Bybit Expands European Footprint With Austrian EMI License
Key Takeaways
Austria’s FMA granted Bybit Payments an EMI license to deliver regulated e-money services on Bybit.eu.The move expands Bybit EU’s regulatory footprint, which has held MiCAR crypto approval since May 2025.Bybit Payments GmbH plans to launch 5+ features, including P2P, open banking, and card services on Bybit.eu.
Regulatory Dual Framework
Cryptocurrency platform Bybit announced Aug. 4 that its local subsidiary, Bybit Payments GmbH, has been granted an electronic money institution (EMI) license by Austria’s Financial Market Authority (FMA). The license allows Bybit Payments to provide regulated electronic money and payment services across Europe through the Bybit.eu platform.
The announcement marks a key regulatory step for Bybit in Europe, where digital asset platforms are aligning operations with stricter regional oversight. Under the framework, crypto-asset services on the platform will remain separate under Bybit EU, an entity authorized as a crypto-asset service provider under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) since May 2025.
Bybit’s strategy reflects a broader trend across Europe, where firms are securing specialized dual authorizations to bridge traditional finance and digital assets. Industry data shows that while more than 170 entities have registered as crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) under the MiCA regime, only a small fraction hold full trading platform permissions or combined electronic payment authorizations.
Bybit said maintaining separate corporate entities satisfies local regulatory mandates, with Bybit Payments handling 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 at 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.”
According to the company, the EMI framework provides the foundation for launching 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 securing 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.
