Bybit Co-CEO Helen Liu to Depart

Helen Liu's path to the top of the crypto world was unconventional; she joined Bybit in 2020 from a background in traditional tech, having served as an HR director at giants like Nokia and Microsoft. Her expertise was in global operations and human resources, not digital assets, making her an atypical executive in the crypto space. Her rise within Bybit was rapid. Starting as Vice President of Human Resources, she quickly took on more responsibility as VP of Marketing and Chief of Staff before being appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2022 and then Co-CEO in 2025. This trajectory highlights a fast-paced career path within a high-growth fintech firm. Under her leadership, Bybit cemented its position as a dominant player, becoming the world's second-largest crypto exchange by trading volume. The platform serves over 80 million users across more than 180 countries and has recently handled 24-hour spot trading volumes exceeding $9.2 billion. Beyond her corporate roles, Liu also founded the Blockchain for Good Alliance, which focuses on social impact, and Moledao, an initiative to nurture blockchain developer talent. These projects demonstrate a focus on ecosystem building and leveraging technology for broader applications. Liu’s departure comes as the crypto exchange industry faces a pivotal moment. The current landscape is increasingly defined by a push for greater regulatory compliance, transparency through mechanisms like Proof-of-Reserves, and the growing influence of institutional investors. With Liu's exit, co-founder Ben Zhou will now serve as the sole CEO. Zhou, who established the exchange in 2018 with a background in the forex industry, will continue to guide the company's strategy.