Speaking at the “Connecting Web3 Hubs: Hong Kong × Dubai” event hosted by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) on February 9, 2026, Helen Liu, Co-CEO and Partner of Bybit, highlighted the United Arab Emirates’ pivotal role as a global launchpad for the next generation of digital asset innovation.
Participating in the panel discussion titled “Scaling Beyond Asia: How the UAE Enables Global Web3 Expansion,” Helen outlined how the nation’s progressive regulatory framework and strategic vision have been instrumental in Bybit’s international growth over the past three years.
A Shared Vision for the Future Economy Helen emphasized that Bybit’s decision to establish its global headquarters in the UAE was driven by more than just geography. “The UAE provides what every ambitious tech firm looks for—clarity, consistency, and confidence in regulation and innovation,” Helen stated. “We aligned with a government that shares our belief in Web3 not as a niche experiment, but as a fundamental economic catalyst.”
She noted that the country’s “sandbox” approach—where innovation and compliance move hand-in-hand—removes the friction often associated with scaling globally. This environment allows businesses to test new technologies while ensuring consumer protection, creating a model of progressive engagement that Bybit now uses as a framework when expanding into markets across Europe and Latin America.
Regulation as a Competitive Advantage Addressing the topic of compliance, Helen reinforced that obtaining licenses in the UAE has significantly strengthened trust among users, institutional clients, and partners.
“At Bybit, we view regulatory engagement as a competitive advantage, not a compliance obligation,” Helen added. She praised the collaborative, principles-based approach taken by UAE authorities, noting that their willingness to engage in dialogue helps the industry evolve responsibly.
Innovation in Real World Assets (RWA) and Payments During the session, Helen highlighted the UAE’s readiness to lead in three key areas: regulated stablecoins, gaming infrastructure, and the tokenization of Real World Assets (RWA).
She pointed to the development of real payments infrastructure, such as direct AED bank deposits, as a critical step in bridging the gap between traditional finance and the digital economy. Furthermore, she expressed Bybit’s strong interest in deepening collaboration with the DMCC in the RWA space, exploring the tokenization of assets such as silver bars, stock equity, and real estate to improve liquidity and accessibility for investors.
Nurturing the Ecosystem Highlighting the company’s long-standing partnership with DMCC, Helen noted the success of three consecutive years of joint hackathons. These initiatives have been crucial in nurturing local talent and contributing to the broader Web3 ecosystem.
“The UAE has a unique ability to attract global professionals in tech and compliance,” Helen concluded. “It has become the ideal place for Web3 builders to live, work, and scale their impact globally.”
Helen Liu, Co-CEO and Partner of Bybit, at a panel titled “Scaling Beyond Asia: How the UAE Enables Global Web3 Expansion” at an event organized by the DMCC
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