Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, announced that co-CEO Helen Liu will step down on April 30, 2026, to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. The departure of the executive, who climbed from HR VP to co-CEO in just five years, comes as the platform surpasses 82 million registered users globally.
Five-Year Rise: From HR VP to Co-CEO
Helen Liu joined Bybit in 2020 as Vice President of Human Resources, building the foundation of the company's global team and culture during a period of explosive growth. She later took on broader responsibilities as VP of Marketing and Chief of Staff, before being appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2022. In 2025, she became co-CEO, a role she held for just over a year. Bybit now serves users across 181 countries and regions, with a daily trading volume that consistently ranks second only to Binance.
Throughout her tenure, Liu was widely recognized for a people-first leadership style and strategic clarity. Colleagues described her as someone who could guide teams through both bull markets and regulatory headwinds.
Ben Zhou: 'An Extraordinary Partner'
“Over the past five years, Helen has been an extraordinary partner in building Bybit into the global platform it is today,” said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit. “From shaping our culture and strengthening our leadership team to guiding the company through moments of rapid growth and industry challenges, she has led with dedication, empathy, and purpose. While we will miss her greatly, we are also excited to see her pursue her entrepreneurial vision.”
The statement signals that the departure is amicable and stems from Liu's personal ambition, not internal discord.
Liu: Grateful and Ready for Next Chapter
In her own farewell message, Liu expressed gratitude: “Bybit has been an incredible platform for growth, and I’m deeply grateful for the trust, opportunities, and experiences I’ve had here. I’ve grown tremendously alongside an amazing global team, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together. The company has shown remarkable resilience. With Ben’s leadership and a talented team across all regions, I’m confident Bybit will continue to thrive. As for me, I’m excited to begin a new entrepreneurial journey.”
Liu did not disclose details of her startup plans, but given her background in HR, marketing, and operations, observers speculate she may target organizational tools for Web3 firms or platforms that empower women entrepreneurs.
What’s Next for Bybit
Bybit has not yet named a successor. With Liu’s departure effective April 30, the exchange has roughly two months to finalize a transition plan. For now, CEO Ben Zhou remains firmly in charge, and regional leadership structures stay intact. Bybit, founded in 2018, has been aggressively expanding its Web3 ecosystem while maintaining dominance in perpetual futures and spot trading.
Liu’s exit closes a significant chapter. But as Zhou put it, her impact will linger—and her next move could be just as compelling.