OKX Cryptocurrency Exchange Officially Launches Operations in the United States

OKX, the Seychelles-headquartered cryptocurrency exchange, has officially launched its operations in the United States.

OKX, the Seychelles-based cryptocurrency exchange, has officially launched its operations in the United States. The rollout includes the centralized trading platform and the OKX Wallet, now accessible to U.S. users, as part of the company’s broader expansion plans, which saw it setting up a regional hub in San Jose, California.

This move comes just two months after OKX paid over $500 million to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to settle a case where authorities said the company had been operating in the country without a proper license. The DOJ claimed that OKX had allowed Americans to trade on the platform despite internal rules stating otherwise.

In February, Aux Cayes FinTech Co., Ltd., an affiliate of OKX, settled with the DOJ after a lengthy investigation. The case focused on services provided to U.S. users without a money transmission license. As part of the settlement, the company paid a total of about $505 million, which included $84 million in civil penalties and around $421 million in revenue from U.S. users that had to be forfeited.

The DOJ stated that OKX had policies designed to prevent U.S. residents from joining the platform. However, some employees allegedly assisted users in circumventing these restrictions by advising them to provide false information.

“The company violated U.S. laws despite its own internal controls,” said a DOJ spokesperson. “This settlement will deter other companies from similar violations and help ensure that those who wish to provide financial services in the United States do so in compliance with the law.”

OKX noted that the accounts linked to the settlement have been removed from the platform and that user funds were not affected during the investigation.

Shift From OKCoin to OKX Platform

OKCoin users in the U.S. will be switched to the main OKX platform as part of the rollout. OKCoin is a U.S.-accessible exchange that is linked to OKX. The company said the migration will provide users with better trading conditions, such as increased liquidity and lower fees.

This change will occur in a phased manner, with OKX introducing services gradually before going fully live nationwide later in 2025. Customers will be notified as their accounts are transitioned.

Leading the charge as CEO for OKX’s U.S. operations is Roshan Robert, who brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as the CEO of CLST, a leading digital asset firm. Robert's background also includes positions at major financial institutions like Morgan Stanley and Barclays, where he held leadership roles in capital markets and derivatives.

Moreover, Robert was a founding member of Hidden Road, a digital asset firm that was recently acquired by Ripple (XRP). His deep understanding of both the traditional finance sector and the emerging cryptocurrency market makes him uniquely qualified to spearhead OKX's expansion in the U.S.

Focus On Compliance And U.S. Strategy

OKX has devised a comprehensive compliance plan as part of its entry into the U.S. market. The company's framework includes customer identity verification procedures, sophisticated tools to detect and prevent money laundering, geographic access controls to ensure compliance with local regulations, and advanced market monitoring systems to mitigate any potential market abuse.

In a statement, Robert highlighted OKX's commitment to responsible expansion.

"We are focused on building responsibly in the U.S. and cooperating fully with regulators to meet all requirements. We are working to provide a trusted and transparent platform for digital asset traders in this important market."

Crypto Industry Sees Renewed Interest In U.S.

The move by OKX comes as crypto firms are showing renewed interest in the U.S. market. Changes in the political landscape, such as the current administration's approach to digital assets, have led to more companies restarting operations in the country.

Recently, CoinList announced its return after several years, and other major exchanges, including Binance, are also reported to be considering a U.S. comeback. OKX's expansion places it among a growing list of firms aiming to gain a foothold as regulatory conditions continue to evolve.