When Was OKX Founded and Why Did It Change Its Name?

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OKX, now recognized as one of the world's leading digital asset trading platforms, has undergone a significant evolution since its inception. Originally known in Chinese-speaking markets as "欧易" (Ouyi), the platform has rebranded globally to strengthen its identity, expand its reach, and align with its mission of becoming a truly global gateway to the digital economy.

This article explores the origins of OKX, the reasons behind its rebranding from OKEx to OKX, and how it has evolved into a comprehensive crypto ecosystem serving over 20 million users worldwide.

The Founding Year of OKX: A Pioneer in the Digital Asset Space

OKX was founded in 2017, during a pivotal period in blockchain history. That year marked the beginning of widespread public interest in cryptocurrencies, fueled by the explosive growth of Bitcoin and the rise of initial coin offerings (ICOs). Recognizing the need for a secure, reliable, and user-friendly platform to facilitate digital asset trading, the team behind OKX launched what would soon become a major player in the industry.

Initially operating under the name OKEx, the platform quickly gained traction due to its robust infrastructure, advanced trading features, and commitment to security. It wasn’t long before OKEx became one of the top cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume, especially in derivatives and futures markets.

👉 Discover how OKX evolved from a regional exchange to a global crypto leader.

Why Did OKEx Rebrand to OKX?

In 2022, OKEx officially rebranded to OKX, marking a strategic shift beyond being just an exchange. The name change reflects a broader vision — transforming from a cryptocurrency trading platform into a full-fledged digital ecosystem that supports decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), Web3 applications, and more.

Here are the key reasons behind the rebranding:

1. Global Expansion and Brand Unification

While "OKEx" served well in technical circles, it lacked emotional resonance and cultural adaptability across diverse markets. The new name, OKX, is concise, modern, and easily recognizable across languages and regions. The “X” symbolizes exploration, innovation, and the unknown — embodying the spirit of discovery in blockchain technology.

2. Moving Beyond Trading

The “X” also stands for expansion into multiple product lines:

This transformation positions OKX not just as a place to trade crypto, but as a one-stop platform for engaging with the entire digital economy.

3. Strengthening User-Centric Identity

The rebrand emphasized a renewed commitment to user-first principles. With enhanced UI/UX design, multi-language support, localized customer service, and tailored educational content, OKX aims to make crypto accessible to beginners while still offering advanced tools for experienced traders.

Key Milestones in OKX’s Evolution

Since its founding in 2017, OKX has achieved several industry-firsts:

These innovations have helped OKX maintain its position at the forefront of the crypto industry.

👉 See how OKX’s unified account system simplifies crypto trading for millions.

Core Keywords Driving OKX’s Digital Presence

To align with search intent and improve discoverability, this article naturally integrates the following core keywords:

These terms reflect common user queries and help ensure the content meets real informational needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What year was OKX founded?

A: OKX was founded in 2017 under the name OKEx. It later rebranded to OKX in 2022 to reflect its expanded vision beyond trading.

Q: Why did OKEx change its name to OKX?

A: The rebranding from OKEx to OKX signifies a strategic shift from being solely a cryptocurrency exchange to becoming a comprehensive Web3 and digital asset ecosystem. The new name supports global branding efforts and reflects innovation and expansion into areas like DeFi, NFTs, and wallet services.

Q: Is OKX the same company as OKEx?

A: Yes, OKX is the same company formerly known as OKEx. The name change was part of a larger rebranding initiative to unify its global presence and expand its product offerings.

Q: How many users does OKX serve?

A: OKX serves over 20 million users worldwide, offering multi-language support and localized services across various regions.

Q: Does OKX offer more than just trading?

A: Absolutely. Beyond spot and derivatives trading, OKX provides a Web3 wallet, NFT marketplace, DeFi browser, developer APIs, and educational resources — making it a full-stack digital asset platform.

Q: Is the unified trading account available to all users?

A: Yes, the unified trading account is available to all users and allows for efficient margin sharing across different products like spot, futures, and options — significantly lowering barriers to entry and improving capital efficiency.

A Vision for the Future: Building the Next Generation of Digital Finance

As blockchain technology continues to mature, platforms like OKX are playing a crucial role in bridging traditional finance with decentralized systems. By focusing on innovation, security, and user experience, OKX is helping shape a future where digital assets are accessible, usable, and valuable to everyone — from individual investors to institutional players.

With ongoing investments in AI-driven trading tools, cross-chain interoperability, and regulatory compliance, OKX is well-positioned to remain at the cutting edge of the digital finance revolution.

👉 Explore the future of digital finance with tools built for both beginners and experts.

Final Thoughts

From its founding in 2017 to its bold rebranding as OKX in 2022, this platform has consistently pushed boundaries in the crypto space. Its journey reflects the broader evolution of the industry — from niche speculation to mainstream adoption and ecosystem development.

Whether you're interested in trading, exploring Web3, or simply learning about blockchain technology, understanding OKX's history and vision offers valuable insights into where digital finance is headed next.