Bybit has appointed Peter Loo as its new chief legal officer. Loo previously served as general counsel for Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), the emirate's main crypto watchdog. The move signals the exchange's deepening commitment to regulatory compliance as it expands operations in the Middle East and beyond.
Who is Peter Loo
Loo spent several years at VARA, where he helped shape the regulatory framework for virtual assets in Dubai. His role as general counsel involved advising on licensing, enforcement, and policy. Before VARA, he held legal positions at other financial firms, though Bybit did not provide further details on his earlier career.
At Bybit, Loo will oversee the company's global legal strategy. That includes managing regulatory relationships, compliance programs, and any litigation or enforcement matters. The exchange said his experience at a major regulator will be valuable as it seeks to operate in an increasingly complex legal environment.
Why the hire matters
Bybit has been working to secure licenses in multiple jurisdictions. The company already has a presence in Dubai, where it obtained a Virtual Asset Service Provider license from VARA in 2022. That license allows it to offer crypto trading services to institutional and retail clients in the emirate.
Bringing in a former VARA general counsel suggests Bybit wants to deepen its ties with regulators and ensure its operations meet evolving standards. The crypto industry has faced heightened scrutiny from authorities worldwide, and exchanges are racing to build credible compliance teams.
Loo's appointment also comes as Bybit pushes into new markets. The exchange recently launched services in Kazakhstan and has applied for licenses in other regions. Having a chief legal officer with direct regulatory experience could smooth those applications.
Loo's start date is immediate. Bybit has not announced any other changes to its leadership or legal team. The company said it will continue to invest in compliance and regulatory talent. Whether Loo's arrival leads to a broader restructuring of Bybit's legal department remains an open question.
