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Journalist
Hassan Shittu
Journalist
Hassan Shittu
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Why Trust Cryptonews
In a move to enhance security and restore confidence in the peer-to-peer (P2P) cryptocurrency trading market, Bybit, the world’s second-largest crypto exchange by trading volume, launched the Bybit P2P Shield on August 19.
This new initiative is designed to provide financial protection to users impacted by fraudulent activities on its platform.
Secure P2P Trading with Bybit’s P2P Shield
The introduction of Bybit P2P Shield represents a critical development in blockchain, particularly in P2P transactions, where users directly exchange assets with each other.
While offering flexibility and accessibility, this trading model has been plagued by fraud incidents that have eroded user trust.
Bybit’s P2P Shield seeks to counteract this by offering financial compensation to eligible users who fall victim to fraud during their transactions on the platform.
A major incident that echoed the need for enhanced security measures occurred in early 2023 when a series of fraudulent P2P trades led to great losses for several users.
Scammers exploited vulnerabilities in the transaction process, using fake payment confirmations to deceive sellers into releasing their cryptocurrency without receiving the agreed-upon funds.
This new solution was initially rolled out in selected regions. Bybit plans to extend the P2P Shield coverage globally, ensuring that a broader user base can benefit from this protective measure.
While the P2P Shield offers a strong layer of security, Bybit stresses that it should not replace vigilance.
The exchange encourages users to continue exercising caution and due diligence when engaging in P2P trading.
This marks a major step toward the company’s dedication to creating a safer and more reliable trading environment so traders can confidently participate in the crypto market.
Bybit’s Global Expansion Amid Market Inconsistency
The launch of the Bybit P2P Shield comes at a pivotal moment in Bybit’s growth trajectory.
As the second largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume, recently surpassing Coinbase, Bybit’s innovations in security could significantly influence the broader P2P trading landscape.
This overtaking can be primarily attributed to Bybit’s rapid growth, competitive fee structure, and the introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S.
Bybit’s market share has increased from 8% to 16%, overtaking Coinbase, whose global market share only saw a modest 1% increase.
Bybit’s success is largely driven by increased trading volumes in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Its market share in these assets has jumped from 17% to 53% over the past year.
Just last week, Bybit also announced its expansion into Latin America, receiving approval as a virtual asset service provider (VASP) and card operator in Argentina.
This expansion allows Bybit to offer a range of crypto services in a region that has increasingly turned to digital assets amid economic challenges.
Argentina, in particular, has seen a surge in cryptocurrency adoption as citizens seek alternatives to traditional financial systems in the face of economic instability.
The VASP approval in Argentina is a strategic move for Bybit, allowing the company to establish a stronger foothold in the Latin American market.
Bybit’s introduction of the P2P Shield, coupled with its recent expansion efforts, illustrates the company’s dual focus on growth and global presence without compromising for any.
Notably, while Bybit is expanding quickly, it has found it hard to operate in some countries such as France. France’s local financial commission even recently warned investors in a warning note that they should refrain from trading the crypto platform ByBit, which eventually led to Bybit pulling out of the country.
