MiCA's not enough: Bybit CEO says firms need other licenses to turn a profit in Europe
Bybit CEO Ben Zhou warns that MiCA licensing alone won't generate profits in Europe—firms also need MiFID and EMI authorizations to offer derivatives. The world's second-largest crypto exchange expects two years to profitability despite regulatory compliance investments. Market consolidation looms as the MiCA grandfathering period ends June 30, threatening smaller competitors unable to afford multiple licenses and compliance infrastructure.
Coins in this story
Explore how AI Agents is shaping crypto markets — aggregated stories, leading coins, and weekly momentum.
Explore narrativeRelated stories
Coinbase's John D’Agostino says crypto platform stands alone as industry's full-service prime broker
Coinbase claims it's now crypto's only full-service prime broker, offering trading, custody, financing, derivatives, cross-margining, and staking under one roof. The cross-margining feature, launched in March, reduces capital requirements by 10-20%. With $350 billion in custody and dominance in ETF assets, Coinbase mirrors Wall Street's traditional prime brokerage model, positioning itself ahead of fragmented competitors.
Crypto is built for AI agents, not humans, says Alchemy's CEO
Alchemy CEO Nikil Viswanathan argues crypto's architecture suits AI agents better than humans—borderless, always-on systems enable machines to transact globally without friction. Unlike traditional finance designed for human constraints, crypto offers programmability and direct code control that agents need. He envisions a layered future where agents operate crypto infrastructure automatically while humans access simpler interfaces above, fundamentally reshaping global commerce and payments infrastructure.
Trump defends crypto legislation at private event featuring boxer Mike Tyson, Tether CEO
Trump rallied crypto industry leaders at a Mar-a-Lago event, vowing to prevent banks from blocking the Clarity Act, which defines digital asset regulations. The stalled legislation faces banking opposition over stablecoin interest-bearing products. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino and other executives attended. Trump reiterated crypto's mainstream status and leadership position, though his personal ventures in the sector invite scrutiny from Democratic negotiators.