Bybit’s EU payments arm secures Austrian e-money license

Bybit has added a second regulated entity in Austria: Bybit Payments GmbH now holds an electronic money institution license from Austria’s Financial Market Authority. For a crypto exchange trying to reduce its dependence on third-party payment rails, that is the kind of permission set that actually changes operations.

1. According to Bybit, the new license gives Bybit Payments GmbH a legal basis to roll out payment and e-money services in the region. The list on paper includes person-to-person payments, merchant payment solutions, open banking features and card products.
2. The payment services will be offered through Bybit.eu alongside services from Bybit EU GmbH, which is a separate Austrian entity authorized under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation since May 2025.
3. Bybit.eu serves users across the European Economic Area (EEA), with Malta excluded. Bybit did not explain why Malta is excluded, but said on its website that services are available only in jurisdictions where applicable MiCA passporting requirements have been met.
4. Bybit said the two Austrian entities will keep distinct regulatory permissions and responsibilities: Bybit EU GmbH is authorized for crypto custody, exchange, placement and transfer services, while Bybit Payments GmbH will handle regulated electronic money and payment products as they are introduced.
5. The exchange said the new approval could strengthen its relationships with banks, payment providers and enterprises, while reducing reliance on third-party payment infrastructure. For high-risk merchants, that usually means one thing: a more durable payments stack, if the rollout actually lands as described.