The global cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 technology leader OKX has achieved a major regulatory milestone in Southeast Asia with the official licensing of its Singapore entity, OKX SG Pte. Ltd., under the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The company has also announced the appointment of seasoned financial technology executive Gracie Lin as Chief Executive Officer of its newly established Singapore operation.
This development marks a pivotal step in OKX’s long-term strategy to expand its footprint in Asia, particularly in one of the region’s most trusted and regulated financial hubs. With the Major Payment Institution (MPI) license granted under the Payment Services Act 2019, OKX SG is now authorized to offer digital payment token services, including spot trading of cryptocurrencies and cross-border money transfers, to retail and institutional customers in Singapore.
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Strategic Expansion in a Key Financial Hub
Singapore continues to emerge as a leading center for blockchain innovation and digital asset regulation. The MAS has set a high standard for compliance, making its MPI license one of the most respected credentials in the fintech and crypto industry. For OKX, securing this license is not just a regulatory achievement—it’s a strategic commitment to building sustainable, compliant services tailored for local users.
Gracie Lin’s appointment reinforces this vision. With nearly 20 years of experience spanning finance, public policy, and technology, Lin is uniquely positioned to lead OKX’s growth in Singapore. Her background includes senior leadership roles at some of the most influential institutions in Asia, including Grab, where she led the Regional Strategy & Economics team, shaping business decisions across Southeast Asia’s largest superapp ecosystem.
Prior to Grab, Lin held key positions at MAS and GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, giving her deep insight into financial regulation, macroeconomic strategy, and institutional operations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Chicago and a Master’s in International & Development Economics from Yale University—credentials that reflect her analytical rigor and global perspective.
“Singapore is a world-class digital asset hub and an important market for OKX. 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. I look forward to continuing my engagement with our partners, customers and the wider community here to see how we can best serve them.”
— Gracie Lin, CEO of OKX SG
Building a Local-First Approach with Global Standards
OKX SG received in-principle approval from MAS back in February 2024, signaling early confidence in its compliance framework and operational readiness. Since then, the company has been actively assembling a team of local experts in legal, risk, product development, and customer experience—underscoring its commitment to building a truly Singaporean operation that meets both local needs and international standards.
The focus will be on launching regulated digital asset products that align with MAS guidelines while promoting financial inclusion and innovation. These include secure spot trading platforms, transparent fee structures, robust KYC/AML protocols, and educational initiatives aimed at helping users understand blockchain technology and responsible investing.
As part of its broader mission, OKX aims to bridge traditional finance with decentralized ecosystems by integrating services like onchain wallets, decentralized applications (dApps), and blockchain explorers into a seamless user experience—all while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory requirements.
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Core Offerings and Ecosystem Growth
OKX has evolved from being primarily a crypto exchange into a full-stack Web3 technology company. Its suite of products now includes:
- OKX Exchange: One of the world’s largest platforms for spot and derivatives trading.
- OKX Wallet: A multi-chain wallet supporting millions of users accessing dApps across Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin, and more.
- OKX Marketplace: A hub for NFTs and digital collectibles.
- OKX Explorer: A powerful blockchain analytics tool for tracking transactions and smart contracts.
- OKX Chain: A scalable public blockchain supporting decentralized finance (DeFi) projects.
- OKX OS: Developer tools and APIs for building onchain applications.
- OKX Ventures: Focused on early-stage investments in promising blockchain startups.
- OKX Institutional Services: Tailored solutions for hedge funds, family offices, and corporate treasuries.
This diversified ecosystem positions OKX as more than just an exchange—it's becoming an essential infrastructure layer for the future of digital finance.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: What does the MPI license allow OKX SG to do?
A: The Major Payment Institution license permits OKX SG to legally offer digital payment token services in Singapore, including cryptocurrency spot trading (buying and selling) and cross-border money transfer services—all under strict MAS supervision.
Q: Who is Gracie Lin and why is her appointment significant?
A: Gracie Lin is a respected fintech executive with extensive experience at Grab, MAS, and GIC. Her appointment signals OKX’s intent to operate with institutional-grade governance and deep local expertise in Singapore.
Q: Is OKX SG offering derivatives or leveraged products?
A: Currently, OKX SG is focused on providing spot trading services compliant with MAS regulations. Leveraged or derivative products are not part of the initial offering under the MPI license.
Q: How does OKX ensure user security and compliance?
A: OKX employs advanced encryption, cold storage for assets, multi-layered KYC verification, real-time transaction monitoring, and regular audits to meet global regulatory standards, including those set by MAS.
Q: Can international users access OKX SG?
A: OKX SG is specifically designed for Singapore-based customers. International users may continue using other regional versions of OKX where permitted by local laws.
Q: What are OKX’s plans for community engagement in Singapore?
A: OKX plans to launch educational programs, developer workshops, and partnerships with local fintech organizations to support innovation and responsible adoption of blockchain technology.
👉 Learn how users in regulated markets are accessing secure, compliant crypto platforms today.
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With its licensed presence, experienced leadership, and comprehensive product suite, OKX is positioning itself as a trusted gateway for Singaporeans entering the world of digital assets—blending innovation with integrity in one of Asia’s most dynamic financial ecosystems.