OKX
OKX is a Bitcoin company in the Exchanges category, founded in 2013 by Star Xu (Xu Mingxing).
The Idea
One of China's first Bitcoin trading platforms. Xu, a former CTO at document-sharing site Docin.com, founded OKCoin on June 1, 2013 as a Bitcoin-to-yuan trading platform. Expanded globally as OKEx in 2017 (rebranded OKX in 2022).
Early Traction
Became one of the 'big three' Chinese exchanges alongside Huobi and BTC China, dominating global Bitcoin trading volume when China was the center of the market.
Peak Stats
OKX became the world's largest exchange by reported turnover in May 2018. Top 3 globally by volume consistently.
Status Today
Active. Relocated out of China after 2021 ban. Remains a top-5 digital asset exchange by spot volume and #2 in derivatives volume globally.
Why It Matters
OKX represents the Chinese exchange era that dominated Bitcoin trading from 2013-2017, and remains a top player today. CZ's stint as CTO there before founding Binance is notable.