Is OKEx (OKX) Safe? An Honest Review

Share this:
Editorial Note: While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for How We Make Money. None of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer.

OKEx is a Malta-based crypto exchange operating in more than 100 countries worldwide since 2014. It ranks 2nd in terms of trading volume, with around 300+ available cryptocurrencies, efficient futures trading, derivatives trading, and spot trading.

It is considered one of the largest derivatives and spot exchanges in the world. OKEx is headed by Jay Hao, who had immense interest in game development before founding a crypto exchange. OKEx started from Hong Kong and then expanded into Malta.

The safety and security policy of OKEx is as per the regulations of the Maltese government. With the help of leading venture capitalists like Longling Capital, VentureLab, and Ceyuan Ventures, OKEx has now reached incredible heights.

But is OKEx legit? Let’s unravel more truth about this crypto exchange.

Key points from the article

  • OKEx serves over 20 million traders in 100+ countries, but is not available for US traders due to regulatory compliance issues.

  • The exchange takes security seriously, using measures like bank-level encryption, a multi-signature wallet system, 2FA authentication, and KYC verification for large withdrawals.

  • OKEx is regulated in Malta under the Virtual Financial Assets Act, which aims to provide legal protection for crypto businesses.

  • Overall, OKEx is a large exchange but users should be aware of past security concerns.

Is OKEx Safe? How is OKEx Protecting Your Money?

Open an account
Your capital is at risk.

Since their existence, cryptocurrency exchanges have been facing security concerns worldwide. But, of course, you won’t be facing these safety issues with traditional banking platforms in your country.

The security systems of crypto exchanges are somehow similar to the traditional banking systems. You’ll need secure, strong passwords that are unique for every app and website. In addition, a multifactor authentication feature also protects the user’s financial accounts away from hackers.

Along with these features, OKEx also uses effective industry-standard security measures to protect your money. As a result, it is relatively safer than other crypto exchanges and includes cold storage and distributed server clusters for its customers’ assets. The exchange also claims to have secure bank-level SSL encryption.

OKEx also allows the users to set their unique withdrawal password and anti-phishing passcodes as additional safety practices. It also uses KYC (know-your-customer), which requires users to complete at least level 1 of verification to withdraw their tokens from the exchanges.

How is OKEx Regulated by Governments?

OKEx is a Malta-based company that stays compliant with all the relevant laws in the country. The Maltese government legalized the buying, selling, and exchanging of cryptocurrencies with some rules and regulations. OKEx ensures to follow them all.

The crypto exchange is registered in both of its parent countries, Hong Kong and Malta, and provides trading services and conditions in accordance with the Virtual Financial Asset Act (VFAA). VFAA is a regulated institution that comes under Malta Financial Services.

Although OKEx is entirely safe to use, the OKEx reviews show that some customers face several issues with the platform.

Has OKEx had Any Security Compromises?

Working as one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges all over the globe, OKEx is also backed up and supported by major capitalists. So naturally, this makes people think that OKEx must have a robust cybersecurity architecture that follows the industry’s best standards.

The exchange itself answers people’s “is OKEx legit?” question by offering GSLB, cold storage wallets, and distributed server clutters for their security. But is OKEx safe, or has there been any security compromise before? Well, yes, it had.

In 2017, multiple OKEx account holders complained about their accounts getting hacked and cryptocurrency holdings being stolen. The exchange put the reason for this failure on account holders that they didn’t follow the passwords and login criteria.

However, people said that the security levels of the exchange were inadequate and weak. OKEx then issued revised guidelines and wallet security to the account holders to prevent future mishaps.

Can I Use OKEx In the US?

OKEx currently serves more than 20 million traders residing in 100+ countries worldwide. These include Australia, Cameroon, Canada, Denmark, France, Greece, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Yemen, Colombia, Algeria, Kuwait, etc.

However, there are a few surprising exceptions, including Hong Kong, the US, and its territories, North Korea, Malaysia, Sudan, Ecuador, Syria, Bolivia, Bangladesh, and Kyrgyzstan.

If you’re a US trader, OKEx won’t serve you because of the regulatory and compliance factors.

OKEx Security Rules

OKEx security rules are, so far, quite satisfactory. Moreover, the governmental authority regulates the exchange, which adds a bonus point to its credibility.

The main idea of token security at OKEx relies on the core ‘private key encryption algorithm.’ Similarly, the exchange’s hot and cold wallet technology to store customers’ assets is based on ‘advanced privacy encryption technology.’

To secure users’ accounts from unauthorized access, OKEx uses 2-factor authentication, email verification codes, withdrawal passwords, and mobile verification code that enables easy transfer and withdrawal of funds.

The exchange focuses on its security the most. To provide users with a safe, stable, and reliable environment for trading, the exchange uses a KYC (know-your-customer) feature that applies strict rules for token withdrawal. The users have to complete at least KYC verification level 1 to proceed further.

Apart from that, the exchange is also secure with bank-level SSL encryption that account holders must comply with when using OKEx for trading.

OKEx Pros and Cons

To answer the question: “is OKEx legit,” you need to evaluate all the pros and cons of this crypto exchange without any biases. Of course, the platform is attractive enough to convince you to get started, but don’t forget to watch out for its cons.

Here are some pros and cons of OKEx:

👍 OKEx Pros

Enables trading of more than 400 pairs, including those with 30 global currencies

Available in 100+ countries

Supports spot and margin trading

Compatible with futures trading

Offers investment programs to make passive income

Provides traders with a universal cryptocurrency wallet

Offers a mining pool

Includes courses and guides to educate beginners

Low commissions applicable with the trading volume increase

👎 OKEx Cons

Significant commissions when dealing with fiat funds

Not fully localized

Is OKEx Good For Beginners?

OKEx is one of those cryptocurrency exchanges that cater to beginners and professional traders alike. It has around 300 listed cryptocurrencies, 400 trading pairs, and several fiat-supported currencies like USD, VND, INR, RUB, CNY, etc.

Beginners are mainly concerned about the fees of crypto exchanges when planning to step into the field. Luckily, OKEx doesn’t have any deposit and withdrawal fees and low transaction fees. Moreover, the exchange doesn’t allow fiat deposits, so traders can easily trade using cryptocurrencies.

The exchange supports all the top currencies by volume, such as Bitcoin, OKB, Terra, Ethereum, TRON, Solana, Polygon, Dogecoin, Polkadot, Shiba Inu, etc.

In addition, OKEx offers a simple and easy-to-use trading platform that suits the needs of beginners quite well. It also has an active trading platform for expert and intermediate traders.

Moreover, the basic forms of cryptocurrency are also intuitive and straightforward. This makes the exchange suitable for beginners.

OKX allows traders to buy cryptocurrencies with a bank account, card, or simply a digital wallet. There is no complicated procedure for buying and selling currencies, so people with no prior experience can easily start trading with the platform.

Not only that, but the platform also has an easy method to exchange currencies, which includes stablecoins too. Amateur traders can use OKEx’s conversion form that works almost like a simple market trade but on an active crypto trading platform. The interface is also easier-to-understand, so you don’t have to hesitate.

Beginners usually face lots of hurdles in understanding the price trends of cryptocurrencies. Therefore, OKEx also offers training courses to such individuals to help them upskill and learn all the technicalities and trading terms quickly.

Apart from that, the exchange also offers 24/7 online customer support to registered traders. Beginners can contact their support team via emails, WhatsApp, phone, and live chat (available for desktop and mobile apps). So, yes, OKEx is one of the best crypto exchange platforms for beginners.

Summary

OKEx (OKX) is a leading crypto exchange used and trusted by several countries and millions of users. It supports beginners and professional traders alike, with exceptional trading conditions, trading pairs, and around 200 cryptocurrencies.

Users can easily buy, sell, and swap currencies at competitive trading fees. Not only that, but traders can also hold their currencies in cold storage for their security. The platform is encrypted with bank-level SSL and uses the KYC (know-your-customer) feature, email verification codes, 2-factor authentication, withdrawal passwords, and mobile verification code that allow safe and smooth withdrawal of funds.

Previous OKEx scams and reviews took a tremendous toll on the platform’s reputation, but it has strengthened its infrastructure since then. So, use OKEx’s best security features to protect your account from hackers and move forward with your crypto career.

Team that worked on the article

Ivan Andriyenko
Author at Traders Union

Ivan is a financial expert and analyst specializing in Forex, crypto, and stock trading. He prefers conservative trading strategies with low and medium risks, as well as medium-term and long-term investments. He has been working with financial markets for 8 years. Ivan prepares text materials for novice traders. He specializes in reviews and assessment of brokers, analyzing their reliability, trading conditions, and features.

Dr. BJ Johnson
Dr. BJ Johnson
Developmental English Editor

Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.

The topics he covers include trading signals, cryptocurrencies, Forex brokers, stock brokers, expert advisors, binary options. He has also worked on the ratings of brokers and many other materials.

Dr. BJ Johnson’s motto: It always seems impossible until it’s done. You can do it.

Mirjan Hipolito
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO). Mirjan is a cryptocurrency and stock trader. This deep understanding of the finance sector allows her to create informative and engaging content that helps readers easily navigate the complexities of the crypto world.