Bybit is adding bank accounts to its crypto platform with eye on U.S. expansion: Bloomberg

Bybit, one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges, is plotting a move into the crypto neobank sector with a new product that lets customers hold and move fiat currencies like U.S. dollars and euros.

The “MyBank” service will go live in February, subject to regulatory approval, and will allow users to send and receive 18 fiat currencies using International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs), Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing the firm’s CEO Ben Zhou.

Crypto neobanks has helped digital asset firms separate themselves from traditional financial platforms (TradFi) with services such as payments. Various crypto neobanks are currently competing for dominance, including Ether.fi, Kast, and Offramp.

Bybit’s MyBank accounts are being offered in partnership with local banks, including Pave Bank, a Georgia-licensed lender. MyBank users will be able to convert fiat to crypto instantly after a deposit, streamlining the process of entering digital assets from the banking system.

It’s a reversal of the model used by fintech companies like Revolut and Robinhood, which added crypto features after building up their banking tools. Bybit has already been building out its payments offering, including earlier this year linking its Bybit Pay service with digital wallets in Peru.

The expansion comes as Bybit eyes broader international growth. CEO Ben Zhou said the company is considering U.S. market entry, but would need a licensed partner to proceed.

Dubai-based Bybit says it has over 81 million users across more than 200 countries and pointed to a U.S. public listing as its long-term goal.

The exchange did not immediately respond to CoinDesk's request for further comment.