OKX Lists USELESSUSDT and NEWTUSDT Perpetual Futures to Target Meme and AI-Driven DeFi Markets

Cryptocurrency exchange OKX has expanded its futures platform by listing two new USDT-based perpetual futures contracts on July 25, 2025. The added pairs are USELESSUSDT and NEWTUSDT, each with distinct market positioning and risk profiles. The USELESSUSDT contract became available at 18:00 UTC, while NEWTUSDT followed at 18:15 UTC, accessible via OKX’s web platform, mobile app, and API.

USELESS, a meme coin built on the Solana network, positions itself as a satirical critique of crypto’s “usefulness” narrative, leveraging “uselessness” as a core brand identity. Conversely, NEWT (Newton Protocol) focuses on AI-driven infrastructure for automated trading systems and developer ecosystems, aiming to create a next-generation crypto trading environment for both retail and institutional users. OKX’s decision to list these assets reflects its strategy to offer diverse derivatives options, particularly catering to traders seeking exposure to high-volatility meme coins and AI-integrated DeFi projects [1].

The exchange emphasized the need for investors to conduct thorough due diligence before trading these contracts, citing the inherent risks of volatility and speculative nature. OKX’s move aligns with broader market dynamics, where institutional demand for Bitcoin remains robust while altcoin derivatives markets see fragmented liquidity and shifting risk preferences. However, the listing does not include regulatory disclosures, such as compliance under frameworks like the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA), suggesting operational rather than compliance-driven motivations [1].

The expansion follows a dynamic approach to product management. On July 23, OKX reported delisting several underperforming altcoin pairs from its futures platform, highlighting a strategy of balancing innovation with risk mitigation. This approach is common in crypto derivatives markets, where exchanges must adapt quickly to liquidity shifts and trader demand. While the announcement does not specify expected returns or rankings for the new contracts, analysts suggest that their success will depend on factors such as trading incentives and macroeconomic conditions [1].

OKX’s focus on USDT-based perpetual futures underscores a growing trend toward stablecoin-pegged derivatives, which reduce exposure to fiat currency volatility. This aligns with the exchange’s broader emphasis on accessible, leveraged trading products. However, the absence of granular details on liquidity metrics or projected market share leaves the long-term impact on trading volumes speculative.

The timing of the listing coincides with broader regulatory developments in the crypto sector. While CoinShares recently secured EU-wide MiCA authorization, OKX has not disclosed similar updates, indicating that its strategy remains centered on operational enhancements rather than regulatory milestones. This distinction highlights the fragmented landscape of global crypto regulations, where compliance remains a competitive differentiator [1].

OKX’s July 25 announcement reinforces its role as a key player in the altcoin derivatives market. By introducing assets with niche use cases, the exchange aims to attract both speculative traders and those seeking exposure to emerging blockchain applications. The success of these contracts will hinge on their ability to sustain liquidity and adapt to the sector’s rapid evolution.

Source: [1] [Bitcoin Exchange OKX Announces Listing of Two New Altcoin Trading Pairs on Its Futures Platform! Here Are the Details](https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/688350ea2fb07463b9e437bb/)