Bybit will gradually limit access to certain services on its global platform for users in the European Economic Area as the exchange aligns operations with Europe’s MiCA framework.
The exchange said affected users will receive clear notices before any measures start, including timelines for managing existing and new positions.
The notice covers EEA countries including Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Sweden and others. Malta is not included because Bybit EU’s licenses are not currently passported there, and Bybit EU does not actively offer products or services to Malta residents.
Bybit said users will retain access to assets held in their accounts while they address open positions and balances. The company wrote that affected users will keep access “with the purpose of allowing users to remediate these positions and balances.”
The announcement does not say that user assets will be frozen or seized. It says service limits will be phased in and that users should watch official communications for account-specific updates. The exchange also said its support team remains available for questions while the process moves forward.
Bybit EU operates as the group’s regulated European platform through a MiCAR-authorized entity. Austria’s Financial Market Authority granted Bybit EU GmbH crypto-asset service provider authorization in May 2025.
The Austrian license covers custody and administration of crypto-assets, exchange of crypto-assets for funds, exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets, placing of crypto-assets and transfer services. Bybit also said Bybit EU is pursuing additional licensing in Austria to cover a broader product range.
As previously reported by crypto.news, Bybit launched Bybit.eu as a MiCA-compliant platform for EEA users after receiving approval from Austria’s regulator. The report said the Vienna-based entity would passport services across the EEA, except Malta, and provide localized support for European clients.
The timing comes before MiCA’s transition period ends on July 1, 2026. ESMA said unauthorized crypto-asset service providers must wind down in an orderly way while protecting clients’ interests once the transition period ends.
MiCA becomes fully enforceable across the European Union on July 1, 2026. After that date, crypto firms without a MiCA license can no longer legally serve EU users. MiCA creates one rulebook for crypto service providers and allows licensed firms to passport services across member states.
The shift is already changing how exchanges compete in Europe. As reported by crypto.news, Coinbase and OKX have moved to attract European users as Binance prepares to restrict several EU services before the deadline.
Bybit’s update differs from a full market exit because the group already has a regulated European platform. The change instead narrows access to Bybit Global for EEA residents and directs activity toward its authorized European structure.
