OKX's Boost Overhaul Aims to Outpace Binance in Crypto Rivalry

OKX, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, announced on November 3, 2025, that it will update its Boost Transaction Volume and Balance Calculation Rules to enhance user incentives and transparency. The changes aim to align with evolving market demands and reinforce the exchange's competitive edge amid intensifying rivalry with rivals like Binance. The update coincides with a delta neutral strategy for VIP users, designed to improve risk management and trading efficiency.

The revised Boost rules will adjust how users earn points through trading volume and token holdings. Under the new framework, users will accumulate points based on their average daily balance of "Category 1" tokens (such as ETH, SOL, and BNB) and their trading activity on OKX DEX. The exchange emphasized that trading pairs with a 0.85% service fee will yield the highest point multipliers, incentivizing users to prioritize these pairs. For instance, achieving 256 U.S. dollars in trading volume will grant users four points, a tier the exchange deems optimal for balancing cost and reward, the article adds.

OKX's strategic moves come as it faces renewed scrutiny over its market position. While Binance retained a 39.71% share of global trading volume in September 2025, OKX held 5.6%, according to CoinGecko. The exchange has also been embroiled in a public feud with Binance, accusing the rival of "predatory poaching" of talent. OKX President Hong Fang alleged that Binance employs a "use-and-discard" hiring strategy, with nearly 100 former senior employees from the competitor joining OKX since 2023, according to reporting on the dispute.

To bolster its institutional expansion, OKX has listed Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) on its spot platform, capitalizing on a 90% weekly surge in the token's price. The listing, which went live on October 28, 2025, follows strategic integrations within the AI agent ecosystem and growing on-chain activity. Analysts have highlighted VIRTUAL's potential to continue rising, with one forecasting price targets of $2, $2.59, and $3.2 as the token breaks a 19-week downtrend.

Financially, OKX reported $35.4 billion in primary reserves as of October 30, 2025, a 75% annual increase. The exchange's 36th PoR report confirmed full coverage of major assets like Bitcoin (105% reserve ratio), Ethereum (102%), and Tether (106%), reinforcing trust in its custodial practices. Meanwhile, the delta neutral strategy, launching November 5, will allow VIP users to hedge positions and manage risk more effectively, though borrowing limits will be lower than in the general strategy.

The updates reflect OKX's broader efforts to adapt to a rapidly shifting crypto landscape. With market volatility and regulatory pressures persisting, the exchange's focus on transparency, institutional partnerships, and advanced trading tools positions it to retain its relevance in a crowded industry. As the rivalry with Binance continues, OKX's ability to innovate and attract users will be critical to maintaining its growth trajectory.