Bybit to Restrict Japan Services From 2026 Amid Regulatory Pressure
Bybit, the world's second-largest crypto exchange, will restrict services for Japanese residents from 2026 to comply with the country's tough financial regulations, a move that contrasts with its recent re-entry into the U.K.
, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, announced it will begin restricting access to its services for Japanese residents starting in . The move is part of an effort to comply with the country’s stringent financial regulations.
While the company didn't specify which services would be affected, it stated that impacted users will receive further communication as the rollout proceeds.
Navigating Japan's Strict Crypto Framework
Japan maintains some of the most rigorous crypto regulations globally. Exchanges operating in the country are required to register with the and adhere to strict rules concerning customer protection, asset segregation, and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols.
Platforms that fail to meet these standards are typically forced to exit the market. According to the source, Japan’s regulator is also planning to require local exchanges to maintain liability reserves to shield users from hacks and operational failures, further raising the compliance bar.
A Tale of Two Markets: Exiting Japan, Re-entering UK
The timing of the announcement is notable, coming just days after confirmed its return to the U.K. market. The exchange had previously exited the country due to the implementation of stricter rules on crypto marketing and promotions. This contrast highlights a broader strategic pivot among global exchanges, which are selectively engaging with markets based on the evolving regulatory landscape.
Bybit's divergent strategies in Japan and the U.K. signal a maturing crypto industry. The era of borderless, unregulated growth is over. Now, exchanges must perform a cost-benefit analysis on a per-market basis, choosing to invest in high-compliance jurisdictions with clear rules while pulling back from those with prohibitive operational costs. For investors, this means an exchange's regulatory strategy is becoming as critical as its technology.
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