OKX: availability and regulation
OKX is a large cryptocurrency exchange that serves the European Economic Area under a Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) licence authorised in Malta. In 2025 an OKX affiliate settled with United States authorities, after which a separate United States platform began operating. Availability and products vary by country.
Information, not advice. This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify the current rules with a qualified local professional and the official regulator before acting.
OKX is a cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2017 that offers spot and derivatives trading and a self custody wallet. As of May 2026 it is available to residents of many countries and serves the European Economic Area under a Markets in Crypto Assets licence authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority. In 2025 an OKX affiliate settled with United States authorities, and a separate United States platform has since launched. Availability, products, and registrations vary by country, so check what applies where you live.
What OKX is
OKX is a cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2017 and operated by a group of companies, with its global platform run by Aux Cayes Fintech Co. Ltd. It offers spot trading, a broad set of crypto assets, a large derivatives business, and a widely used self custody wallet. The platform also supports staking and earn features in some markets.
The exchange itself is custodial, which means OKX holds the assets in your trading account on your behalf, while its separate OKX Wallet product lets users control their own private keys. Funding methods, supported assets, and features differ from one country to another, and derivatives are offered only where OKX holds the right authorisation or are restricted entirely.
Fees are charged on a tiered maker and taker basis, with separate schedules for spot and derivatives. Exact pricing and the product mix change over time, so confirm the current schedule and what is offered to your country on the platform before trading.
Registrations and regulatory position
- European Union. OKX serves the European Economic Area through OKX Europe, which holds a Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) authorisation granted by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). OKX has described itself as among the first global exchanges to obtain a MiCA licence (as of May 2026).
- United States settlement. In February 2025 an OKX affiliate, Aux Cayes Fintech, settled with United States authorities over operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and agreed to penalties reported at around five hundred million dollars, together with a compliance monitor (as of May 2026).
- United States platform. Following the settlement OKX began operating a separate United States platform and established a United States headquarters. The United States service is distinct from the global platform (as of May 2026).
- Restricted jurisdictions. OKX restricts access from a number of countries to comply with sanctions and local law, and the exact list changes. Confirm whether your country is supported on the platform before signing up (as of May 2026).
Each registration is stated as of 21 June 2026. Licences, registrations, and the position under each framework change. Confirm the current status on the regulator register and with the platform before acting.
Where OKX is available
As of May 2026 OKX is available to residents of many countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, and it serves the European Economic Area under its Malta authorisation. A separate United States platform has launched following the 2025 settlement. The exact set of products offered, from spot trading to derivatives, varies by country and by local authorisation.
Some jurisdictions are restricted, including those subject to international sanctions, and certain products are limited in particular markets. Because availability and the product mix vary by country, the country pages on this site track the position market by market.
OKX is available in many countries, with a separate United States platform, but it is one of several options and availability depends on where you live. Compare the exchanges that are genuinely available in your country before you choose.
Regulator and sources
The relevant regulators differ by market: the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) for the Markets in Crypto Assets authorisation that covers the European Economic Area, and United States authorities including the Department of Justice in relation to the 2025 settlement.
- OKX, public information on its MiCA licence and its United States platform.
- Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), register of authorised crypto asset service providers.
- United States Department of Justice, February 2025 announcement of the Aux Cayes Fintech settlement.
- European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), information on the Markets in Crypto Assets framework.
Frequently asked questions
Is OKX legal to use?
In many countries OKX is available and, as of May 2026, it serves the European Economic Area under a Markets in Crypto Assets licence authorised in Malta. An OKX affiliate settled with United States authorities in 2025, after which a separate United States platform launched. Check your local rules before acting.
Is OKX available in the United States?
A separate United States platform began operating after an OKX affiliate settled with United States authorities in February 2025. The United States service is distinct from the global platform, so confirm the current position and which products are offered before acting.
Does OKX hold a MiCA licence?
Yes. As of May 2026 OKX serves the European Economic Area through OKX Europe under a Markets in Crypto Assets authorisation granted by the Malta Financial Services Authority. Confirm the current scope with OKX and the regulator before acting.
Does OKX hold my crypto for me?
On the OKX exchange your assets are held custodially on your behalf. OKX also offers a separate self custody wallet, OKX Wallet, that lets you control your own private keys. This is general information, not advice.
Where can I check OKX registrations directly?
OKX publishes information about its licences, and the Malta Financial Services Authority keeps a public register of authorised providers. The United States Department of Justice published its February 2025 settlement announcement. Those primary sources are the most current way to confirm the position before acting.
Rules change frequently. Exchange availability, registrations, and the rules that govern them can change at short notice and vary by region, and the OKX United States platform is recent and developing. The position on this page is dated 21 June 2026. Confirm the current status with the named regulator and the platform before you act.
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