22th June 2026
By Anjali kochhar
Bybit Claims Singapore Users Were Already Blocked Before MAS Alert Listing
Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has responded to its recent inclusion on the Investor Alert List maintained by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), stating that it already restricts access to users in Singapore and is seeking clarification from the regulator regarding the move.
The statement came a day after MAS added Bybit and Bybit Fintech Limited to its Investor Alert List, a public database that identifies entities that may be wrongly perceived as being licensed, authorized, or regulated by Singapore’s financial watchdog. The regulator has not publicly disclosed the specific reason behind the exchange’s inclusion on the list.
In a statement released on June 18, Bybit said it is aware of the listing and has initiated discussions with MAS to better understand the basis for the decision. The exchange emphasised that it has long maintained measures to prevent Singapore residents from accessing its platform. According to the company, these measures include geo-blocking Singapore-based IP addresses and clearly identifying Singapore as a restricted jurisdiction in its terms of service.
“Bybit does not offer services to users in Singapore,” the company said, adding that it remains committed to maintaining an open and constructive relationship with regulators around the world.
What the MAS Investor Alert List Means and Why Bybit’s Inclusion Is Contested
MAS’s Investor Alert List serves as a consumer protection tool, warning investors about entities that are not regulated by the authority or may be mistakenly viewed as licensed financial service providers. However, inclusion on the list does not automatically mean a company has violated Singaporean laws. Instead, it is intended to encourage consumers to verify the regulatory status of firms before engaging with them.
The development has sparked questions within the crypto industry, particularly because Bybit claims it already restricts Singapore users and does not actively provide services in the country. The exchange’s response introduces a new layer to the issue as discussions with MAS continue.
Bybit’s Global Regulatory Context and Ongoing MAS Discussions
Bybit, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume, has faced regulatory scrutiny in several jurisdictions in recent years. The company is headquartered in Dubai and serves millions of users globally. For now, the listing remains active on the MAS website, while both parties continue discussions regarding the exchange’s regulatory status and the reasons behind its inclusion on the alert list.
