Bybit Dubai Entity Holds Active VARA Spot Trading License

Bybit Fintech FZE holds an active full virtual asset service provider license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for Exchange Services, allowing it to serve institutional, qualified and retail investors. Bybit announced the authorization on October 22, 2026, describing the licensed service as spot trading. The license does not authorize derivatives trading, which would require further regulatory approval. VARA’s public register identifies the license as reference VL2610003 and records June 20, 2026, as its issue date. That date precedes Bybit’s public announcement by about four months. The register names Exchange Services as the permitted activity, while Bybit’s announcement describes the scope more specifically as spot trading. Neither record indicates authorization for derivatives. Bybit chief legal and compliance officer Peter Loo said the company hopes to expand its licensed activities to include derivatives, subject to approval. The announcement provided no timetable for that expansion. Until any additional authorization is granted, the Dubai license does not permit the company to offer those products locally. The full license marks a different status...