Bybit enters Indonesia after NOBI acquisition with 500+ pairs

Bybit has launched a locally operated cryptocurrency platform in Indonesia following its majority acquisition of PT Enkripsi Teknologi Handal, formerly known as NOBI. 

The company said the deal establishes Bybit Indonesia as a local entity operating under the supervision of the Financial Services Authority, or OJK.

The exchange plans to introduce its services in stages, starting with more than 500 trading pairs. According to Bybit’s announcement, the platform will use its global liquidity alongside market surveillance and risk controls designed to meet Indonesian requirements.

The acquisition gives Bybit a locally regulated route into Indonesia rather than operating solely through its global platform. NOBI has been rebranded as Bybit Indonesia, while its existing local management remains involved in running the business and handling regulatory compliance.

Lawrence Samantha, formerly part of NOBI’s senior management, will serve as CEO. Dionisius Evan will continue as chief operating officer, while Steven Gotama will serve as chief marketing officer. 

Samantha said “this acquisition allows us to combine Bybit’s global capabilities with an experienced local team” familiar with Indonesia’s market and regulatory system.

Bybit targets a growing regulated crypto market

Indonesia had 21.07 million crypto consumer accounts as of February 2026, according to official OJK data. The figure rose to 21.37 million in March, while crypto transactions reached IDR22.24 trillion during that month.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s crypto ecosystem has continued to expand under OJK oversight. The regulator had licensed 31 crypto-related entities by March, including two exchanges, two clearing institutions, two custodians and 25 digital financial asset traders. Indonesia also recorded IDR482.23 trillion in crypto transactions during 2025.

In additoin, Bybit is not the only international exchange expanding through a locally compliant structure. BTSE launched its own regulated Indonesian platform in July after rebranding local exchange NVX through a joint venture. The platform supports rupiah services under an OJK license.

The two launches come as authorities increase oversight of companies serving Indonesian crypto users. OJK has expanded licensing and consumer protection requirements since taking responsibility for the sector, creating a market where global exchanges increasingly need local entities and regulatory approval to expand their services.

Bybit continues regulated global expansion

The Indonesia launch also fits Bybit’s wider push into regulated markets. As previously reported by crypto.news, the exchange secured a full Virtual Asset Platform Operator license in the United Arab Emirates in October 2025 after receiving initial approval earlier that year.

Moreover, Bybit outlined plans in January to expand beyond its core cryptocurrency exchange business into a broader financial platform covering banking, custody and cross-border services. The acquisition of NOBI adds another locally operated market to that strategy.

Bybit Indonesia said future products will be introduced gradually and according to OJK requirements. The company also plans to offer local education through Bybit Learn as it transitions existing NOBI users onto the new platform and expands its services in the country.