Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, convened regulators, global payment networks, banking leaders, and digital asset innovators in Tbilisi for a high-level forum exploring the future of crypto-powered payments. Participants discussed how digital assets can integrate with traditional payment infrastructure, expand real-world utility, and support Georgia’s digital economy.
The forum also marked the introduction of the Bybit Card in Georgia, a step toward enabling everyday crypto payments. The card allows users to spend digital assets for daily purchases and is compatible with Apple Pay in Georgia, enabling secure contactless payments directly from users’ digital wallets.
Georgia granted Bybit a Payment Service Provider (PSP) license in Q4 2025, enabling Bybit to issue Bybit cards in the country and strengthening local fiat payment rails for closer integration between digital asset services and Georgia’s financial infrastructure. Government representatives expressed appreciation for the launch of the Bybit Card, highlighting Georgia’s commitment to responsible financial innovation and modern payment infrastructure. The event featured keynote remarks from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and the National Bank of Georgia, and a panel titled “The Future of Payments” with participants including Ben Zhou, Shota Lomtadze, Natia Turnava, David Zgudadze, Salim Dhanani, Marco Dal Lago, and Tekla Iashagashvili, underscoring multi-stakeholder collaboration to accelerate real-world crypto payments.
Shota Lomtadze, Director of Bybit Georgia, called Georgia “one of the most promising environments for digital financial innovation,” noting that the Bybit Card and PSP license bolster the infrastructure needed for crypto assets to move seamlessly between trading platforms and everyday commerce. Ben Zhou, Bybit’s Co-Founder and CEO, said the company is committed to being the most reliable partner for the National Bank of Georgia and to bringing global capabilities to Georgia’s market as part of building the future of finance.
Beyond payments, Bybit’s Georgia platform currently offers access to more than 600 spot trading pairs, one-click buy functionality, OTC services, and institutional-grade security, reflecting the exchange’s broader digital asset ecosystem. The event concluded with networking sessions among policymakers, financial institutions, fintech leaders, and blockchain innovators, reinforcing Georgia’s growing role as a hub for digital asset innovation and the evolution of global payments.
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