Bybit Eyes U.S. Market Entry as Coinbase Considers Strategic Investment

Highlights:

• Coinbase is reportedly in advanced talks to make a strategic investment in Bybit.
• The deal could help Bybit enter the strictly regulated U.S. crypto market compliantly.
• Bybit recently hosted a major crypto payments event in Georgia with regulators and banks.

Coinbase Global, the largest U.S. crypto exchange, is reportedly in advanced talks to invest in Bybit, a leading offshore platform, according to the report. The potential strategic investment, rather than a full acquisition, could help Bybit establish a compliant presence in the United States. Details regarding financial terms, deal structure, and the potential closing timeline remain undisclosed. Neither Coinbase nor Bybit has confirmed the reported investment talks. 

🚨BREAKING: US largest crypto exchange Coinbase is reportedly discussing an investment partnership with Bybit, the world’s second-largest offshore exchange, Wu Blockchain reports.

The partnership could help Bybit enter the U.S. compliant market, with sources suggesting its… pic.twitter.com/f8Gfgj4eLQ

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) March 14, 2026

Why the U.S. Market Matters for Bybit

The U.S. remains a key target for crypto exchanges, but it is also one of the hardest markets to enter. Companies need to meet strict legal and licensing standards before they can operate there. They also face pressure from both state and federal regulators, especially around products such as staking and listed tokens.

For Bybit, entering the U.S. would be a major milestone. Since its 2018 launch, the platform has grown globally, especially in derivatives and high-volume trading. Yet, it has largely stayed away from direct U.S. operations due to regulatory limits.

Crypto Firms Use Deals to Expand in Regulated Markets

The reported talks between Coinbase and Bybit also match a broader trend in the crypto industry. Large companies are using deals and partnerships to enter regulated markets and grow their reach. Analysts say these moves can raise industry standards, improve compliance, and address regulatory concerns. This trend can be seen in other major deals across the sector.

In March, Intercontinental Exchange, the parent of the New York Stock Exchange, bought a minority stake in OKX at a $25 billion valuation. Earlier, Coinbase agreed to acquire Deribit in a $2.9 billion deal. Together, these moves show that major crypto firms are trying to become larger, more compliant, and more competitive as the industry matures.

Bybit Expands Beyond Trading in Georgia

Bybit’s latest step in Georgia gives a clearer view of its wider growth strategy and shows the company is expanding beyond its core exchange business. On 13 March, Bybit hosted an event in Tbilisi that brought together regulators, banks, payment companies, and crypto industry representatives to discuss the future of crypto payments and the role digital assets could play in everyday finance. The discussions focused on compliant payment systems, cross-border transactions, merchant adoption, and closer coordination between regulators and the crypto sector.

One of the highlights of the event was the launch of the Bybit Card, which enables users to spend their digital assets on their daily expenses and also facilitates Apple Pay for contactless payments. This launch by Bybit reflects their commitment to the practical use of cryptocurrencies by introducing products to the masses. This launch is a step by the company to move into the payments and financial space.

Bybit officially launched its operations in Georgia with an event in Tbilisi, highlighting the country’s growing digital finance ecosystem and introducing the Bybit Card, which enables users to spend digital assets with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a physical card. 🌍

“We are… pic.twitter.com/iwQ49iELWP

— Bybit (@Bybit_Official) March 13, 2026