Bybit’s CEO Ben Zhou on the Future of Crypto Payments: Insights from Fintech Abu Dhabi 2025
Dubai, UAE, December 17th, 2025 — In a rapidly evolving world of finance, the role of cryptocurrency is increasingly prominent, as evidenced by Ben Zhou, CEO and Co-founder of Bybit, which is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. Zhou took center stage at the recent Fintech Abu Dhabi event, part of Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025. This session, titled “Invisible Payments, Visible Growth: Under the Hood of Today’s Power Plays,” gathered industry leaders to dissect the changing dynamics of global payments.
Redefining the Financial Landscape
In the panel discussion moderated by Lenah Hassaballah, editor at CNN Business Arabic, Zhou was joined by distinguished figures such as Hosam Arab, CEO of Tabby, and Mark Rydquist, managing director at Google. The overarching theme of the panel revolved around “Engineering the Capital Network,” a poignant reflection of how financial systems are being transformed to embrace innovation, artificial intelligence, and global capital flows. The UAE, along with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, is positioning itself as a burgeoning hub for finance and investment, further igniting discussions around the future of financial infrastructure.
Addressing Security and Governance Challenges
One of the most pressing issues discussed was the ongoing challenge of security in the cryptocurrency space, especially in light of a significant security breach that occurred in February 2025. Zhou labeled this incident as “the ultimate test” of Bybit’s operational capability and commitment to user protection.
He emphasized the difficulty of tracing fraudulent activities, as attackers are often able to move funds swiftly across blockchains and utilize decentralized mixers, which can render traditional tracing methods ineffective. “When an incident like this happens, it’s really a time race,” Zhou explained, pointing out that the decoding of transactions typically takes a few days, during which hackers can disseminate stolen funds across multiple platforms.
To combat these escalating security threats, Zhou introduced an industry initiative named the Lazarus Group. This cooperative effort aims to enhance information sharing and expedite response efforts among exchanges and OTC (over-the-counter) participants. “When another victim happens, the whole industry can respond faster,” he stated, underscoring the need for a collective defense against complex cross-chain attacks.
Enhancing Payment Systems with Cryptocurrency
In discussing the future of crypto payments, Zhou highlighted how cryptocurrencies pave the way for a more modern and efficient settlement infrastructure. He asserted that “to me, crypto is just synchronization. It’s modern. It’s 24/7,” noting that more vendors now prefer real-time settlement compared to traditional systems that reconcile transactions at limited intervals.
He further drew attention to the advantages of cryptocurrencies, such as increased access and enhanced transparency that allow users to transact more efficiently without excessive intermediaries. Zhou expressed optimism about crypto’s potential to reduce friction across global payment systems. The combination of faster settlements, transparent tokenized systems, and decentralized infrastructures creates a payment landscape that aligns with the invisible payment experiences users now demand as digital finance matures.
Looking Ahead: The Role of Trust and Infrastructure
Zhou’s insights extended to the future of digital assets, emphasizing that “as digital assets move further into the mainstream, secure and scalable infrastructure, combined with a strong foundation of user trust, will be key to supporting long-term growth and practical adoption.” His comments reflect a broader industry consensus that establishing a dependable and efficient ecosystem is crucial for the accelerated integration of cryptocurrencies into everyday financial practices.
About Bybit
Founded in 2018, Bybit has quickly ascended to the status of the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. With a user base of over 70 million globally, Bybit is committed to redefining openness in the decentralized world. The exchange focuses on Web3 and collaborates strategically with leading blockchain protocols to enhance infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit serves as a bridge between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi), empowering various stakeholders to explore the full potential of the burgeoning Web3 ecosystem.
For more information, visit Bybit.