Bybit CEO Says Fees and Other Revenue Covered Theft Losses

Bybit co-founder and CEO Ben Zhou said the exchange had generated enough from fees and other operating revenue to cover losses from a prior theft by the end of 2025. He also said Bybit’s profit was down year over year in 2026.

Trading in stocks and other traditional assets remains too small to offset the impact of Bybit’s crypto business, Zhou said.

Zhou said the period of rapid global expansion by trading platforms has passed and expects further industry consolidation. He said licensed regional platforms with the ability to operate locally still have room to grow.

Bybit plans to focus on regional growth and deepen its local operations over the next year, Zhou said. The exchange is waiting for a suitable opportunity in the United States and prefers to work with local institutions that already have retail customers.

Separately, Bybit has outlined a broader financial-services strategy that includes stocks, gold, foreign exchange and payments.