Singapore's regulator MAS has added Bybit to its warning list: risks for investors
On June 17, 2026, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) officially added Bybit Fintech Limited and the Bybit platform to its Investor Alert List. This means that the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume does not hold a license from MAS and is not regulated to provide services to Singapore residents.
This step was taken amid growing interest in cryptocurrencies in the Asian financial hub. The main goal is to protect retail investors from the misconception that the platform supposedly fully complies with local regulations.
What is the MAS Investor Alert List?
The Investor Alert List is not a ban or an accusation of fraud, but a tool for public information. It highlights companies that may be mistakenly perceived as holding a license or authorization from MAS. On this list, Bybit joins giants like Binance, which was added back in 2021.
It is important to understand: the list is not exhaustive and is based on information available at the time of publication. In Bybit's case, the exchange's main website is listed.
Bybit's Global Status and Singapore Realities
Bybit, founded by Singaporean Ben Zhou, is among the largest exchanges by daily turnover, measured in billions of dollars. The company is based in Dubai and other jurisdictions, and its user agreement explicitly prohibits servicing clients from Singapore.
Singapore has a strict licensing regime for digital payment token services, enshrined in the Payment Services Act. Without a license, a service is not allowed to offer its services to residents of the country, or regulatory action will follow. Bybit already blocks IP addresses from Singapore, but the MAS warning concerns the ongoing risks of platform accessibility and perception.
Impact on Users and Market Context
For traders in Singapore, everything is clear: MAS recommends checking company licenses in the official register of financial institutions. Choosing foreign exchanges not under MAS control deprives clients of protection in case of disputes, loss of funds, or unfair treatment by services.
Timing played an important role. The decision came shortly after Bybit achieved successes in other markets: for example, in April 2026, following engagement with the regulator, the platform was removed from the warning list in Malaysia. Meanwhile, the crypto industry faced questions from regulators amid events like UK sanctions against HTX. No trading disruptions on Bybit have been reported—the platform operates normally, adding new tokens and publishing proof-of-reserves reports.
What Awaits Bybit and the Crypto Market in Singapore?
The addition of the platform to the list underscores MAS's position: protecting investor interests and upholding standards remain a priority as rules for the crypto industry tighten. In the near future, exchanges may accelerate service localization or strengthen geographic restrictions.
At the time of publication, Bybit has not publicly commented on being added to the list. Experience from other platforms shows that in similar situations, exchanges typically enhance regulatory compliance.
My professional view: Bybit's inclusion on the MAS Investor Alert List is not a catastrophe for the exchange, but rather a signal to the market about the need for strict adherence to local regulations. For investors in Singapore, it is a reminder: choose only licensed services to reduce legal and operational risks in a maturing market. The latest information should be checked at mas.gov.sg.