Crypto exchange Bybit launches in Indonesia after NOBI buy
Crypto exchange Bybit launches a locally operated platform in Indonesia after buying a majority stake in PT Enkripsi Teknologi Handal, formerly NOBI. The firm rebranded as Bybit Indonesia and will roll out services in phases, starting with 500 trading pairs in one of Asia’s largest crypto markets.
The move, announced Thursday, gives Bybit a locally operated presence in a market with more than 21 million registered crypto users. Full details were first reported by Cointelegraph, which covered the majority acquisition and rebrand.
Key Takeaways
- Bybit took a majority stake in PT Enkripsi Teknologi Handal (formerly NOBI) and rebranded it as Bybit Indonesia.
- Services will arrive in phases, beginning with 500 cryptocurrency trading pairs.
- Ex-NOBI executives Lawrence Samantha (CEO) and Dionisius Evan (COO) will lead the local platform.
- Indonesia had 21.07 million registered crypto asset users as of February 2026, according to the Indonesia Financial Services Authority.
- National crypto transaction value reached $26.85 billion (482 trillion rupiah) in 2025.
How is Bybit entering Indonesia after the NOBI deal?
Bybit said it acquired a majority stake in digital asset firm PT Enkripsi Teknologi Handal, previously known as NOBI. That entity was then rebranded as Bybit Indonesia, creating a locally operated platform rather than a purely offshore offering.
The exchange plans a phased rollout. The first step is access to 500 cryptocurrency trading pairs, with further services expected to follow over time as the local platform expands.
Readers tracking regional exchange moves can find related coverage in our Fintech & Crypto Alerts section.
Why does Indonesia matter for this Bybit launch?
Indonesia ranks among Asia’s largest crypto markets by user base. As of February 2026, the Indonesia Financial Services Authority reported 21.07 million registered crypto asset users.
Trading activity is also substantial. Total crypto transaction value reached $26.85 billion, or 482 trillion Indonesian rupiah, in 2025, underscoring why global platforms seek a local footprint there.
As of April, Indonesia had licensed 31 crypto-related entities. That list included two crypto exchanges, two clearing institutions, two custodians, and 25 digital asset traders. PT Enkripsi Teknologi Handal was named among those licensed traders.
Who will lead Bybit Indonesia after the NOBI acquisition?
Bybit Indonesia will be led by Lawrence Samantha as CEO and Dionisius Evan as chief operating officer. Both previously served as senior executives at NOBI, giving the rebranded platform continuity with the acquired local team.
“This acquisition allows us to combine Bybit’s global capabilities with an experienced local team that understands Indonesia’s market and regulatory environment,” Samantha said in a statement.
For traders and builders following exchange expansion across Asia, the NOBI-to-Bybit Indonesia path is a clear signal: entering a high-user market often means buying into an existing local operator, then scaling products in stages.