Bybit's CEO Ben Zhou Strengthens Digital Asset Ties with Georgia's Leadership

Strengthening Bonds: Bybit's CEO Ben Zhou Meets with Georgian Prime Minister

Bybit, recognized as the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has taken a significant step in consolidating its presence in the Georgian market. Ben Zhou, the Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, recently had a pivotal meeting with Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister of Georgia, in Tbilisi. This meeting underscored both parties' dedication to enhancing Georgia's burgeoning digital asset ecosystem and the essential role of responsible innovation within the country’s financial technology sector.

A Strategic Collaboration

The primary objective of the meeting was to reinforce the partnership between Bybit and the Georgian government. Throughout the discussions, various topics were tabled, including regulatory collaboration, fintech innovation, and the potential to further develop Georgia's growing digital economy. Zhou was joined by key government officials, including Mariam Kvrivishvili, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, and Levan Zhorzholiani, the Head of Government Administration. Their presence demonstrates the significance placed on integrating technology with financial services in the region.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze expressed a warm welcome to the presence of leading international fintech companies such as Bybit within Georgia, highlighting that the growing interest from global technology and financial platforms signifies a favorable investment climate, as well as expanding opportunities for digital innovation. The discussion also acknowledged Georgia's impressive economic momentum, showcasing an average economic growth rate of 9.3% from 2021 to 2025.

Commitment to Compliance and Growth

Since entering the Georgian market, Bybit has adopted a compliance-first strategy, focusing on building a robust local presence through collaboration with regulators and prioritizing trusted financial infrastructure. "Georgia is becoming a model for how crypto companies can embed themselves into a country's financial fabric," Zhou remarked. Bybit has made significant strides, from obtaining its Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license to localizing its services to better serve Georgian users.

1. VASP License (Q4 2024): Bybit became the first global exchange to acquire a Virtual Asset Service Provider license in Georgia, establishing a regulatory framework for its operations.
2. Localized Platform (July 2025): The launch of bybitgeorgia.ge allowed Georgian users seamless access to global digital asset services in their native language, enhancing user experience and engagement.
3. PSP License (Q4 2025): Bybit secured a Payment Service Provider license, enabling it to build local fiat payment systems and solidify its position as a fundamental player in Georgia's payment infrastructure.
4. The Bybit Card - Largest Crypto Card in Georgia (January 2026): Launching the Bybit Card established Bybit as the leading crypto card issuer in the country, allowing users to bridge digital assets with everyday spending effectively.
5. Banking Collaboration: Bybit is currently collaborating with a prominent Georgian bank to offer integrated crypto trading services. This pioneering model aims to provide traditional banking customers direct access to digital asset services.

Beyond infrastructural achievements, Bybit is committed to actively supporting the modernization of payments in Georgia. The company emphasizes close collaboration with regulators, banking partners, and industry stakeholders to enhance financial inclusion, improve digital literacy, and foster innovation throughout the country. Zhou firmly stated, "Regulatory clarity and constructive dialogue with policymakers are the foundation. The true measure of success is whether we’re making financial services more accessible, affordable, and connected for everyday Georgians. That’s what we’re building toward."

With a commitment to fostering a substantive relationship with Georgia, Bybit is positioning itself not just as a player in the cryptocurrency market but as a key contributor to the evolution of the country's financial landscape.

About Bybit

Founded in 2018, Bybit has quickly risen to become one of the foremost cryptocurrency exchanges globally, serving a community of over 80 million users. Emphasizing openness and equal opportunity within the decentralized finance sector, Bybit is reshaping how individuals interact with digital assets and finance. With a focus on Web3, Bybit collaborates with leading blockchain protocols to drive innovation. It’s renowned for its secure custody solutions, user-friendly platforms, and comprehensive support for developers and users alike, striving to bridge the divide between traditional finance and the burgeoning realm of decentralized finance. Explore the horizon of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.