Bybit CEO at Goldman Sachs: Tokenization Will Reshape Trading ‘Faster Than Expected’

Bybit CEO Ben Zhou predicts at Goldman Sachs conference that tokenization will revolutionize trading more rapidly than anticipated, transforming traditional finance.

During the recent 2026 Goldman Sachs Asia Pacific FinTech Conference, Bybit 's Co-founder and CEO, Ben Zhou, made waves with his bold declaration that the tokenization of financial assets will transform trading “faster than expected.” His insights reveal a paradigm shift in how traditional assets are viewed and traded in the crypto arena. What Does Zhou Mean by Tokenization Revolutionizing Trading? Zhou highlighted that the current financial system is plagued by geographic limitations and delays. With the advent of tokenization, these inefficiencies can be swiftly addressed. He emphasized that atomic settlement, which allows for the simultaneous transfer of assets and payment through a single on-chain transaction, could eliminate the burdensome T+2 settlement standard currently in place for equity trades. “The T+2 settlement creates counterparty risk and capital lock-up," Zhou noted, pointing out that the integration of tokenization will increase the efficiency of asset movement globally. Why Is Goldman Sachs Interested in Tokenization? Goldman Sachs’ interest in tokenization and stablecoins is evident as they evaluate the functionalities of this emerging technology. Zhou pointed out that the tokenized Treasury market has already surpassed $2 billion, while numerous projects are sprouting across Asia-Pacific and Europe, indicating a thriving environment for such innovations. With stablecoins becoming crucial in settlement mechanisms, they are becoming an integral part of global value transfer, which aligns with Goldman Sachs' strategic focus. How Is Bybit Positioned in the Evolving Landscape? Bybit is not merely a participant in this shift; it's positioned as a key infrastructure player within the crypto space. Since its inception in 2018, Bybit has been on a licensing expansion spree in Europe and Asia, viewing regulatory compliance as a significant growth lever. Moreover, Zhou characterized the competition in the space as more reliant on “regulatory compliance, in