The crypto exchange OKX is reportedly considering an initial US public offering (IPO) as the wave of crypto firms entering public markets gains momentum.
Although the exchange has not officially confirmed these plans, Chief Marketing Officer Haider Rafique hinted at the possibility during a conversation with The Information, suggesting an IPO could be on the table.
The potential move comes at a pivotal time for the exchange. In April 2025, OKX re-entered the US market after a period of absence, launching a centralized trading platform alongside a new Web3 wallet.
Meanwhile, this return followed a $504 million settlement with the US Department of Justice, which had previously accused the exchange of failing to implement adequate anti-money laundering measures. The authorities linked the platform to over $5 billion in suspicious transactions.
In response, OKX has adopted strict compliance protocols, including a full know-your-customer (KYC) process, to align with US regulatory requirements.
So, if OKX proceeds with a listing, it would mark a significant milestone in its post-settlement recovery and a notable shift in strategy toward greater transparency and long-term US market engagement.
OKX currently ranks among the top global crypto exchanges by trading volume and holds licenses in key markets such as Europe and Singapore.
The firm has yet to respond to CryptoSlate’s request for comment as of press time.
IPO wave
OKX’s reported IPO ambitions follow the public debut of Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin.
Earlier this month, Circle listed its CRCL stock on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), achieving one of the most impressive performances of any crypto-related IPO.
As of press time, Circle’s shares are trading at approximately $261.98, representing a nearly 700% increase since launch.
Circle’s strong market debut has renewed interest in IPOs within the crypto industry. Exchanges like Gemini have reportedly submitted confidential filings to US regulators as they consider going public.
These moves signal growing confidence among crypto companies that regulatory conditions in the US may now favor market expansion and institutional participation.
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