Lead Licensing Counsel

About Bybit

Bybit, established in 2018, has grown into a leading digital financial platform and cryptocurrency exchange serving over 80 million users globally in more than 200 countries. The company emphasizes cutting-edge technology and user-first experiences to provide a comprehensive ecosystem spanning trading, payments, wealth management, custody, institutional services, and Web3, aiming to connect users with the future of digital finance. Bybit values continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation, supported by a global team and 24/7 multilingual customer service, and is known for its transparency and trustworthiness in the digital assets industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct the full lifecycle of licensing processes for new geographic market expansions, including document preparation, submission, and management of regulatory interactions.
• Perform jurisdictional analyses to assess licensing demands, timelines, and strategic feasibility for targeted expansion efforts.
• Prepare, draft, and coordinate detailed licensing applications, business plans, regulatory questionnaires, and supplemental documentation.
• Engage directly with regulatory bodies, external attorneys, and government agencies across multiple regions to facilitate licensing progress.
• Keep track of global regulatory changes that could affect licensing requirements or open new opportunities.
• Maintain and update a comprehensive global licensing tracker noting application statuses, renewal dates, compliance conditions, and ongoing obligations.
• Collaborate closely with internal departments such as Legal, Compliance, Finance, Operations, and Product to consolidate information and ensure alignment on licensing matters.
• Assist with compliance activities following license approval, including monitoring conditions, managing variation applications, and submitting periodic regulator reports.
• Provide internal briefings and progress reports on licensing to senior leadership.
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with external legal partners across various jurisdictions to support licensing initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Possess a law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent); admission to practice law in at least one jurisdiction is preferred.
• Have 2-5 years of experience in regulatory law, licensing, or compliance, ideally with exposure to financial services, fintech, or cryptocurrency sectors.
• Demonstrated involvement with license applications or regulatory approvals including VASP, MPI, EMI, broker-dealer, or related authorizations.
• Comprehensive understanding of global licensing frameworks for virtual asset service providers and/or financial institutions.
• Strong aptitude in legal research, drafting, and analysis, capable of interpreting complex regulatory frameworks into practical advice.
• Excellent project management skills, able to juggle multiple licensing projects concurrently across various jurisdictions.
• Proficient in written and verbal English communication; proficiency in other languages relevant to target markets is a plus.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, decentralized, international team setup.
• Collaborative and independent work capabilities with a proactive ownership mindset and thoroughness in task execution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior direct experience in obtaining cryptocurrency or digital asset licenses (such as VASP registrations, MAS MPI, VARA licenses, EU MiCA authorizations, ADGM licenses) is preferred but not mandatory.
• Knowledge of licensing regimes spanning APAC, MENA, Europe, or Latin America.
• Experience interfacing with regulators across multiple regions simultaneously.
• Familiarity with AML/CFT regulatory requirements related to licensing conditions and continuing compliance obligations.
• Previous in-house legal experience at crypto exchanges, fintech firms, or global financial services companies is advantageous, though candidates with law firm experience are equally considered.

Benefits

• Support for professional development and learning through a Study Growth Fund.
• Engagement in regular internal events focused on team building and innovation.
• Opportunity to collaborate with a diverse, global workforce.
• Access to career growth and advancement opportunities within an expanding worldwide company.
• Possibility for internal mobility to foster long-term career progression.