OKX, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume, is preparing to go public in the United States.
This is a significant milestone in its efforts to rebuild its reputation and gain a foothold in one of the world’s most heavily regulated financial markets.
The move comes months after OKX reached a $505 million settlement with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the US Department of the Treasury.
OKX agreed to pay $84 million in penalties and return $421 million in profits to US-based users. The case was widely seen as a major regulatory crackdown and, for many, marked a turning point in how offshore crypto firms approach compliance with US laws.
OKX expands US presence
Instead of retreating from the US market, OKX is doubling down. The firm has released a consolidated crypto trading platform specially designed for US customers.
It also launched its non-custodial OKX Wallet, which enables US users to participate in decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and Web3 services. The wallet supports various blockchains and allows users to own their keys, whether you’re a newcomer in crypto or an advanced trader.
OKX has further demonstrated its dedication by launching a US regional office in San Jose, CA. It has brought in Roshan Robert as the CEO of OKX USA to lead the next step in its US strategy. Robert was previously a senior executive at Morgan Stanley and Barclays, and he brought deep Wall Street experience to a company that had long been centered on offshore productions.
In a recent interview, Robert said the team is looking to build a “super app” in the US. “Our long-term vision, of course, is to become a category-defining super app. And we plan to slowly work towards that goal,” he said.
OKX’s IPO ambition isn’t solely a business milestone — it’s a statement. Regulatory certainty has been an issue that has continued to trouble crypto exchanges in the US since their inception, and many international exchanges have even refused to operate in the country. OKX has volunteered to be investigated by the SEC and other “reputable” agencies by listing in the USA.
Analysts say the IPO would most likely be issued by OKX’s United States subsidiary, which has moved to California. This could happen very soon if the company can clear regulatory hurdles and market conditions remain favorable.
Exchange fights to regain investor confidence
OKX’s past encounters with regulators were a little bit scandalous. But it now seems to be learning from its past mistakes.
The exchange has now stated it is focusing on Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and effective anti-money laundering (AML), owing to which data and funds of US customers will be stored separately from its worldwide business.
The change reflects a broader shift in the crypto industry, as companies that used to work in the legal gray areas now hurry to fall in line to plug into traditional financial infrastructure.
If successful, OKX would add its name to a short but growing list of crypto companies to go public in the US, alongside Coinbase and Robinhood. The platform boasts a global user base of over 50 million people, a solid trading engine, and a growing set of DeFi products that just might set OKX up for the next wave of mainstream crypto adoption.
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