Bybit's Vision 2026: Transforming into the New Financial Platform
Bybit's Vision 2026: The Transformation into a Global Financial Platform
In a significant announcement made on January 31, 2026, Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, proclaimed its ambitious goal of evolving into what it terms "The New Financial Platform". This strategic shift aims not only to expand Bybit’s offerings beyond cryptocurrency trading but also to enhance access to modern banking, investment, and payment infrastructures for underserved populations around the globe.
The Strategy Behind a Noble Mission
At the heart of Bybit’s Vision 2026 is a compelling mission: to empower 1.4 billion unbanked individuals worldwide by lowering the barriers to entry in modern finance. Millions currently lack reliable banking services due to geographical, infrastructural, or overly restrictive financial systems. Bybit aims to dismantle these barriers, ensuring that financial services are accessible to all, regardless of their location.
"Finance should not be limited by geography," stated Bybit’s co-founder and CEO, Ben Zhou. This statement reflects the company's commitment to linking cryptocurrencies with real-world economic activity. Bybit’s goal is to create an efficient and global financial system that transcends traditional boundaries.
Introducing MyBank for Unbounded Retail Banking
A pivotal element of this evolving strategy is MyBank, Bybit’s new retail banking service set to launch in February 2026. MyBank is designed to streamline the high-value on and off-ramp transactions with fiat currencies while facilitating daily cross-border financial transactions, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. The service is tailor-made to address the challenges facing users in emerging markets, such as sluggish transfers, limited access, high fees, and restricted product offerings. By combining cryptocurrency liquidity with banking systems, MyBank allows for faster and more cost-effective capital utilization for both individuals and businesses, striving to provide a banking experience on par with traditional institutions.
ByCustody: Institutional-Level Asset Protection
Financial inclusion hinges on trust, and Bybit has introduced a robust framework called ByCustody to secure assets at an institutional level. Currently managing over $5 billion in assets across more than 30 professional asset managers, this custodial framework ensures the safe segregation of client assets, allowing institutions and private clients to navigate traditional financial guarantees while accessing digital markets. The demand for hybrid financial platforms has surged, as evidenced by the doubling of institutions leveraging Bybit’s infrastructure over the past year.
A Unified Financial Infrastructure
Bybit presently serves over 82 million users in 181 countries and regions, reinforced by connections to nearly 2,000 local banks and over 58 fiat gateways. With a global network of more than 200,000 P2P merchants, it has issued over 2.7 million Bybit cards and facilitates local fiat payments in more than 10 countries via Bybit Pay. Additionally, Bybit Earn manages $7.1 billion in assets, generating $110 million in user returns in 2025, positioning itself as a frontrunner in global trading for Tether Gold (XAUT) with a market share of 16% as of January 29, 2026.
The Power of AI in Financial Solutions
Bybit is also integrating artificial intelligence to streamline operations deeply embedded in its infrastructure, rather than treating it as an additional feature. The implementation of AI has resulted in a 30% boost in engineering productivity and aims to achieve a 50% increase across the software lifecycle in 2026 with the introduction of AI4SE. This expansive AI initiative encompasses sectors such as risk management, compliance monitoring, customer service, and market analysis, ultimately designed to lower operating costs and extend financial services to disadvantaged populations.
Looking Toward a Decentralized Future
According to Zhou, Bybit’s transformation is about imagining the future of traditional finance. It aims to transcend niche cryptocurrency services, creating a comprehensive financial platform where cryptocurrencies play a fundamental role in real-world finance. This evolution not only benefits users in traditional markets but also paves the way for more efficient capital utilization across the board.
In summary, Bybit is positioning itself not merely as a cryptocurrency exchange but as an integral part of a broader financial ecosystem that seeks to innovate and democratize finance globally. With Vision 2026, Bybit invites users to explore a future rooted in decentralization, empowerment, and inclusion.