XION Launches First Bybit EU Launchpool Under MiCA Framework

On August 14, 2025, XION made history by becoming the first Launchpool project on the Bybit EU platform, which is newly licensed under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation [1]. This marks a significant step forward in the integration of blockchain innovation with European regulatory compliance. XION, a consumer-oriented, walletless Layer-1 blockchain, now gains access to a potential market of over 450 million users across 29 countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) [1].

Bybit, operating under the Bybit EU banner, launched its regulated crypto platform in Europe under MiCA, showcasing its commitment to expanding within the unified European digital asset market [1]. The exchange secured its MiCA license in Austria in May 2025, and this partnership with XION is part of a broader strategy to establish a strong presence across the EEA [1].

The collaboration goes beyond a standard listing. It reflects a shared vision of democratizing blockchain technology while operating within a strict regulatory environment. Anthony Anzalone, founder of XION, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating it is a “major signal of our deep partnership with Bybit and our shared focus on compliant expansion in European markets” [1].

XION has positioned itself as a pioneer in MiCA compliance, having been the first Layer-1 blockchain to publish a MiCA-compliant whitepaper [1]. This early alignment with European regulations places XION at the forefront of the evolving regulatory landscape. Mazurka Zheng, CEO of Bybit EU, noted that the acquisition of the MiCA license in Austria demonstrates the company's “commitment and major focus in 2025 to deliver compliant and innovative crypto services to European users” [1].

To meet MiCA requirements, several exchanges have started removing Tether (USDT) from their European services [1]. Bybit EU now prioritizes the use of MiCA-compliant stablecoins such as USDQ, EURQ, and EURD, further aligning with regulatory expectations.

XION’s innovative approach includes a "walletless" model, eliminating traditional barriers to Web3 adoption [1]. It is also the first Layer-1 blockchain to integrate USDC across its entire infrastructure stack, enabling broader mainstream adoption. The project has attracted institutional support, including investment from Circle Ventures, and is already being used by over 100 global brands [1].

The Bybit EU platform now offers a full range of regulated services under its CASP (Crypto-Asset Service Provider) license [1]. These services include custody and administration of crypto-assets, exchange of crypto-assets for fiat, inter-crypto-asset exchange, placement services, and crypto-asset transfer services [1]. The MiCA license applies across the entire EEA, except for Malta, providing unprecedented regulatory coverage for an exchange of Bybit’s scale [1].

The collaboration builds on the success of the first XION Launchpool on Bybit Global in December 2024 [1]. The European version has been adapted to comply with MiCA regulations, with a total allocation of 100,000 XION tokens. The distribution includes 50,000 XION for stakers holding XION (60% APR), 30,000 XION for MNT stakers (36% APR), and 20,000 XION for participants using USDC (24% APR) [1]. This model encourages native token holding and allows European users to engage with the project using MiCA-compliant assets [1].

The timing of this launch is strategic. While Bybit is currently adjusting its operations in the EEA to meet MiCA requirements, the partnership with XION demonstrates the crypto industry’s ability to turn regulatory challenges into opportunities for innovation [1].

For XION, the collaboration with Bybit EU strengthens its position as a consumer-focused blockchain by reaching one of the most mature and regulated markets in the world [1]. The endorsement by a major player like Bybit EU adds credibility and legitimacy to XION’s approach, helping to drive mainstream adoption.

For Bybit EU, this inaugural partnership signals its ambitions in the European market. The choice of XION as a pilot project highlights a strategy focused on mainstream adoption rather than speculative activity [1]. This sets a new standard for crypto collaborations in Europe, showing that innovation and regulatory compliance can coexist [1].

Looking ahead, this XION x Bybit EU alliance could serve as a model for other blockchain projects seeking to enter the European market under a strict regulatory framework [1]. Europe is gradually emerging as the global laboratory for crypto regulation, with MiCA as the international benchmark. The success of such collaborations may influence regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions. For European investors, this marks the beginning of a new era where innovation and consumer protection are combined under regulatory oversight [1].

Source: [1] XION Inaugurates the First Bybit EU Launchpool: A Strategic Alliance Under MiCA (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/689dfd4ee2ff502a20f31661/)