OKX Blames Binance for Talent War as Spokesman's Exit Fuels Speculation

OKX has accused Binance of talent poaching amid the abrupt dismissal of Felix Fan, the spokesperson for OKX's X Layer blockchain project, intensifying tensions between the two major crypto exchanges. The move has sparked speculation about internal conflicts and strategic rivalries in the competitive crypto landscape .

X Layer announced on October 28 that Fan, who served as the protocol's "Builder 001," was terminated for engaging in activities that violated his employment contract and the company's code of ethics, though specifics were not disclosed . OKX's president, Hong Fang, indirectly pointed fingers at Binance in a post, alleging that a "certain competitor" (widely interpreted as Binance) has been offering tempting packages to OKX employees, only to discard them afterward . This accusation adds to a series of recent disputes between the exchanges, including a rumored bet involving X Layer's meme coin, XDOG, and a Binance product .

The incident has fueled uncertainty among OKX supporters, with some users suggesting that Fan's removal stemmed from a friendly wager that backfired. According to reports, Fan had bet on XDOG's performance to outpace a Binance product but later congratulated Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) after the coin's decline. A now-deleted tweet and screenshots in Mandarin have fueled speculation about the nature of the exchange, though neither Fan nor X Layer has provided clarity .

OKX has urged employees to report suspicious recruitment offers, signaling heightened vigilance amid the rivalry. The exchange's response underscores the aggressive tactics often employed in the crypto industry, where talent and technological innovation are critical assets . Analysts note that such conflicts, while not uncommon, risk damaging reputations and eroding trust in an already volatile sector .

The fallout highlights the precarious balance between competition and collaboration in crypto. While Binance and OKX have previously clashed over market share and regulatory stances, the alleged poaching campaign-if true-could mark a new phase in their rivalry. For now, the ambiguity surrounding Fan's dismissal and the broader allegations remain unresolved, leaving the industry to speculate on the next moves from both sides .