Founding in 2018
Bybit says it was founded and launched in March 2018. Ben Zhou, also known as Zhou Ben, is a co-founder; the platform’s early identity was closely associated with crypto derivatives.
Its early trading products gave users exposure through contracts rather than only through direct asset purchases. Contract trading differs from spot trading and can involve leverage and liquidation risks.
The 2021 spot launch
In July 2021, Bybit launched spot trading, expanding beyond derivatives. Its own milestone history lists initial pairs including BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT.
Spot trading allows users to exchange assets directly; it does not eliminate price, platform, or custody risk. Available assets and services may differ by region.
A broader product range
Bybit’s milestone account also describes mobile and peer-to-peer products, followed by additional derivatives and other services. Each expansion addressed a different use case rather than changing the risks of crypto markets themselves.
Before using a product or referral offer, check the current exchange terms, local restrictions, and account eligibility.
