deep liquidity pools for institutional desks.
The Bybit boss, meanwhile, added: “The UAE’s VAPO license gives institutions what they have been waiting for — a regulatory environment where innovation is supported by rigorous oversight.”
A remarkable night in Abu Dhabi, institutions, policymakers, and industry leaders coming together to advance a secure, institution-ready digital asset landscape.
— Bybit (@Bybit_Official) December 9, 2025
Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the conversation ✨ pic.twitter.com/lELlRA6CvX
He also said: “In the next five years, TradFi and crypto will not be two separate worlds,” outlining a view of a unified, interoperable capital market.
Bybit highlighted that it is positioning itself for rapid institutional adoption in 2026, citing an expanded regulatory footprint, deepening partnerships, and scaling liquidity as foundation stones.
The recap
- Ben Zhou presented Bybit’s strategy at the 'BIG Series' gala.
- Asset inflows rose from $1.3 billion to $2.88 billion.
- Bybit plans for rapid institutional adoption globally in 2026.
