Bybit Shuts Down Operations In France Following Regulatory Heat

As a seasoned analyst with over two decades of experience in the financial industry, I’ve witnessed the ebb and flow of regulations and their impact on various markets. The recent decision by Bybit to exit the French market is a stark reminder of the increasing scrutiny that cryptocurrency exchanges are facing from regulators worldwide.


As a seasoned cryptocurrency investor with several years of experience under my belt, I have witnessed the rapid growth and evolution of the crypto market. Recently, Bybit, a platform that I have relied upon for some of my transactions, has announced its decision to cease serving French users starting August 2. This unexpected move caught me off guard, highlighting the increasing strictness of regulatory bodies in this space.

Following increased scrutiny by the Financial Markets Authority (AMF) of France, Bybit has announced significant restrictions on their operations. This is a critical period for both the exchange and its French clients.

Restrictions Pile Up

For French users, there will be numerous stringent limitations enforced. Bybit has announced that all accounts will now function in a “close-only” mode, preventing users from creating new positions or making purchases. In a detailed blog post, Bybit outlined their decision to discontinue several services including One-click buy, P2P transactions, spot trading, and derivative trading. Deposits will no longer be allowed; however, transfers remain legal.

On August 13th, Bybit is set to enforce stricter regulations. This means that any open accounts in spot trading, trading bots, or derivative products will be automatically closed. Furthermore, all card services linked to the platform will be temporarily halted. If French users encounter any issues or have questions about these significant changes, they should submit a help ticket for assistance.

Bybit Shuts Down Operations In France Following Regulatory Heat

Historical Background and Problems with Regulations

It’s worth noting that Bybit isn’t alone in encountering legal issues. For instance, Binance, a significant player in the crypto world, experienced similar problems. In December 2023, its founder, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), relinquished control over Binance France due to pressure from the AMF. These incidents suggest that the French cryptocurrency market is regulated tightly.

Bybit Shuts Down Operations In France Following Regulatory Heat

Despite encountering hurdles with regulatory bodies, Bybit remains a significant player in the international cryptocurrency market. In terms of trading volume as of August 1, Bybit holds the second spot, just behind Binance.

Time To Pack Up

Bybit is saying goodbye to EU markets as MiCA regulations on Crypto Assets come into play. MiCA aims to harmonize rules for all European Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), fostering innovation while making crypto investments more secure and approachable for investors. However, these stringent regulations pose challenges for trading platforms like Bybit.

Previously, the cryptocurrency platform encountered challenges complying with French regulations. One obstacle was the absence of necessary Digital Asset Service Provider licenses, which hindered the exchange’s ability to legally operate within France. Additionally, the government enforced a ban against the platform in 2022.

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2024-08-03 17:11