What Is OKX?
OKX is a Seychelles-based centralized exchange (CEX) and digital wallet platform serving millions of users globally. Designed as a comprehensive hub for cryptocurrency trading and Web3 exploration, OKX supports a wide array of financial instruments and blockchain services.
The platform enables spot trading, options, and advanced derivatives trading, including margin trading, futures, perpetual contracts, and crypto options on major assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Beyond trading, OKX offers innovative tools such as trading bots, copy trading, staking, crypto lending, and its own launchpad called Jumpstart—ideal for users seeking early access to promising blockchain projects.
OKX Wallet enhances the ecosystem by positioning itself as a gateway to Web3, integrating a hot wallet, decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator, NFT marketplace, and support for decentralized applications (DApps). With compatibility across over 30 blockchain networks—including Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB Chain, Solana, Polygon, Avalanche, and Fantom—OKX provides seamless cross-chain functionality for both novice and experienced users.
👉 Discover how OKX supports high-leverage trading across global markets.
The platform also operates its own native blockchain, OKX Chain (formerly OKC), along with its utility token, OKB. This token plays a central role in the ecosystem, enabling reduced trading fees, governance participation, staking rewards, and access to exclusive project launches via Jumpstart. Developers can build DApps on OKX Chain using infrastructure tools like OKX Oracle, fostering innovation within a scalable environment.
In January 2022, OKEx rebranded to OKX to reflect its evolution from a pure exchange into a broader Web3 and financial services ecosystem.
Who Founded OKX?
OKX originated as OKEx, a subsidiary of the larger OK Group. It was founded in 2013 in China by Mingxing "Star" Xu, an entrepreneur with a background in applied physics from the University of Science and Technology Beijing. Star Xu currently serves as CEO of OK Group.
While he laid the foundation, the day-to-day leadership of OKX is now under Jay Hao, who serves as the current Chief Executive Officer, steering the platform’s global expansion and product innovation.
When Was OKX Launched?
The exchange launched in 2017 under the name OKEx. Since then, it has grown rapidly through strategic upgrades, enhanced security protocols, and international market penetration, evolving into one of the top cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume.
Where Is OKX Based?
OKX is headquartered in the Seychelles, operating under a jurisdiction that supports fintech innovation while adhering to international compliance standards. Despite its offshore registration, OKX serves users in more than 200 countries and regions worldwide.
However, due to regulatory restrictions, residents of the United States are not permitted to use OKX services.
OKX Supported Coins and Trading Pairs
OKX lists over 350 cryptocurrencies and supports more than 500 trading pairs, making it one of the most diverse exchanges in terms of asset availability.
Major supported tokens include:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- OKB (the platform’s native token)
- Aave (AAVE)
- Solana (SOL)
- Polygon (MATIC)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Shiba Inu (SHIB)
- Polkadot (DOT)
This wide selection ensures traders have access to blue-chip assets, emerging altcoins, and high-potential DeFi tokens—all within a secure and liquid marketplace.
Does OKX Charge Trading Fees?
Yes, OKX uses a maker-taker fee model common among major exchanges. Trading fees start at 0.10% for takers and 0.08% for makers but decrease based on trading volume or user tier.
Additionally:
- Regular users can reduce fees by holding or using OKB.
- VIP users benefit from customized fee structures tied to their 30-day trading volume.
- Deposit fees are generally free for most cryptocurrencies.
- Withdrawal fees vary by network and asset.
This tiered system incentivizes active trading and long-term engagement with the platform’s native token economy.
Can You Use Leverage or Margin Trading on OKX?
Absolutely. OKX is known for offering some of the highest leverage options in the industry.
- Margin trading: Up to 10x leverage on spot margin positions.
- Derivatives trading: Futures and perpetual contracts with leverage up to 125x, allowing experienced traders to amplify gains (and manage risks accordingly).
- Options trading: Available for BTC, ETH, and select major assets—ideal for hedging or directional strategies.
These advanced tools cater to professional traders while providing educational resources for beginners looking to understand leveraged positions.
👉 Learn how to get started with 125x leverage futures trading safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is OKX available in the United States?
A: No. Due to U.S. regulatory compliance issues, OKX does not serve residents of the United States.
Q: What is OKB used for?
A: OKB is the native utility token of the OKX ecosystem. It can be used to reduce trading fees, participate in token sales via Jumpstart, earn staking rewards, vote on community proposals, and access premium features.
Q: How secure is OKX?
A: OKX employs multi-layered security measures including cold storage for 95%+ of user funds, two-factor authentication (2FA), anti-phishing codes, and regular third-party audits. It also maintains a Safu Fund to protect user assets in extreme scenarios.
Q: Does OKX offer a mobile app?
A: Yes. The OKX mobile app is available on iOS and Android, offering full trading capabilities, wallet functions, staking, and real-time market data.
Q: Can I stake crypto on OKX?
A: Yes. Through OKX Earn, users can stake various cryptocurrencies—including ETH 2.0, SOL, DOT, and others—for passive income with flexible or fixed lock-up periods.
Q: What is Jumpstart on OKX?
A: Jumpstart is OKX’s IEO (Initial Exchange Offering) launchpad that allows users to participate in early-stage token sales of vetted blockchain projects. Participation often requires holding OKB.
Final Thoughts
OKX stands out as a powerful all-in-one platform combining high-performance trading infrastructure with expansive Web3 integration. Whether you're interested in spot trades, high-leverage derivatives, staking, or launching new projects via Jumpstart, OKX delivers tools designed for scalability, security, and accessibility.
With strong support for decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, cross-chain interoperability, and institutional-grade liquidity, OKX continues to expand its footprint in the global crypto landscape.
👉 Start exploring today’s top-performing assets on one of the world’s leading exchanges.