Austria’s FMA grants Bybit Payments an electronic money license

Bybit has strengthened its European regulatory presence after securing an EMI license in Austria, allowing the crypto exchange’s payments subsidiary to offer regulated electronic money and payment services across its European platform.

The EMI license, granted by Austria’s Financial Market Authority (FMA), was announced on Tuesday and marks another step in Bybit’s effort to combine digital asset services with traditional financial infrastructure while operating under separate regulatory frameworks.

The approval enables Bybit Payments GmbH, the company’s Austrian subsidiary, to deliver regulated payment and e-money services, complementing the crypto-asset offerings already provided by Bybit EU GmbH under its existing Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) authorization. Together, the dual regulatory approvals are expected to expand the company’s financial services ecosystem across Europe.

EMI license expands Bybit’s regulated payment services

The newly approved EMI license authorizes Bybit Payments GmbH to provide regulated electronic money and payment services through the Bybit.eu platform, broadening the company’s offerings beyond cryptocurrency trading.

According to Bybit, the new regulatory structure separates payment operations from crypto-asset services while allowing customers to access both through a single platform.

Bybit EU GmbH will continue operating under its existing MiCA authorization, while Bybit Payments GmbH will independently oversee regulated payment activities under the EMI license.

Georg Harer, Head of Legal and Compliance at Bybit EU and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Bybit EU GmbH, said the approval reflects Europe’s evolving regulatory framework for digital finance.

“The EMI license granted to Bybit Payments GmbH is an important milestone in our long-term commitment to Europe. Together with the MiCAR authorization held by Bybit EU GmbH, it creates complementary regulatory foundations for connecting crypto-assets, payments and everyday financial services through the Bybit.eu platform.” — Georg Harer, Head of Legal and Compliance, Bybit EU, and Co-CEO, Bybit EU GmbH.

Harer added that Europe’s regulatory approach is emerging as a global benchmark for integrating digital assets with mainstream financial services.

EMI license complements Bybit’s MiCA authorization

The Austrian EMI license builds on Bybit’s existing regulatory approvals under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), creating a dual-entity structure designed to comply with separate legal requirements.

Under this model, Bybit Payments GmbH will exclusively manage electronic money and payment services, while Bybit EU GmbH will remain responsible for crypto-related products and services.

Although customers will access both offerings through the Bybit.eu platform, the businesses will operate independently under their respective licenses.

The company said this distinction is intended to ensure compliance with European financial regulations while providing a more integrated customer experience.

The EMI license also positions Bybit to broaden its financial offerings as demand grows for platforms that combine digital assets with regulated payment infrastructure.

Separate regulatory framework remains central

Bybit emphasized that maintaining clear operational boundaries between its licensed entities remains a core part of its European strategy following the EMI license approval.

Bernhard Krick, Managing Director of Bybit Payments GmbH, said regulatory separation is essential even though customers will experience both services through the same platform.

“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.” — Bernhard Krick, Managing Director, Bybit Payments GmbH.

The company believes this framework will allow it to expand payment capabilities without affecting the regulatory obligations attached to its crypto-asset business.

Bybit said the EMI license and MiCA authorization together establish complementary legal foundations that support its long-term European growth strategy while enabling compliance with evolving financial regulations.

EMI license supports Bybit’s long-term European strategy

The latest EMI license represents another milestone in Bybit’s efforts to strengthen its regulatory standing across Europe as policymakers continue implementing clearer rules for digital asset businesses.

Rather than merging payment and crypto operations into a single regulated entity, the company has opted for a structure that keeps both businesses legally distinct while allowing customers to interact with them through the unified Bybit.eu platform.

Industry observers have increasingly viewed Europe’s regulatory framework as one of the most comprehensive for crypto companies seeking to expand into traditional financial services. Bybit’s combination of MiCA authorization and the new EMI license reflects that trend, positioning the exchange to offer regulated electronic money services alongside its crypto products within clearly defined legal boundaries.

As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, the EMI license provides Bybit with additional flexibility to expand payment offerings while maintaining compliance with European financial laws. The approval also signals the company’s broader ambition to bridge digital assets and conventional financial services through regulated infrastructure designed for long-term growth.

Primary source: Bybit announcement; Austria’s Financial Market Authority (FMA).