OKX chose Malta after evaluating several jurisdictions because of its high regulatory standards and the company’s existing team and strong infrastructure in the country. Malta, known for its forward-thinking and comprehensive regulatory approach to blockchain and cryptocurrency, makes it an ideal base from which OKX can offer its services to EU customers. OKX’s local entity, Okcoin Europe Ltd, has held a Class 4 Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) Service Provider License from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) since 2021.

OKX believes the future of the crypto industry is increasingly regulated. The company is embracing a regulated model in Europe: investing in compliance, risk and corporate governance in our pursuit to be among the most accessible and trusted crypto venues.

Under the MiCA framework, OKX plans to offer spot trading (including EUR and USDC pairs) in addition to buy, sell, convert and staking services to qualified EU residents through Okcoin Europe Ltd. Once fully effective on December 30, 2024, MiCA will allow crypto-asset exchanges to begin to passport into EU countries and provide services across the EU.

OKX Europe General Manager-Designate Erald Ghoos said: “We’ve established our MiCA hub in Malta because it will enable us to provide world-class products to a diverse range of customers across Europe. These new regulatory standards, which aim to protect users while supporting the sustainable development of the crypto industry, also enable us to deepen our hiring and investment in Europe in the long-term. I can think of no better place to establish our MiCA hub than Malta due to its track record of prioritizing customer safety and security.”

The establishment of its MiCA hub in Malta is another important milestone in OKX’s growth, following its recent crypto exchange and Web3 wallet launches in the Netherlands and Türkiye in 2024.

About OKX

OKX is a leading global crypto exchange and innovative Web3 company. Trusted by more than 50 million global users, OKX is known for being one of the fastest, most secure and reliable crypto apps in the world and is a top partner of Manchester City FC, McLaren Racing and the Tribeca Film Festival.

OKX is committed to transparency and security and publishes its Proof of Reserves on a monthly basis.

OKX’s decision to register with the AMF follows the company’s incorporation of OKX France in April and demonstrates its dedication to growing its European presence, with France as a significant hub. Registration with the AMF will enable OKX to offer a suite of products and services to customers in France in full compliance with local regulations.

“The French DASP regulation provides a clear and secure regulatory framework for digital asset service providers. Coupled with the growing number of registered DASPs in France, OKX looks forward to growing the French ecosystem in a safe and sound manner.

“For OKX, this application is a huge opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to support new regulatory frameworks as well as to plan for the future with MiCA coming onboard in 2024 for the entire European Union.”, OKX Head of Global Government Relations Tim Byun

Beyond the sound and transparent regulatory framework it offers, France has positioned itself as the European hub for OKX due to its high concentration of crypto enthusiasts and experienced traders and the highly qualified workforce available, necessary to OKX’s development.

Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister Delegate to the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, in charge of Digital Transition and Telecommunications said.

“We are delighted that OKX selects France for expanding its operations in Europe. This decision confirms France’s aspirations to become a key player in Web3 technologies, a vision that has been championed by President Macron and Minister Bruno Le Maire since 2017”

“French authorities’ deep expertise and experience in the crypto-asset sector enable OKX to benefit from a consistent and robust approach, throughout its licensing process and beyond. OKX’s decision is a testament to the success of the French government’s policies aimed at nurturing a resilient and secure innovative crypto-asset sector. We are more convinced than ever that France has all the necessary elements to become a worldwide leader in Web 3 innovation and digital economy.”

Compliance, regulation and transparency are critical factors for the success of the crypto and blockchain industry. Over the years, OKX has taken measures to ensure compliance, including growing its international compliance team, as well as actively fighting fraud and ransomware. In terms of transparency, OKX is continuously enhancing the approach to exceed market standards and achieve real-time, trustless verification of reserves, liabilities and solvency.

In March, OKX announced that it would apply for  virtual asset service provider licences in Hong Kong. It’s currently licensed in the Bahamas and has a provisional licence from VARA in Dubai.

“Our dedication lies in broadening our reach and involvement with European regulators, and we consider our operations in France to be crucial in this endeavour”

“We are excited to maintain our collaboration with the AMF as we extend the use of our product portfolio in France, presenting individuals and businesses with a secure and efficient approach to exchanging value. As a Web3 leading company, we are looking forward to introducing French people to all the amazing projects we are working on.”, Hong Fang, OKX President

About OKX

OKX is a world-leading technology company building the future of Web3. Known as one of the fastest and most reliable crypto trading platforms for investors and professional traders everywhere, OKX’s crypto exchange is the second largest globally by trading volume and is trusted by more than 50 million users.

OKX’s leading self-custody solutions include the Web3-compatible OKX Wallet, which allows users greater control of their assets while expanding access to DEXs, NFT marketplaces, DeFi, GameFi and thousands of dApps.

OKX partners with a number of the world’s top brands and athletes, including: English Premier League champions Manchester City F.C., McLaren Formula 1, The Tribeca Festival, golfer Ian Poulter, Olympian Scotty James, and F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo.

OKX is committed to transparency and security and publishes its Proof of Reserves on a monthly basis.