Bybit CEO: MiCA License Alone Insufficient for European Profitability, Firms Need More

Bybit CEO Ben Zhou has indicated that European expansion for crypto firms, even with the new Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, will be a lengthy and costly endeavor. Zhou estimates Bybit is at least two years from breaking even in Europe, highlighting that a MiCA license may not be enough. He stated that companies often require additional, country-specific licenses to offer a full suite of services and achieve profitability. This suggests that while MiCA provides a foundational regulatory framework, it doesn't encompass all financial activities, leading to increased compliance costs and operational complexity. The exchange's strategy prioritizes long-term sustainable growth and regulatory adherence over immediate financial gains, positioning it for future success in the evolving European digital asset market. This underscores the significant investment required for compliant operations in a major regulated jurisdiction.