Rebeca Moen
Jun 18, 2026 17:28
Singapore’s MAS has included Bybit on its Investor Alert List, raising questions about licensing and regulatory compliance.
On June 17, 2026, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) added crypto exchange Bybit and its parent entity, Bybit Fintech Limited, to its Investor Alert List (IAL). The IAL is a public registry designed to warn consumers about entities that may be mistakenly perceived as licensed or regulated by the financial watchdog.
The MAS did not disclose specific reasons for Bybit’s inclusion. However, the regulatory body typically adds entities to the list when there’s evidence of unauthorized solicitation of Singapore investors or misrepresentation of regulatory status. Bybit, despite being founded by Singaporean entrepreneur Ben Zhou, does not operate within the city-state and lists Singapore as a “Service Restricted Country” on its website.
In a statement posted on social media, Bybit acknowledged its addition to the IAL and stated that it is engaging with MAS to better understand the decision. “Bybit has consistently engaged openly and constructively with MAS and has been maintaining measures designed to prevent access by Singapore users,” the company said.
Regulatory Context and MAS’s Oversight
The MAS Investor Alert List is a critical component of Singapore’s regulatory framework, serving as a consumer protection tool under statutes like the Securities and Futures Act. It identifies entities that may operate without proper licensing or approvals and warns consumers about potential risks. As of mid-2026, the list includes over 1,000 entities, reflecting the scale of MAS’s ongoing surveillance efforts.
MAS has taken a proactive stance on crypto sector oversight. In May 2026, the regulator revoked the Major Payment Institution licence of Bsquared Technology after uncovering serious regulatory breaches, including deficiencies in risk management and the submission of false information. This follows MAS’s broader efforts to combat unregulated financial activities and unauthorized investment schemes, emphasizing the importance of verifying firms against official directories before investing.
Singapore’s Position in Crypto Regulation
Singapore is often regarded as a global hub for decentralized finance and digital asset services, ranking highly in the 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index by Chainalysis for institutional adoption. However, its approach to retail crypto activities remains cautious, reflecting concerns over consumer protection and market integrity.
The addition of Bybit to the MAS Investor Alert List underscores Singapore’s strict regulatory stance. It follows similar actions in the past, such as the inclusion of Binance.com on the list in 2021. While Binance has since shifted operations to more crypto-friendly jurisdictions, its case serves as a precedent for how MAS enforces compliance and transparency.
What’s Next?
For Bybit, the immediate focus will likely involve clarifying its position with MAS to address concerns that led to its inclusion on the list. Investors and traders should monitor developments closely, as regulatory actions in key jurisdictions like Singapore can have ripple effects on market sentiment and operational decision-making within the crypto sector.
More broadly, MAS’s actions highlight the importance of compliance for crypto entities aiming to operate in or engage with regulated markets. With the regulator urging consumers to check entities against official directories, Singapore continues to set a high standard for oversight in the evolving crypto space.
Image source: Shutterstock
Credit: Source link
