Crypto exchanges Bybit and OKX have both launched fully regulated platforms in Europe this week, marking a significant move spurred by the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which recently came into full effect.
Bybit Secures CASP License and Debuts in 29 EEA Nations
Bybit announced the launch of its new platform, Bybit.eu, on Wednesday, confirming its compliance under the MiCA framework. The exchange now operates as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP), licensed in all 29 countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) through its Austria-based entity established in late May.
The platform supports multiple languages—English, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish—with plans to add German, French, Italian, and Romanian in the near future. Bybit also highlighted its advanced trading tools, multi-provider liquidity aggregation, and appeal to both retail and institutional traders across Europe.
OKX Establishes Regulated Presence in France
On the same day, rival exchange OKX revealed the launch of its fully regulated centralised platform in France. The exchange secured its MiCA license and is operating through the EU’s passporting mechanism, which allows licensed entities to function across the entire EEA without seeking individual national approvals.
“France is a key market for us,” said Erald Ghoos, CEO of OKX Europe. “This launch is a major milestone in our European expansion.” The new platform features euro trading pairs, staking products, trading bots, and localised customer service.
MiCA’s Passporting Advantage Drives Momentum
The dual launches underscore the growing appeal of the EU’s harmonised regulatory framework. Since MiCA came into full force on December 30, 2024, it has provided much-needed regulatory clarity and a single licensing regime across EU member states.
This uniformity is now seen as a competitive advantage over jurisdictions like the United Kingdom, where crypto regulation remains fragmented. Industry players increasingly view the EEA as a strategic foothold for long-term expansion.
