OKX is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange platforms, known for its robust infrastructure, diverse financial products, and global user base. Since its inception in 2017, OKX has evolved from a simple digital asset trading platform into a comprehensive Web3 ecosystem offering services such as spot and derivatives trading, decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and self-custody wallet solutions.
With over 20 million users worldwide, OKX consistently ranks among the top exchanges by trading volume—particularly in futures trading—and recently became the second-largest crypto spot exchange globally. In 2021 alone, the platform recorded a staggering 700% year-on-year increase in total trading volume, including both spot and derivatives markets, while the number of executed trades surged by more than 480%.
Beyond trading, OKX offers innovative ways for users to generate passive income through OKX Earn, where over $5.1 billion** has been deposited into staking, savings, and DeFi products in the past year, resulting in more than **$314 million in distributed earnings.
The platform supports over 250 listed digital assets, continuously expanding its offerings to meet evolving market demands. Recently, OKX launched MetaX, a new decentralized gateway featuring a cross-chain dashboard and a non-custodial Web3 wallet designed to store NFTs and other digital assets securely.
👉 Discover how OKX empowers traders with advanced tools and low fees.
Founding Vision: Who Is Star Xu?
At the heart of OKX’s rise is its founder, Star Xu (Xu Mingxing)—a visionary entrepreneur whose journey from early internet ventures to blockchain innovation has shaped the landscape of digital finance in Asia and beyond.
Star Xu graduated with a bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Science and Technology Beijing and later pursued postgraduate studies in Mathematics at Renmin University of China, though he eventually left the program. During his academic years, he co-authored a scientific paper on first-principles calculations of BaTiO₃ lattice properties—a testament to his strong analytical foundation.
His tech career began at Yahoo China, where he worked on search technologies. He then co-founded Docin.com (Doufen Network), a pioneering document-sharing platform in China, serving as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO). After six years at Docin, Xu turned his attention to Bitcoin and blockchain technology, launching OKCoin in 2013—one of China’s earliest cryptocurrency exchanges.
Under his leadership, OKCoin quickly gained prominence, earning multiple accolades:
- 2014: Named "Top 100 Innovative Growth Enterprises in China" by Chuangye Bang.
- 2014: Awarded "Annual Financial Enterprise Award" by the National Information Industry Public Service Platform.
- 2015: Recognized as an "Outstanding Innovator in Brand Building" by Economic Daily, a state-affiliated media outlet.
Despite stepping down as CEO of OKEx in February 2018, Xu remained instrumental in guiding the strategic direction of the company. His influence endures through the continued expansion of OKX into decentralized finance and Web3 infrastructure.
Today, Star Xu is widely regarded as a pioneer in the Chinese blockchain space, with a net worth estimated in the hundreds of millions due to the success of his ventures, which have processed daily trading volumes exceeding $6.8 billion at peak times.
Evolution of OKX: A Timeline of Innovation
OKX was founded in 2017 by Star Xu under the name OKEx, initially registered in Belize. From day one, the platform aimed to serve global traders with high-performance trading systems and institutional-grade security.
Key Milestones in OKX’s Growth
- January 2018: Launched OKB, the native utility token issued by the OK Blockchain Foundation. OKB holders enjoy benefits such as reduced trading fees, voting rights, and access to exclusive token sales.
- July 2018: Relocated headquarters to Malta, establishing an official office and hiring local talent to strengthen compliance and international operations.
- November 2018: Introduced Yu Bibao (Earnings宝)—a flexible crypto savings product allowing users to earn interest on idle assets with instant withdrawal capabilities.
- February 2020: Unveiled the testnet for OEC (OKX Chain), a high-performance public blockchain designed to support DeFi applications and cross-chain interoperability.
- February 2021: Rebranded with the Chinese name “Ouyi” (meaning “Everyone’s Exchange”), reflecting its mission: “To make individual value more respected.” The vision? To help one billion people own digital assets.
- January 2022: Officially rebranded from OKEx to OKX, signaling a shift beyond centralized exchange services toward a full-stack Web3 ecosystem.
This transformation reflects OKX’s long-term strategy: moving from a transaction-focused platform to an open financial gateway that empowers users across centralized and decentralized environments.
👉 Explore OKX’s full range of Web3 tools and trading features today.
How to Reduce Trading Fees on Major Exchanges
While understanding market dynamics is crucial for profitability, minimizing costs—especially trading fees—is equally important. Even small fees compound significantly over time. Active traders can easily spend over $10,000 annually in fees without optimization.
Here’s how you can reduce fees on top platforms:
Reduce OKX Trading Fees
OKX uses a tiered fee structure based on user level—Regular or Professional—determined by either OKB holdings (for regular users) or trading volume and account assets (for professionals).
Users qualify for the best applicable fee tier based on their performance across:
- Spot trading
- Futures contracts (USDT-margined and coin-margined)
- Options trading
- Total asset balance
Two Ways to Lower Your Fees:
- Use a Referral Link: Registering via an official referral grants up to 20% discount on trading fees.
- Enter Invitation Code: On the registration page, input code
BTC1ETHto unlock a permanent 20% fee rebate.
✅ Pro Tip: Always verify promotional details directly on the OKX website to avoid scams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is OKX safe to use?
A: Yes. OKX implements military-grade encryption, cold wallet storage for 95%+ of funds, and regular third-party audits. It also operates a $1 billion Protected Funds program to safeguard user assets.
Q: Can I trade futures and options on OKX?
A: Absolutely. OKX is ranked #1 globally for crypto futures volume and offers advanced tools like ladder margin, deep liquidity, and up to 125x leverage.
Q: What is OKB used for?
A: OKB is central to the ecosystem—it reduces fees, grants access to token launches (Jumpstart), enables governance participation, and powers DeFi integrations on OEC.
Q: Does OKX require KYC?
A: Yes, but only for higher withdrawal limits and certain services. Basic trading can be done with minimal verification.
Q: Is there a mobile app?
A: Yes. The OKX app supports iOS and Android with full functionality including spot/futures trading, staking, Web3 wallet access, and real-time price alerts.
Q: How does MetaX differ from other wallets?
A: MetaX combines a cross-chain dashboard with a non-custodial wallet, enabling seamless interaction with DApps across multiple chains while maintaining full user control over private keys.
Why OKX Stands Out in the Crypto Ecosystem
OKX isn’t just another exchange—it’s a gateway to the future of finance. By integrating CeFi and DeFi under one roof, it bridges traditional crypto trading with next-generation Web3 experiences.
From its origins as a China-based startup to its current status as a global leader, OKX has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and technological foresight. Its commitment to innovation is evident not only in product development but also in user empowerment—through education, low-cost access, and decentralized ownership models.
Whether you're a beginner looking to buy your first Bitcoin or a pro trader leveraging complex derivatives strategies, OKX provides the tools, security, and scalability needed to succeed.
👉 Start your journey with powerful trading tools and lower fees now.
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