In a significant development, cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has been officially added to the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) Investor Alert List, a move that raises crucial questions about the regulatory landscape of digital asset trading in the region. This listing serves as a warning to investors who might confuse Bybit with a licensed and regulated entity.
On June 17, 2026, Bybit Fintech Limited and its associated exchange were included on the MAS alert list, although the regulator has yet to provide a specific rationale for this action. The MAS uses this alert list to notify the public of companies and investment opportunities that may falsely appear as authorized or certified by the authority.
As it stands, Bybit is not recognized as a licensed entity by the MAS. In response to the listing, the company acknowledged its inclusion and stated, "Bybit is aware that Bybit Fintech Limited has been included on the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) Investor Alert List and is engaging MAS to better understand the basis for this listing."
Despite being founded by Singaporean entrepreneur Ben Zhou, Bybit does not operate within Singapore's jurisdiction, as the country is categorized on its website as a "Service Restricted Country." This means that users located in Singapore are restricted from accessing Bybit's services. The platform expressed its commitment to maintaining compliance with Singaporean regulations to prevent user access.
Singapore, recognized as a leading global hub for cryptocurrency, has been gaining traction for decentralized finance and institutional digital asset services. The latest findings from Chainalysis’ 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index confirm its top-tier status, even as retail crypto adoption remains comparatively low.
The MAS has taken a stringent stance on regulatory compliance within the cryptocurrency space, demonstrated by its recent revocation of the Major Payment Institution license from crypto liquidity provider Bsquared Technology. This decision was made after the regulator uncovered serious regulatory infractions, including significant weaknesses in risk management and conflicts of interest.
Furthermore, in May, the former CEO of Hodlnaut, Zhu Juntao, faced charges for alleged fraud linked to misleading customers about the crypto lender’s exposure to the infamous 2022 Terra ecosystem collapse. This incident highlights the stringent regulatory environment in Singapore, with authorities taking decisive action against non-compliance.
In the past, other crypto giants, including Binance, have also found themselves on the MAS Investor Alert List, signaling the regulator’s ongoing vigilance in overseeing the crypto market. However, a current search of the list revealed no presence of Binance among the 910 entities cataloged.
The developments concerning Bybit reflect broader challenges faced by crypto exchanges in maintaining regulatory compliance amid a rapidly evolving digital currency landscape. Stakeholders in the industry will be watching closely as Bybit seeks clarity from MAS on the implications of this alert listing.
Source: Cointelegraph
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