SINGAPORE — In a major development for the digital asset industry in Southeast Asia, OKX SG Pte. Ltd. (OKX SG), the Singapore-based entity of global crypto exchange and Web3 technology leader OKX, has officially received a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This milestone marks a pivotal moment in OKX’s regional expansion and regulatory compliance strategy.
Alongside the licensing achievement, OKX has announced the appointment of Gracie Lin as Chief Executive Officer of OKX SG. With her extensive background in finance, public policy, and technology, Lin is set to lead OKX’s strategic growth in one of Asia’s most progressive fintech hubs.
What the MPI License Means for OKX and Singapore Users
Under the Payment Services Act 2019 (PS Act), the MPI license permits OKX SG to legally offer digital payment token (DPT) services and cross-border money transfer services in Singapore. This includes spot trading — buying and selling cryptocurrencies — for retail and institutional customers within the country.
👉 Discover how regulated crypto platforms are shaping the future of finance.
This approval solidifies OKX’s commitment to operating under strict regulatory frameworks and delivering secure, compliant access to digital assets. It also reflects MAS’s ongoing efforts to foster innovation while ensuring consumer protection and financial stability in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape.
The license follows an earlier in-principle approval granted by MAS in February 2024, during which OKX SG began building a local team of compliance, product, and technology experts focused on serving Singaporean users with tailored offerings.
Leadership Vision: Gracie Lin at the Helm
Gracie Lin’s appointment as CEO underscores OKX’s focus on experienced leadership with deep regional insight. With nearly 20 years of experience across financial institutions, government agencies, and tech giants, Lin is uniquely positioned to navigate the intersection of regulation, innovation, and customer-centric product development.
Before joining OKX, Lin served as Head of Regional Strategy & Economics at Grab, where she led high-impact initiatives across Southeast Asia. Earlier in her career, she held key roles at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund — giving her firsthand knowledge of financial oversight, macroeconomic policy, and large-scale investment strategy.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Chicago and a Master’s in International & Development Economics from Yale University.
“Singapore is a world-class digital asset hub and an important market for OKX,” said Gracie Lin. “I am excited to be part of the team building our presence here. The MPI license is an important step in our journey, and we are more committed than ever to enabling access to digital assets for our customers, and contributing to the community and ecosystem.”
Lin emphasized her intention to work closely with local partners, regulators, developers, and users to shape a sustainable and inclusive Web3 future in Singapore.
Why Singapore Matters in Global Crypto Development
Singapore has emerged as a leading jurisdiction for blockchain innovation due to its forward-thinking regulatory environment, robust financial infrastructure, and strong talent pool. The city-state actively encourages responsible fintech experimentation while maintaining rigorous anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) standards.
For global platforms like OKX, establishing a licensed presence in Singapore signals trust, compliance, and long-term commitment. It also opens doors to deeper collaboration with local institutions, startups, and developers driving next-generation financial solutions.
OKX’s entry into the regulated Singapore market aligns with its broader mission: to organize the world’s blockchains and make them more accessible and useful. By combining cutting-edge technology with regulatory clarity, OKX aims to bridge traditional finance and decentralized ecosystems.
👉 See how top-tier security meets seamless trading experiences.
Building a Trusted Platform for Digital Assets
As part of its service rollout in Singapore, OKX SG will focus on offering secure, transparent, and user-friendly digital asset services that meet local needs. These include:
- Real-time cryptocurrency spot trading
- Secure wallet infrastructure
- Regulatory-compliant onboarding processes
- Local customer support and education resources
Backed by one of the most connected onchain wallets in the world, used by millions to access decentralized applications (dApps), OKX continues to expand its ecosystem beyond trading. Its suite of products includes:
- OKX Exchange: A high-performance platform supporting spot, futures, options, and DeFi trading
- OKX Wallet: A non-custodial wallet enabling secure storage and dApp interaction
- OKX Marketplace: For NFT discovery and trading
- OKX Explorer: Blockchain analytics and transaction tracking
- OKX Chain: A scalable public blockchain for developers
- OKX Ventures: Supporting early-stage Web3 projects
- OKX Institutional Services: Tailored solutions for professional traders and enterprises
These tools collectively empower users to explore, trade, build, and invest across multiple blockchains — all within a secure and regulated framework.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is an MPI license?
A: A Major Payment Institution (MPI) license is issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Payment Services Act 2019. It allows companies to provide services such as digital payment token transactions and cross-border money transfers under strict regulatory oversight.
Q: Can Singapore residents now trade crypto on OKX?
A: Yes. With the MPI license, OKX SG can legally offer spot cryptocurrency trading services to customers in Singapore through a regulated local entity.
Q: Who is Gracie Lin?
A: Gracie Lin is the newly appointed CEO of OKX SG. She brings extensive experience from leadership roles at Grab, MAS, and GIC, with expertise in finance, strategy, and technology policy.
Q: Is my money safe on OKX?
A: OKX prioritizes security with advanced measures including cold storage, multi-signature wallets, regular audits, and insurance coverage. As a licensed entity in Singapore, it must also comply with stringent financial safeguards.
Q: Does OKX offer institutional services in Asia?
A: Yes. Through OKX Institutional Services, the platform provides tailored solutions for hedge funds, asset managers, family offices, and other professional clients across Asia.
Q: How does this affect OKX’s global expansion?
A: The Singapore license strengthens OKX’s foothold in Asia and sets a precedent for entering other regulated markets. It demonstrates the company’s ability to meet high compliance standards while scaling globally.
👉 Start your journey with a platform built for security and performance.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for Crypto in Asia
The combination of regulatory approval and seasoned leadership positions OKX SG as a key player in Singapore’s growing digital economy. As blockchain adoption accelerates across industries — from payments to identity verification to decentralized finance — having trusted platforms that operate within legal boundaries becomes essential.
With Gracie Lin at the helm and full authorization from MAS, OKX is poised to deliver innovative yet responsible financial services that empower individuals and institutions alike.
This achievement not only advances OKX’s global ambitions but also contributes to a healthier, more transparent crypto ecosystem — one where innovation thrives alongside accountability.
Core Keywords:
- Major Payment Institution license
- Monetary Authority of Singapore
- Gracie Lin
- OKX SG
- digital payment token services
- cryptocurrency regulation
- spot trading Singapore
- Web3 technology company