Bybit Payments GmbH has been granted an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence by Austria's Financial Market Authority (FMA), enabling regulated e-money and payment services on the Bybit.eu platform alongside existing crypto-asset offerings.

VIENNA, Aug. 4, 2026 — Bybit.eu announced that Bybit Payments GmbH has received an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence from Austria's Financial Market Authority (FMA). The newly licensed entity will deliver regulated e-money and payment services through the Bybit.eu platform.

Crypto-asset services on the same platform are operated separately by Bybit EU GmbH, an Austrian crypto-asset service provider that has been authorised under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) since May 2025. MiCAR, which became fully applicable across the European Union in December 2024, established the first comprehensive harmonised framework for crypto-asset service providers in the bloc, replacing a patchwork of national regimes with a single authorisation that can be passported throughout the European Economic Area.

Dual-Entity Regulatory Framework

The two Austrian entities maintain distinct regulatory permissions and responsibilities to comply with applicable requirements. Bybit EU GmbH holds MiCAR authorisation for crypto-asset services, while Bybit Payments GmbH holds the EMI licence for electronic money and payment services. Both services will be accessible through the Bybit.eu platform to deliver a more integrated experience for European customers.

The separation reflects a broader compliance architecture adopted by several crypto-asset firms operating in the EEA, where regulation distinguishes between crypto-asset services covered by MiCAR and traditional payment or e-money services covered by the second Electronic Money Directive. Austria, as an EU member state with an established FMA licensing process, has attracted multiple digital-asset firms seeking MiCAR authorisation and related financial licences within the single market.

"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 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. Together with the MiCAR authorisation held by Bybit EU GmbH, it creates complementary regulatory foundations for connecting crypto-assets, payments and everyday financial services through the Bybit.eu platform."

Planned Payment Capabilities

The EMI licence provides Bybit Payments GmbH with the regulatory foundation for a range of future payment capabilities. These may include person-to-person payments, e-money services, Strong Customer Authentication, open-banking functionality, merchant payment solutions, and future card initiatives, as such services are introduced in accordance with applicable requirements.

"This licence enables Bybit Payments GmbH to build regulated payment capabilities that complement the crypto-asset services offered by Bybit EU GmbH," said Bernhard Krick, Managing Director at Bybit Payments GmbH. "Maintaining a clear distinction between the two regulated entities is fundamental. Each entity will provide services within its own permissions, while customers will be able to access those services through the Bybit.eu platform."

The EMI licence is also expected to support Bybit Payments GmbH in developing strategic relationships with financial institutions, payment providers, and enterprise partners, while reducing reliance on third-party payment infrastructure over time.

Further details, including concrete product launch dates and Europe-wide rollout information, will be announced in the near future.

About Bybit EU

Bybit.eu is the European platform through which services are made available by separately regulated Bybit entities.

Bybit EU GmbH is an Austrian crypto-asset service provider authorised under MiCAR. It provides crypto-asset services to customers across the European Economic Area, except Malta, through the Bybit.eu platform. Bybit EU GmbH is authorised to provide:

• Custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients
• Exchange of crypto-assets for funds
• Exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets
• Placing of crypto-assets
• Transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients

Bybit EU GmbH does not operate a trading platform for crypto-assets and does not provide investment advice.

Bybit Payments GmbH is an Austrian electronic money institution authorised by the FMA. It will provide regulated e-money and payment services through the Bybit.eu platform as those services are introduced.

The services of both Bybit EU GmbH and Bybit Payments GmbH are subject to their respective regulatory permissions, applicable terms and conditions, and availability in the relevant jurisdiction.

Media Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.bybit.eu

Disclaimer: This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or an offer to buy or sell digital assets. The products and services mentioned herein are subject to applicable laws and regulations in the relevant jurisdictions and may not be available in certain regions.