Overview
OKX, formerly known as OKEx, is a leading blockchain technology company headquartered in San Jose, California. It operates the second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by daily trading volume and offers decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions via its OKX Wallet. Founded in 2013 by CEO Star Xu as Okcoin, the company rebranded to OKX in 2017 and has since expanded globally.
Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Type | Privately Held |
| Industry | Cryptocurrency |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Star Xu |
| Headquarters | San Jose, California |
| Key Products | Cryptocurrency Exchange, NFT Marketplace, OKX Wallet, Crypto Services |
| Global Offices | UAE, Singapore, Türkiye, Australia, Brazil, EEA |
| Employees | 5,000+ (2025) |
| Website | OKX Official Site |
History and Milestones
2013–2018: Founding and Early Growth
- 2013: Star Xu launches Okcoin, later rebranded to OKX.
- 2017: OKX officially debuts in Hong Kong.
- 2018: Expands to Malta due to favorable blockchain regulations.
2018–2021: Rapid Expansion
- May 2018: Becomes the world’s largest crypto exchange by turnover.
- 2021: Achieves record monthly trading volume of $188 billion.
2022–2023: Rebranding and Regulatory Compliance
- January 2022: Rebrands from OKEx to OKX.
- 2023: Obtains licenses in Dubai, Hong Kong, and the EU, reinforcing its compliance focus.
2025: U.S. Relaunch and Partnerships
- Relocates headquarters to San Jose.
- Partners with Manchester City, McLaren, and Tribeca Film Festival.
Products and Services
1. Cryptocurrency Exchange
- Supports spot and derivatives trading.
- High liquidity and low fees.
2. OKX Wallet
- Secure DeFi access with multi-chain support.
3. NFT Marketplace
- Buy, sell, and mint NFTs seamlessly.
4. Institutional Solutions
- White-label services and API trading.
Global Presence and Regulations
OKX holds licenses in:
- U.S. (MSB licenses)
- UAE (Dubai VARA)
- EU (MiCA compliant)
- Singapore (MAS-regulated)
- Australia (AUSTRAC registration)
👉 Explore OKX’s licensed services
Partnerships and Sponsorships
Sports Collaborations
- Manchester City: Training kit sponsor since 2022.
- McLaren Racing: Primary F1 partner since 2023.
Entertainment
- Tribeca Film Festival: NFT integration and immersive experiences.
Other Initiatives
- Sponsorships with LIV Golf and the Australian Olympic Team.
Controversies and Challenges
- 2018: Socialized clawback incident during futures liquidation.
- 2020: Temporary withdrawal freeze during a police investigation.
- 2021: Exited Mainland China due to regulatory changes.
FAQs
1. Is OKX available in the U.S.?
Yes, OKX relaunched in the U.S. in 2025 with a compliant trading platform.
2. What makes OKX different from other exchanges?
OKX emphasizes regulatory compliance, DeFi integration, and institutional-grade services.
3. How secure is OKX?
The platform uses proof-of-reserves audits and holds multiple global licenses.
4. Can I trade NFTs on OKX?
Yes, OKX offers a full-featured NFT marketplace.
5. Does OKX support staking?
Yes, users can stake cryptocurrencies for passive income.
Conclusion
OKX stands out as a trusted, globally compliant crypto exchange with innovative products and strong partnerships. Its focus on regulatory adherence and user security makes it a top choice for traders and institutions alike.
### SEO Notes:
- **Keywords**: Cryptocurrency exchange, OKX, DeFi, NFT, OKX Wallet, trading volume.