OKX and OKEI: Understanding the Differences and Connections Between the Two

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Understanding OKX: A Global Leader in Digital Asset Trading

In the rapidly evolving world of digital finance, OKX has emerged as one of the most influential cryptocurrency exchange platforms worldwide. Originally launched on May 31, 2017, under the name OKEx, the platform officially adopted its Chinese name "欧易" (Ouyi) in February 2021 — a strategic rebranding that signaled its deeper commitment to global expansion and user-centric innovation. Today, OKX serves millions of users across more than 200 countries and regions, offering a comprehensive suite of financial products including spot trading, margin trading, futures and perpetual contracts, options, decentralized exchange (DEX) services, DeFi staking, lending, and the flexible-yield “Yu Bibao” (Savings Vault) product.

The platform’s evolution reflects broader trends in the blockchain industry — from early crypto trading to a full-fledged digital asset ecosystem. With a clear vision to "enable one billion people globally to own digital assets," OKX continues to push boundaries in accessibility, security, and technological advancement.

👉 Discover how OKX is shaping the future of decentralized finance today.

The Evolution of OKB: Powering the OKX Ecosystem

A cornerstone of OKX’s long-term strategy is OKB, its native utility token launched on January 20, 2018. Issued by the OK Blockchain Foundation and developed by OKX’s core engineering team, OKB operates on blockchain infrastructure using a tokenized economic model. It serves as the lifeblood of the OKX ecosystem, enabling holders to access discounted trading fees, participate in exclusive token sales, vote on platform decisions, and more.

Beyond cost savings, OKB plays a critical role in connecting innovative blockchain projects with experienced investors and active traders. By integrating rewards, governance, and utility into a single asset, OKX has created a self-sustaining loop that strengthens user engagement and platform loyalty.

This focus on ecosystem development was further expanded through the OKEx Cloud Platform initiative — originally introduced in June 2018 as the “Open Exchange Co-Development Program.” This forward-thinking project opened up OKX’s core technologies — including matching engines, wallet systems (hot and cold), anti-money laundering (AML) protocols, customer support frameworks, and multi-language interfaces — to third-party partners known as “OK Partners.”

By empowering other teams to build their own compliant and efficient exchanges using OKX’s proven infrastructure, the company effectively multiplied its global reach. As of recent data, over 120 independent trading service providers have been launched through this program, demonstrating the scalability and trust embedded within the OKX technological stack.

Strategic Relocation and Global Expansion

In July 2018, OKX completed a pivotal move by relocating its registration from Belize to Malta, establishing a formal office and hiring local talent. This shift underscored its commitment to regulatory compliance and long-term sustainability in international markets. Malta, often referred to as the “Blockchain Island,” offers a progressive legal framework for digital asset businesses, making it an ideal hub for crypto innovation.

This strategic relocation allowed OKX to better serve European and Middle Eastern markets while aligning with global standards for KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML practices. It also paved the way for future partnerships with traditional financial institutions and blockchain startups operating within regulated environments.

👉 Learn how OKX combines innovation with compliance to lead in global markets.

Innovating User Education and Financial Inclusion

Recognizing that widespread adoption hinges on public understanding, OKX launched OK Blockchain 60 Lessons in September 2019 — a collaborative educational series with Sina Finance. Designed for beginners, this video-based curriculum breaks down complex topics into digestible segments across five core modules: blockchain fundamentals, technical mechanisms, real-world applications, industry trends, and investment insights.

Each episode tackles a specific concept — from what a distributed ledger is to how smart contracts work — helping demystify blockchain for mainstream audiences. This initiative not only boosted brand credibility but also contributed meaningfully to financial literacy in the crypto space.

Another milestone came in November 2018 with the launch of Yu Bibao (Savings Vault), a flexible savings product allowing users to earn interest on idle cryptocurrencies with instant withdrawal capabilities. Unlike traditional fixed-term deposits, Yu Bibao offers liquidity without sacrificing yield — a feature that resonates strongly with retail investors seeking passive income opportunities in volatile markets.

Advancing Blockchain Infrastructure: The OEC Journey

OKX didn’t stop at being just an exchange. In February 2020, it unveiled the testnet for its public blockchain — the OKXChain (OEC) — marking its entry into decentralized infrastructure development. Built to support high-speed transactions and decentralized applications (dApps), OEC aims to reduce congestion and high gas fees commonly found on other networks like Ethereum.

To accelerate innovation on OEC, OKX hosted its first “Hackathon” in June 2020, offering top-performing developer teams rewards worth up to $5,000 in OKB. These events foster community-driven growth and attract talented builders to expand the platform’s decentralized ecosystem.

While the official Weibo account of OKX was suspended on March 11, 2021 — likely due to tightening regulations in China — the company swiftly adapted by focusing on international markets. This pivot highlighted its resilience and ability to operate effectively in diverse regulatory landscapes.

👉 Explore how OKX supports developers and innovators building the next generation of dApps.

Core Keywords Summary

Throughout its journey, OKX has consistently emphasized several key themes:

These keywords reflect both user search intent and the platform’s strategic pillars — from secure trading environments to financial empowerment through education and innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is OKX the same as OKEI?
A: No. "OKEI" appears to be a misinterpretation or typo. The correct name is OKX, formerly known as OKEx. Its official Chinese name is 欧易 (Ouyi), which may have contributed to confusion in pronunciation or spelling.

Q: What is the purpose of OKB?
A: OKB is the native utility token of OKX. It provides benefits such as reduced trading fees, access to premium features, participation in token launches (Launchpad), governance rights, and rewards within the broader ecosystem.

Q: Can I earn passive income on OKX?
A: Yes. Products like Yu Bibao (Savings Vault) allow users to earn competitive yields on their idle crypto assets with flexible withdrawal terms — ideal for those looking to maximize returns without locking funds long-term.

Q: Is OKX available worldwide?
A: While OKX serves users in over 200 countries, availability may vary based on local regulations. Always check compliance requirements in your region before signing up.

Q: Does OKX offer educational resources?
A: Absolutely. Initiatives like OK Blockchain 60 Lessons provide beginner-friendly content covering essential blockchain concepts, making it easier for new users to enter the space confidently.

Q: What happened to OKX’s Weibo account?
A: The official Weibo account was suspended in March 2021 amid increased regulatory scrutiny in China. Since then, OKX has shifted focus to global operations and international social platforms.

By combining cutting-edge technology, user-first design, and a strong commitment to education and decentralization, OKX continues to shape the future of digital finance — not just as an exchange, but as a gateway to financial freedom for millions around the world.