Bybit expands Middle East presence despite rising geopolitical tensions
Crypto exchange Bybit has announced plans to expand its presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The company confirmed its growth strategy despite increasing geopolitical tensions in the region.
The escalation of the conflict followed strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran and the subsequent retaliatory attacks, Cointelegraph reports.
Despite the risks, Bybit’s leadership said it does not plan to scale back operations in the region. Co-CEO Helen Liu emphasized that the company is instead increasing investments. According to her, the resilience of the United Arab Emirates only reinforces the decision to develop crypto business in the region. Bybit continues to invest in local teams, partnerships, and regulatory compliance.
The exchange appoints a new regional leader
As part of the expansion, the company appointed Derek Dai as the new country manager for the MENA region. He will be responsible for business development, cooperation with regulators, and institutional partnerships. His role also includes the localization of products and services. Bybit expects to accelerate growth in regional markets through new financial solutions.
In particular, the company plans to expand support for the UAE dirham and strengthen ties with banks and payment providers. According to Dai, the Middle East is becoming a key region for the development of the crypto industry. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation with financial centers DIFC and DMCC.
The company strengthens employee safety measures
Amid rising tensions, Bybit has introduced additional security measures for employees in the UAE. The company conducts daily well-being checks and uses a real-time safety confirmation system. Employees are also offered assistance with relocation or temporary travel if necessary.
Management emphasized that protecting the team and maintaining business continuity remain top priorities. At the same time, the company continues to monitor developments in the region. Such measures help maintain stable operations even amid geopolitical uncertainty.
The UAE remains a key crypto hub in the region
In recent years, the United Arab Emirates has become one of the largest global centers of the crypto industry. About 1,800 crypto companies operate in the country, employing more than 8,600 people. The financial free zone ADGM in Abu Dhabi reported a 67% increase in license issuance in early 2025 compared with the previous year.
The government actively supports the development of digital assets and blockchain infrastructure. Bybit plans to participate in this process by developing services for tokenized real-world assets and integrating cryptocurrencies into traditional financial services. The company views the region as one of the key platforms for the future growth of the crypto market.
Recently we wrote that the total cryptocurrency market capitalization is holding near $2.33 trillion, rising about 1.15% over the past 24 hours, while the Fear & Greed Index stands around 20, still reflecting cautious investor sentiment.
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