OKX Considers US IPO After $500 Million DOJ Settlement

Global cryptocurrency exchange OKX is reportedly considering an initial public offering (IPO) in the United States. This move comes just months after OKX settled with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and re-entered the American market with ambitious growth plans.

In February, OKX agreed to a $500 million settlement with the DOJ over allegations that it operated as an unlicensed money transmitter. This resolution paved the way for the exchange to relaunch in the United States in April, signaling a fresh start under regulatory compliance. OKX has since established a regional headquarters in San Jose, California, and appointed former Morgan Stanley and Barclays executive Roshan Robert as CEO of its U.S. operations.

Speaking to The Block in May, Robert outlined OKX’s vision of building a "category-defining super app" tailored to American users. “Our long-term vision, of course, is to become a category-defining super app. And we plan to slowly work towards that goal,” he said. The exchange’s U.S. team has grown rapidly, now boasting approximately 500 employees across major cities including New York, San Francisco, and San Jose.

Robert emphasized the shifting dynamics of the U.S. regulatory landscape, stating that the U.S. is no longer “an impossible market” and now represents a significant “untapped opportunity” if approached with the right strategy. If OKX proceeds with a public offering, it will join a growing list of crypto firms attempting to go public in the United States. Earlier this month, Bullish, a digital asset exchange backed by billionaire Peter Thiel, reportedly filed confidential paperwork for a U.S. IPO.

When reached for comment, an OKX spokesperson told The Block that the company had no official statement on the IPO speculation. An OKX listing in the U.S. could be a major milestone for the exchange and the wider crypto industry, reflecting a broader trend of regulated global expansion among digital asset firms. It also indicates that large crypto entities are increasingly willing to operate under U.S. regulatory oversight to tap into North America’s massive investor base.

With regulatory scrutiny still high, the success of such IPO plans may depend heavily on ongoing compliance efforts and market sentiment.