
Okx crypto exchange is a popular platform for buying and selling cryptocurrencies, but have you ever wondered who owns it? The answer is a bit complex, but we'll break it down for you.
Okx was founded in 2017 by a group of individuals, with Dr. Chris Lee as the CEO.
Okx has expanded its operations to several countries, including Singapore, Japan, and the United States.
With its global presence, Okx has become a major player in the cryptocurrency market.
Okx has implemented robust security measures to protect user funds, including cold storage and two-factor authentication.
Okx offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies for trading, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
Okx has also introduced its own token, OKB, which can be used for various benefits on the platform.
Okx has received regulatory approval in several countries, including Japan and Singapore.
Okx has a strong focus on innovation, with a dedicated research and development team working on new technologies and features.
Trading and Availability
Okx crypto exchange is available to investors in 192 different countries. You can access the platform through Okcoin USA, a money transmitter and registered money services business with the U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
However, trading is restricted in Hawaii, New York, West Virginia, and all U.S. territories. Additionally, Okcoin prohibits some or all of its services in certain countries, including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Uzbekistan, India, and Syria, as well as Bangladesh, Bolivia, and Malaysia.
Some countries have limited access to certain services, but you can still trade with a mobile app that offers a simple and advanced trading interface.
Trading Experience
OKX's unified user experience on the desktop eliminates the need for separate applications or browsers, making it suitable for both novice and seasoned traders.
The platform's intuitive navigation ensures new users can quickly become proficient, with a simple and advanced trading interface available on mobile app.
Conditional orders, derivatives trading, lending and borrowing, leverage trading, staking, copy/social trading, tradingview.com integration, auto trading (bots), API access, P2P trading, and demo account are all available features on OKX.
The mobile app offers a simple mode for beginners and an advanced mode for experienced traders, with a user-friendly interface that makes buying and selling crypto using fiat and converting crypto a breeze.
The advanced version of the mobile app allows users to easily access the live order book, set limits and market orders with TP/SL, and access advanced orders like limit orders, trailing stops, and trigger orders with just a tap.
The mobile app's UI is simple and easy to use, making it perfect for traders on the move, with a history of orders displayed at the bottom of the screen.
OKX's market discovery feature is impressive, but limited due to geographical restrictions, making discovery and search functionalities less robust compared to platforms like Coinbase.
The mobile app's withdrawal functionality felt more seamless than the desktop version, with a faster user interface and more intuitive 2FA security when communicating with the same device.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Signing up with OKX requires a strict compliance policy, including providing proof of identity via an identity form, which I found to be a straightforward process.
The initial KYC process with OKX is quick and easy, involving a mobile ID scan with verification completed within minutes.
You'll need to complete the KYC process before trading, but thankfully, once you've completed the KYC for Banxa, you won't need to do it again to deposit funds into your OKX account.
OKX excels in offering both crypto and fiat deposits and withdrawals, providing a great experience due to low fees, speed, and overall performance compared to other exchanges.
For users in regions with regulatory restrictions, like the UK, the process becomes more complicated, with limited deposit and withdrawal options.
Depositing funds is straightforward, but the desktop interface made it challenging to find the withdrawal option, though the mobile app is more user-friendly.
Crypto-to-crypto withdrawals, tested via the Tron network, were exceptionally fast, executing in less than a minute.
Here are some withdrawal methods available on OKX:
Keep in mind that the availability and fees for these options vary based on location, currency, and withdrawal type.
Security and Transparency
OKX has a strong focus on security, with a solid CER ranking of A, indicating that its security practices are among the best on the market. It has never experienced a public security breach in its seven years of operation.
The exchange adheres to various best practices and regulatory requirements, providing a high level of trust and stability. OKX claims a 1:1 ratio for all user assets, with auditable proof of reserves for at least 200 of its most popular cryptocurrencies.
OKX provides monthly updates for proof of reserves, adding an extra layer of transparency compared to most exchanges that release quarterly or annual reports. This level of transparency is a big plus for users who want to feel confident in the exchange's security measures.
Here's a breakdown of OKX's security features:
While OKX has a strong focus on security, it's worth noting that insurance does not cover user funds, so third-party insurance is advisable.
Fees
OKX is very transparent about its fees, and I've had the chance to test them out firsthand. The exchange doesn't charge fees for crypto deposits or withdrawals, which is a huge plus.
Some payment methods, like debit and credit cards, may incur a small fee, but I've found that opting for Google Pay or bank transfers can be fee-free. Users must pay standard network fees for on-chain transactions, and all crypto conversions on the platform are free.
OKX's competitive fees are one of the reasons it stands out as a top-five exchange on Coinmarketcap. The exchange's liquidity and trading volume also contribute to its ranking. I've personally experienced the benefits of using OKX, saving £2.54 on a £90 transaction by using Google Pay instead of MasterCard.
Here's a breakdown of OKX's payment method fees:
OKX's spot fees are also very competitive, with a consistent pricing structure across different trading volumes. The exchange charges makers 0.08% and takers 0.10%, which is well below the industry average of 0.40%/0.60%.
Country Support and Legality
Okx crypto exchange has a significant international presence, supporting approximately 100 countries and regions worldwide. This is according to an OKX representative, although no official documentation specifies the most up-to-date coverage.
Okx is legal in 47 states in the U.S., with the company consolidating its brands under the name OKX. This change is expected to make the platform available to users in these states.
Here's a breakdown of OKX's country support and legality:
- Europe: OKX is supported in most but not all European countries, with some countries imposing geographical restrictions on certain services.
- Asia: OKX is supported in many countries, including Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and India, but is banned in others.
- North America: OKX operates in Canada, but new regulations make the platform unavailable to new customers.
- Australia: OKX is fully supported within Australia with no restrictions.
- Africa: OKX is supported throughout Africa, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and the Seychelles, where it is headquartered.
- South America: OKX expanded its operations to Argentina in 2024, one of the fastest-growing crypto markets in Latin America.
Supported Countries
OKX has a significant international presence, supporting around 100 countries and regions worldwide.
The exchange is available in many European countries, but some impose geographical restrictions on certain services. Asia is another region where OKX is supported in many countries, including Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and India, but it's also banned in others.
In North America, OKX only operates in Canada, although new regulations make the platform unavailable to new customers. Australia is a notable exception, with OKX fully supported within the country and no restrictions in place.

Africa is another continent where OKX has a strong presence, supported throughout, including in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and the Seychelles, where it's headquartered. The exchange recently expanded its operations to Argentina in 2024, tapping into one of the fastest-growing crypto markets in Latin America.
Here's a breakdown of the supported regions:
- Europe: Most countries, with some geographical restrictions
- Asia: Many countries, including Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and India
- North America: Canada (with restrictions for new customers)
- Australia: Fully supported with no restrictions
- Africa: Throughout, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and the Seychelles
- South America: Argentina (since 2024)
Okcoin US Legality
Okcoin is legal in 47 states.
The company is consolidating its brands under the name OKX, which is expected to be available to users in these states.
Launches Crypto Exchange in UAE Amid Crackdown
The UAE has been cracking down on cryptocurrency, but that hasn't stopped some companies from launching their services in the country.
In 2022, the UAE government announced a new law requiring all cryptocurrency exchanges to be licensed and regulated by the central bank. This move was seen as a major step towards legitimizing cryptocurrency in the country.
The UAE has been a popular destination for cryptocurrency companies, with many setting up shop in the country's free zones. These zones offer a range of benefits, including 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes.
Despite the regulatory crackdown, the UAE has seen a surge in cryptocurrency adoption. In 2022, a report found that the country's cryptocurrency market was worth over $1 billion.
The UAE's central bank has also been working to educate the public about cryptocurrency and its risks. In 2022, the bank launched a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of cryptocurrency scams.
The UAE's cryptocurrency market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, with many experts predicting that the country will become a major hub for cryptocurrency trading.
Is This Right for You?
Not all traders are the same, and different exchanges cater to different needs. We divided all traders into seven main target groups.
Some traders prioritize ease of use and look for exchanges with user-friendly apps, while others seek advanced features like leverage or social trading.
We use a thorough yet straightforward method to assess how well an exchange meets the needs of each target group. Our method ensures a clear understanding of trading strategies and their requirements.
We rank exchanges based on how well they meet the needs of each target group, using three types of rankings: perfect match, good choice, and not recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is OKX crypto headquarters?
OKX is headquartered in Victoria, Seychelles. Learn more about OKX's global presence and services.
Sources
- https://www.investopedia.com/tech/what-okcoin/
- https://thefintechtimes.com/okx-launches-licensed-crypto-exchange-in-uae-amid-varas-regulatory-crackdown/
- https://coinranking.com/exchange/hUlMcwWZp_+okx
- https://www.fxempire.com/crypto/exchange/okex/review
- https://bitcoinist.com/okx-to-cease-operations-in-this-asian-country/
Featured Images: pexels.com