Bybit EU Payments Arm Secures Austrian E-Money License

Key Point

Bybit Payments GmbH received an electronic money institution license from Austria’s Financial Market Authority. The authorization provides a legal basis for future payment capabilities. These capabilities may include person-to-person payments, merchant payment solutions, open banking features and card products. The services will be offered through Bybit.eu alongside Bybit EU GmbH, which has been authorized under MiCA since May 2025. Bybit said Malta is excluded, and services are available only where MiCA passporting requirements have been met.

Why it matters: Regulated payment permissions may improve platform payment control if Bybit introduces the planned products.

Market Sentiment

Cautiously Bullish, Regulatory-driven.

Reason: Bybit Payments GmbH secured an Austrian e-money license, which may strengthen regulated service expansion while the payment products remain future capabilities.

Similar Past Cases

Coinbase previously received an e-money license from the Central Bank of Ireland, and Coinbase described the approval as a second European regulatory authorization that supported e-money services. (Coinbase). The difference is that Bybit’s authorization sits beside a separate MiCA-authorized European entity.

Ripple Effect

Payment licensing could move more payment functions inside Bybit’s own regulated structure. If Bybit introduces card or merchant products, then banks and payment providers may have clearer permission boundaries for integration.

Opportunities & Risks

Opportunities: If Bybit publishes launch terms for person-to-person, merchant, open banking, or card products, then this is a potential access signal for users who need regulated euro payment rails.

Risks: If Malta remains excluded or passporting limits expand, then reducing reliance on Bybit.eu for cross-border payment access limits operational risk.