- Bybit launches stock trading via USDT, CEO Ben Zhou leads.
- Seamless trading access for crypto and traditional assets.
- Tether (USDT) becomes a major trading medium outside crypto.
Bybit, the world’s second-largest crypto exchange by trading volume, announced the initiation of direct global stock trading facilitated by USDT on May 19, 2025. This launch expands Bybit’s offerings, integrating traditional markets into the crypto ecosystem.
Bybit’s venture into direct stock trading matters significantly, as it merges crypto and traditional investments, influencing investment strategies globally.
Bybit, an industry leader led by CEO Ben Zhou, has introduced a feature allowing users to trade global stocks using Tether (USDT). This pivotal move is part of Bybit’s Gold & Forex (MT5) product suite, unifying traditional and crypto assets. Among the 78 companies accessible are Tesla, Apple, and Meta, marking Bybit’s major step in integrating traditional markets into the crypto industry. Users can trade shares as Contracts for Difference (CFDs) without direct ownership.
The introduction by Bybit could change financial landscapes, reinforcing the role of stablecoins in trading and investment. Traditional markets gain new entrants as the barrier between crypto and fiat minimizes, leading to potential shifts in regulatory frameworks. As this launch involves trading through CFDs, direct markets might not see immediate liquidity changes. However, the trading discount and the ease of using USDT as a trading currency may attract increased users to the platform.
“Users can now tap into traditional markets like stocks, gold, oil, indices, and forex, without fiat onboarding or leaving the crypto ecosystem.” This initiative will “unify crypto, stocks, and traditional assets under one roof,” enabling “seamless trading” across asset classes from a single account. — Ben Zhou, CEO, Bybit
The regulatory scope of Bybit’s offering is still emerging as no official commentary from regulatory agencies has surfaced. This development might set precedents for how exchanges merge crypto with traditional finance. With the historical precedents of past attempts to blend asset markets, Bybit’s initiative stands distinct in its execution, offering a single wallet solution for diversified trading interests. These developments may lead to increased adoption of crypto as a financial tool, potentially shifting investment dynamics globally.
