Bybit CEO Ben Zhou recently participated in a fireside chat at Solana’s Breakpoint 2025 conference in Abu Dhabi, where he discussed the future of the cryptocurrency industry and Bybit’s role in it. The conversation, which took place on December 12, was part of a broader discussion on the next phase of cryptocurrency development.
Bybit’s Growth and Priorities
Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has been focusing on obtaining regulatory approvals in key markets. According to Zhou, the past two years have seen a significant shift in the company’s operational priorities, with a strong emphasis on compliance and licensing. “This year the focus for me is really on compliance and getting a license,” he said. Bybit has already secured a license from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and received a license under the European MiCA framework.
Zhou highlighted the importance of adapting to regulations and building trustworthy access points. “The role of the exchange now is how we connect with the local banks and become the go-to point for people who are not yet involved in crypto,” he explained. Bybit has been expanding its presence in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, and is preparing for broader entry into cryptocurrency markets.
Expanding Payment Access in Emerging Markets
Zhou noted that crypto platforms are increasingly being used as primary financial interfaces in underbanked markets. In several markets where Bybit has local regulatory approvals, users often rely on crypto exchanges, similar to banks. “We give them a crypto card that they can use and at the same time they have an earning program and can even buy structured products,” he said. This approach has contributed to the platform’s continued global user growth.
Bybit has seen commendable acceptance in Latin America, the CIS region, and Africa. The company is expanding payment functionality to increase real-world utility and promote the adoption of cryptocurrency. Zhou emphasized that Bybit’s focus on compliance and innovation has enabled the company to build a strong reputation and establish itself as a trusted player in the industry.
Byreal and Decentralized Liquidity
Zhou spoke about Byreal, the decentralized exchange launched by Bybit and built on Solana. He highlighted liquidity as the core strength of the platform, saying, “We want to make sure the DEX has really good liquidity.” Byreal has already seen significant trading activity, with users drawn to its competitive spreads and market depth.
Zhou also discussed Bybit’s broader product strategy, explaining that the company shut down its wallet project after realizing the category lacked user loyalty. Instead, Bybit is focusing on decentralized exchanges, where trading activity is moving from centralized exchanges to platforms like Hyperliquid. Zhou believes that this trend reinforces Byreal’s focus on execution quality and market depth.
Bybit’s seven-year track record reflects its commitment to reliability, strong user growth, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing global market conditions. As the company continues to prioritize compliance and innovation, it is well-positioned to play a leading role in the development of the cryptocurrency industry.
Bybit CEO Ben Zhou and Solana Foundation President Lily Liu speak during their fireside chat at Solana Breakpoint 2025 in Abu Dhabi on December 12.
Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. Neither crypto.news nor the author of this article endorse the products mentioned on this page. Users should conduct their own research before taking any Company-related actions.
For more information, please visit the original article at https://crypto.news/bybit-ceo-highlights-compliance-and-decentralized-innovation-at-solana-breakpoint-2025/
