In a candid and revealing interview during Bybit’s exclusive sponsorship of the global Crypto Content Creator Campus (CCCC), CEO Ben Zhou laid out a clear vision for the exchange’s future — one rooted in compliance, strategic focus, and a reimagined relationship with the Web3 ecosystem.
With over 70 million registered users and a rising share in both spot and derivatives markets, Bybit has cemented its position among the world’s top crypto exchanges. But beyond the numbers, Zhou’s leadership philosophy and long-term strategy are shaping a distinctive path in an increasingly competitive landscape.
The Rise of the KOL Economy: From Promotion to Partnership
Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) have become pivotal forces in shaping user behavior and market sentiment across the crypto space — especially in regions like the Chinese-speaking world, where access to English-dominated content platforms can be limited.
Ben Zhou emphasized that in such markets, KOLs aren’t just influencers — they’re primary sources of trusted information. “Users often rely solely on KOLs for guidance,” he noted. “If a KOL recommends an exchange, their audience follows.”
Rather than treating KOLs as mere marketing channels, Bybit has chosen a deeper approach: empowerment. Through initiatives like CCCC, the exchange fosters a collaborative environment where creators learn, connect, and grow together.
👉 Discover how top creators are reshaping crypto education and driving real adoption.
Zhou criticized the industry norm of treating KOLs to luxury events without offering real value. “Eating and drinking is superficial,” he said. “What creators truly need is growth — knowledge, peer support, and creative collaboration.”
CCCC functions like a campus, offering workshops, team challenges, and expert sessions. This model transforms transient relationships into lasting partnerships, building a loyal community around high-quality content creation.
This shift — from transactional engagement to long-term co-development — not only strengthens Bybit’s outreach but also cultivates a self-sustaining content ecosystem. It’s a strategic moat, particularly effective in markets where trust flows through personal networks.
Strategic Refocus: Why Bybit Is Streamlining Its Web3 Offerings
While many exchanges race to expand their Web3 footprints — launching wallets, NFT marketplaces, and DeFi integrations — Bybit has taken a counterintuitive step back.
“We’ve decided to keep only the seed phrase wallet,” Zhou revealed. “Other Web3 services may no longer be part of our roadmap.”
This bold move reflects a fundamental belief: wallets are not the core value driver in Web3. Despite their role as gateways, user loyalty to wallets remains low. “Switching wallets is easy,” Zhou explained. “People use one for an airdrop, another for a dApp — but their loyalty lies with the application, not the wallet.”
Bybit’s decision to sunset services like Cloud Wallet, Keyless Wallet, NFT Marketplace, and DEX Pro signals a strategic pivot. Resources are now concentrated on what truly matters: true self-custody and user-preferred core products.
The message is clear — instead of spreading thin across every Web3 trend, Bybit is doubling down on what delivers lasting value. This focus may hint at future innovations in underlying infrastructure, such as advanced custody solutions or hybrid trading protocols that bridge centralized efficiency with decentralized principles.
CEX vs. DEX: Bridging the Divide with Real-World Risk Management
The debate between centralized (CEX) and decentralized exchanges (DEX) often centers on ideology — decentralization versus convenience. But Zhou brings a pragmatic perspective grounded in risk.
Commenting on recent incidents involving derivative DEX platforms like Hyperliquid — where excessive leverage led to protocol-level losses — Zhou argued that pure decentralization may not be sustainable for complex financial products.
“I don’t think these platforms are truly decentralized in practice,” he said. “To manage risk effectively, they’ll eventually need centralized mechanisms — dynamic leverage adjustments, surveillance systems, liquidation controls.”
CEXs, with years of experience managing high-stakes trading environments, possess sophisticated risk models that most DEXs lack. Rather than seeing DEXs as competitors, Zhou envisions a future of convergence — where CEXs provide backend risk management tools as services to decentralized protocols.
Imagine a world where a DEX leverages a CEX’s clearing engine or uses its real-time risk assessment APIs. This hybrid model could unlock safer, more scalable DeFi derivatives — blending the best of both worlds.
👉 Explore how next-gen trading platforms are merging security with innovation.
Post-Hack Reflections: Strengthening Security and Leadership
In early 2025, Bybit faced a major security incident that tested its resilience. Though not directly responsible for the breach, the event prompted a deep organizational review.
Zhou admitted that while innovation can be delegated, security cannot. “I’ve gotten much more involved personally in our security architecture,” he shared. “We’ve strengthened wallet protections, revamped internal protocols, and brought in third-party auditors.”
The experience reshaped his leadership style — not toward micromanagement, but toward clearer direction-setting and accountability in critical areas. “My job is to define what we do and don’t do,” he said. “And when it comes to security, I must stay close.”
He also highlighted the crypto industry’s unique advantage: speed of iteration. Mistakes can be corrected quickly if teams act decisively. “As long as the direction is right and execution is strong, recovery is possible.”
Global Expansion: Europe First, U.S. Under Watch
Bybit’s international growth strategy is defined by one principle: compliance first.
“Our primary focus is Europe,” Zhou stated plainly. The exchange is actively pursuing MiCAR (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) authorization through its Austrian entity — aiming to become one of the first fully compliant platforms in the EU.
Europe represents both regulatory clarity and massive market potential. For Zhou, MiCAR compliance isn’t just a legal hurdle — it’s a gateway to unified access across 27 countries.
In contrast, Bybit remains cautious about entering the U.S. market. “We’re watching closely,” Zhou said, noting that shifting political dynamics — particularly under pro-crypto administrations — could open new opportunities.
Currently, Bybit does not serve U.S. customers. But the door isn’t closed — just guarded by strict regulatory scrutiny.
On localization, Zhou believes core product experience should remain consistent globally. “Users everywhere want fast, smooth trading.” The real differences lie in local payment rails — bank transfers, local fintech integrations, fiat on/off ramps — which require tailored solutions.
Taiwan’s Potential: A Market Worth Watching
Zhou expressed strong optimism about Taiwan’s crypto landscape. “It’s always been a promising market,” he said, praising early legislative efforts to regulate digital assets.
He acknowledged existing local players and noted innovative developments like crypto-reward credit cards and banking partnerships for fiat access. Bybit is now seeking local registration to operate legally within Taiwan’s framework.
Regulation there focuses heavily on anti-fraud and AML/KYC compliance — reflecting societal concerns over scams and money laundering. While cautious, Zhou hopes for greater dialogue between regulators and industry to foster innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Bybit planning to re-enter the U.S. market?
A: Not currently. Bybit is monitoring U.S. regulatory developments but does not serve American users at this time.
Q: Why did Bybit discontinue its NFT marketplace and other Web3 services?
A: To concentrate resources on core offerings that deliver the most user value, particularly true self-custody solutions and flagship trading products.
Q: What makes CCCC different from other influencer events?
A: Unlike typical promotional gatherings, CCCC emphasizes skill-building, peer collaboration, and long-term creator development — turning influencers into educators and community builders.
Q: How has Bybit improved its security since the 2025 incident?
A: Through enhanced internal protocols, third-party audits, stronger wallet safeguards, and increased executive oversight in risk-critical areas.
Q: Will Bybit launch new products under its streamlined Web3 strategy?
A: While specifics haven’t been announced, expect innovations focused on secure infrastructure, self-custody tools, and hybrid financial models that merge CEX reliability with DeFi flexibility.
Q: Does Bybit support decentralized identity or privacy features?
A: While committed to KYC compliance on its CEX platform, Bybit continues exploring privacy-preserving technologies within regulated boundaries.
👉 See how leading platforms are balancing innovation with compliance in 2025.
Final Thoughts: A Vision Beyond Hype
Ben Zhou’s leadership reveals a company unafraid to challenge conventions. From redefining creator relationships to streamlining Web3 ambitions and prioritizing compliance over shortcuts, Bybit is charting a deliberate course.
Its strength lies not in chasing every trend, but in knowing which battles matter — security, sustainability, and genuine user value. As the line between CEX and DEX blurs, Bybit aims to lead not just through scale, but through thoughtful integration and responsible innovation.
In an era of volatility and speculation, that kind of clarity might be the rarest asset of all.