Cryptocurrency exchanges have become central to the digital economy, and few names stand out like OKX—a global leader in blockchain innovation and digital asset trading. Originally launched as OKCoin.cn in 2013, the platform has evolved significantly over the years. From its early days as a Bitcoin exchange in China to becoming a fully-fledged international crypto powerhouse, OKX’s journey reflects the rapid growth of the blockchain industry itself.
In 2017, the platform rebranded and expanded with the launch of OKEx, which later became OKX in 2022 as part of a comprehensive brand upgrade. Today, OKX operates as a centralized cryptocurrency exchange headquartered in Belize, with major operational hubs in Hong Kong. It serves millions of users across more than 100 countries and boasts an average daily trading volume of around $6 billion.
But behind this technological and financial success story is a visionary founder whose background in mathematics, physics, and early blockchain development laid the foundation for one of the world’s most influential exchanges.
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The founder of OKX is Xu Mingxing, a technologist and entrepreneur widely recognized as one of China’s earliest blockchain pioneers. With a strong academic background in physics and mathematics, Xu began his career at Yahoo China, where he honed his technical expertise before diving into the nascent world of cryptocurrencies.
His interest in decentralized systems led him to explore Bitcoin and blockchain technology in its infancy. In 2013, he launched OKCoin.cn, one of China’s first major Bitcoin exchanges. This domestic platform quickly gained traction among early crypto adopters, setting the stage for global expansion.
Later, an international version—OKCoin.com—was introduced to serve markets outside China, supporting fiat-to-crypto trading. However, it was the launch of OKEx in 2017 that truly marked a turning point. Designed from the ground up as a digital-asset-only exchange, OKEx rapidly expanded into key regions including the European Union, the United States, and Latin America.
OKX's rise wasn't accidental—it was built on strategic innovations and product launches that positioned it at the forefront of the crypto ecosystem.
January 20, 2018: OKEx launched its native utility token, OKB, issued by the OK Blockchain Foundation and developed by OKEx’s engineering team. OKB plays a crucial role in platform governance, fee discounts, and access to exclusive services.
July 2, 2018: The company relocated its registration from Belize to Malta, establishing an office there and recruiting top talent to support European growth amid tightening regulations.
November 6, 2018: Introduction of Yu Bibao (Savings Earn), a flexible savings product allowing users to earn interest on their crypto holdings with instant liquidity—a feature now standard across leading exchanges.
February 10, 2020: The OKEx Chain (OEC) testnet went live, marking OKX’s entry into decentralized infrastructure and enabling developers to build dApps, DeFi protocols, and NFT projects.
February 2021: The exchange adopted the Chinese name “Ouyi” (欧易), reflecting its mission: “To empower individual value” and “To enable one billion people worldwide to own digital assets.”
January 2022: Rebranded globally as OKX, signaling a new phase of globalization, product diversification, and user-centric innovation.
Understanding OKX’s impact requires identifying the key themes that define its identity:
Cryptocurrency exchange
Blockchain technology
Digital asset trading
OKB token
Derivatives trading
Decentralized finance (DeFi)
Crypto innovation
Xu Mingxing
These keywords naturally align with high-intent search queries such as “best crypto exchange,” “how to trade Bitcoin futures,” or “what is OKB used for?”—ensuring OKX remains visible and relevant in organic search results.
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While OKX may rank outside the top 10 in spot trading volume, its dominance in derivatives is undeniable. According to data from CoinMarketCap, OKX consistently ranks second globally in derivatives trading volume, trailing only Binance.
More impressively, OKX offers the widest variety of contracts in the market—from perpetual swaps and quarterly futures to options and move contracts—making it a preferred choice for both retail traders and institutional investors.
This focus on derivatives allowed OKX to capture significant market share during volatile periods when hedging and leverage strategies are in high demand. Its advanced trading engine supports ultra-low latency execution, deep liquidity pools, and robust risk management tools.
Beyond trading, OKX has built a comprehensive ecosystem that includes:
Spot and margin trading
Staking and earning products
NFT marketplace
Web3 wallet integration
Launchpad (Jumpstart) for new crypto projects
Mining pool services
This multi-layered approach ensures users can engage with nearly every facet of the digital economy—from buying Bitcoin to participating in DeFi protocols or launching new tokens.
**Q: Who is the founder of OKX?**A: The founder of OKX is Xu Mingxing, a blockchain pioneer with a background in physics and computer science who previously worked at Yahoo China.
**Q: Is OKX the same as OKEx?**A: Yes. OKX is the rebranded name of OKEx, adopted in January 2022 to reflect its global expansion and broader vision beyond just exchange services.
**Q: What is the OKB token used for?**A: OKB is OKX’s native utility token. It can be used to pay trading fees with discounts, participate in token sales via Jumpstart, vote on platform decisions, and access premium features.
**Q: Where is OKX based?**A: OKX is registered in Belize and has primary operations based in Hong Kong. It serves users globally with localized support in multiple languages.
**Q: How secure is OKX?**A: OKX employs advanced security measures including cold storage for 95%+ of assets, multi-signature wallets, regular audits, and a Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU) to protect against potential breaches.
**Q: Can I earn passive income on OKX?**A: Yes. Through products like Yu Bibao (Savings Earn), staking, and liquidity pools, users can earn yields on their idle crypto assets with flexible or fixed terms.
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From its origins as a simple Bitcoin exchange in China to its current status as a global fintech innovator, OKX’s journey mirrors the evolution of cryptocurrency itself. Under Xu Mingxing’s leadership, the platform has consistently pushed boundaries—launching new financial instruments, embracing decentralization through OEC, and prioritizing user empowerment.
As the world moves toward greater adoption of digital currencies and decentralized applications, platforms like OKX will continue to play a pivotal role. Whether you're a beginner looking to buy your first Bitcoin or a professional trader executing complex derivatives strategies, understanding the vision behind OKX—and the mind of its founder—offers valuable insight into where crypto is headed next.