Bybit Exits France Amid Tightening Cryptocurrency Regulations

• Bybit’s recent decision to exit France underscores their adherence to evolving regulatory requirements.
• French users are instructed to close all positions and withdraw their assets by August 13, 2024.
• Starting August 2, 2024, French accounts will be restricted to “Close-Only” mode, culminating in the liquidation of remaining positions by August 13, 2024.

Bybit exits French market due to new regulatory hurdles. Users must act by August 2024 to manage their holdings effectively.

Bybit Announces Departure from France Following Regulatory Changes

On August 1, Bybit, a major player in the cryptocurrency exchange market, announced that it would be ceasing operations in France. The exit is a direct result of recent regulatory developments implemented by French authorities. This decision emphasizes Bybit’s commitment to complying with local regulations, reflecting the exchange’s proactive stance in an increasingly scrutinized sector.

French Users Must Take Action

French users are advised to wind down their open positions and start withdrawing their assets promptly. Bybit has set a deadline of August 13, 2024, for users to manage their investments. Effective August 2, 2024, user accounts will be shifted to a “Close-Only” mode, preventing any new positions or purchases. Any remaining open positions across various Bybit products will be liquidated by August 13, 2024. This includes Derivative products, Spot products, Trading Bots, and Bybit Card services.

Impact on Bybit’s Services

Beginning August 2, 2024, at 08:00 UTC, French accounts will be restricted to closing existing positions only, and deposits will no longer be accepted. This affects a wide range of Bybit’s offerings including One-Click Buy, P2P trading, and structured products. Furthermore, all card-related services will be suspended post-August 13, 2024.

Broader Implications for the Crypto Industry

Bybit’s withdrawal from France is emblematic of the broader regulatory challenges faced by cryptocurrency firms globally. The French authorities’ tightened licensing requirements represent a move toward the European Union’s comprehensive Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation framework. Bybit’s compliance measures signal the increasing importance for crypto companies to align with regional legal standards to maintain operational legitimacy.

Conclusion

Bybit’s exit from France highlights the mounting regulatory pressures on the cryptocurrency sector. Bybit’s active steps to meet new legal requirements illustrate the importance of regulatory alignment in the crypto industry. French users are advised to manage their holdings before the stipulated deadlines to ensure a seamless transition.