Bybit elimina los servicios de Japón en medio del endurecimiento regulatorio

Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by daily trading volume, has announced plans to discontinue services for Japanese residents starting in 2026. The exchange will phase out its services for users classified as Japanese residents, implementing gradual restrictions as part of compliance with local regulatory requirements according to reports. The move follows earlier actions, including a ban on new user registrations in the country according to reports.

Bybit users who may have been misclassified as Japanese residents were urged to complete identity verification processes to ensure account accuracy. The exchange emphasized that affected users would receive additional updates on the remediation process in the coming months according to reports. Bybit processes about $4.3 billion in daily trades, according to CoinGecko data.

Japan has long been known for its stringent regulatory environment for cryptocurrency exchanges. Earlier this year, the Financial Services Agency (FSA) asked Apple and Google to suspend downloads of several unregistered exchanges, including Bybit. The FSA's ongoing scrutiny has forced multiple exchanges to limit or withdraw their services in the market according to reports.

Why the Standoff Happened

Bybit's decision to phase out services for Japanese users aligns with a broader trend of regulatory tightening in the country. The FSA has been pushing for stricter compliance measures, including requirements for liability reserves and operational transparency according to reports. In February, the agency suspended app store downloads for five exchanges, including Bybit, MEXC Global, and KuCoin.

The regulatory pressure is part of a larger effort by Japanese authorities to manage risks associated with unregulated digital asset platforms. In July, a crypto industry executive noted that Japan's regulatory environment is pushing innovation out of the country according to reports. Bybit's exit strategy appears to be a pragmatic response to these ongoing challenges.

How Markets Reacted

Bybit's reentry into the UK market and recent regulatory approvals in the United Arab Emirates suggest the exchange is diversifying its operations amid regulatory headwinds. The company secured a Virtual Asset Platform Operator License in the UAE eight months after receiving in-principle approval from local regulators according to reports. In the UK, Bybit is operating under a promotions arrangement with Archax, allowing it to offer spot and peer-to-peer trading without a full UK registration according to reports.

Meanwhile, the broader crypto market faces regulatory uncertainty due to delays in the U.S. Clarity Act, which seeks to provide a clear legal framework for digital assets. CoinShares reported $952 million in crypto fund outflows, with Ethereum and Bitcoin funds seeing the largest withdrawals. The delays are seen as fueling investor caution and reducing appetite for risk assets according to reports.

What This Means for Investors

For Japanese investors, the exit of Bybit and other major exchanges highlights the need to explore regulated platforms. The FSA's actions have effectively narrowed the choices available for local users, emphasizing the importance of compliance in the market according to reports. Investors outside Japan may benefit from the migration of platforms to more flexible regulatory environments, such as the UAE and the UK according to reports.

The regulatory landscape remains a key factor influencing investor sentiment. With the U.S. Clarity Act facing delays, the market continues to grapple with uncertainty. However, the potential for regulatory clarity in 2026 could stabilize investor confidence and drive renewed inflows according to reports. Analysts remain cautious, noting that the broader economic climate-including rising interest rates and AI market dynamics-could also impact crypto valuations according to Coindesk.

Risks to the Outlook

The exit of Bybit and other exchanges from Japan underscores the risks posed by regulatory fragmentation. While Japan's approach is seen as prudent in managing financial risks, it could also deter foreign investment and innovation according to reports. The country's regulatory environment contrasts with more open markets, such as the UAE and the UK, where exchanges are seeking new opportunities according to reports.

For Bybit, the challenge will be balancing its global expansion with compliance across multiple jurisdictions. The exchange's focus on reentry into the UK and expansion in the Middle East demonstrates a strategy to mitigate exposure to high-regulation markets like Japan according to reports.

What Analysts Are Watching

Market watchers are closely monitoring how regulatory shifts in Japan and the U.S. will affect investor behavior. With the U.S. Senate set to markup the Clarity Act in January 2026, clarity on digital asset regulation could reshape the market landscape according to reports. Analysts also highlight the role of macroeconomic factors, including interest rate policies and AI infrastructure spending, in shaping crypto valuations according to Coindesk.

For now, the industry is navigating a period of transition. The regulatory environment is evolving, and exchanges are adapting their strategies accordingly.

Bybit's phased withdrawal from Japan and its expansion elsewhere reflect the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the global crypto market according to reports.