[L&C] Lead Licensing Counsel

Role Overview

Lead Licensing Counsel at Bybit, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange and digital financial platform headquartered and operating worldwide.

Company Overview

Established in 2018, Bybit serves over 80 million users across more than 200 countries and regions. The company delivers a seamless ecosystem across trading, payments, wealth management, custody, institutional services, and Web3. Bybit is recognized as one of the most trusted and transparent platforms in the digital asset industry, powered by world-class technology and a user-first mindset, with 24/7 multilingual customer service and a strong commitment to innovation.

Role Purpose

Lead the end-to-end licensing process for Bybit's global market expansion, managing jurisdictional assessments, regulatory engagement, application preparation, and ongoing post-licensing compliance across multiple countries and regulatory regimes.

Key Responsibilities

Licensing Strategy & Market Entry

• Lead and manage the end-to-end licensing process for new market entries globally, including application preparation, submission, and regulatory engagement.
• Conduct jurisdictional assessments to evaluate licensing requirements, timelines, and strategic feasibility for target markets and to support the expansion requirements of the company.
• Monitor global regulatory developments that may create new licensing obligations or opportunities for the exchange.

Application & Documentation

• Prepare, draft, and coordinate licensing applications, supporting documentation, business plans, and regulatory questionnaires.
• Maintain and manage a global licensing tracker covering application status, renewal deadlines, conditions, and ongoing obligations.

Regulatory & Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise directly with regulators, external counsel, and government authorities across jurisdictions to advance licensing matters.
• Build and maintain relationships with external legal advisors across jurisdictions to support licensing activities.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (Legal, Compliance, Finance, Operations, Product) to gather information and align on licensing requirements.

Compliance & Reporting

• Support post-licensing compliance, including condition monitoring, variation applications, and periodic reporting to regulators (where applicable).
• Prepare internal briefings and status reports on licensing progress for senior leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

• Law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent); admission to practice in at least one jurisdiction is preferred.
• 2–5 years of experience in regulatory law, licensing, or compliance with meaningful exposure to financial services, fintech, or cryptocurrency.
• Demonstrated experience with licence applications or regulatory approvals (e.g., VASP, MPI, EMI, broker-dealer, or equivalent authorisations).
• Understanding of global licensing frameworks for virtual asset service providers and/or financial institutions.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong legal research, drafting, and analytical skills with the ability to distil complex regulatory requirements into actionable advice.
• Excellent project management skills and ability to manage multiple licensing workstreams across jurisdictions simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication in English; additional languages relevant to target jurisdictions are a plus.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work closely with internal teams as well as independently.
• Fast learner, able to hit the ground running; takes ownership of projects and has pride in the work.

Additional Information

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with cryptocurrency or digital asset licensing (VASP registrations, MAS MPI, VARA licences, EU MiCA authorisations, ADGM licences, etc.).
• Familiarity with key licensing regimes in APAC, MENA, Europe, or Latin America.
• Experience working with regulators across multiple jurisdictions concurrently.
• Understanding of AML/CFT requirements as they relate to licensing conditions and ongoing obligations.
• Prior in-house experience at a crypto exchange, fintech, or global financial services firm. Candidates with law firm experience will not be discounted.

Work Environment

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, decentralised, and globally distributed team.

Benefits

• Study Growth Fund supporting professional development and continuous learning.
• Internal events including regular team-building activities, workshops, and events designed to promote collaboration and innovation.
• Global collaboration as part of a diverse, international team working alongside colleagues from around the world.
• Career advancement opportunities within a rapidly expanding global company.
• Internal mobility and long-term development support with internal job opportunities to help build your career path.