Circle, Ripple, Standard Chartered and Qube Research back OKX at $25 billion valuation

Strategic Expansion into Tokenized Equity

OKX, the global crypto exchange, closed a new funding round that values the company at $25 billion, the same figure it achieved in March. The latest investors include Circle, Ripple, Standard Chartered’s venture arm SC Ventures, and London‑based quantitative hedge fund Qube Research & Technologies. The round comes as OKX’s joint venture with Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) seeks regulatory approval to list tokenized shares of 63 U. S. companies on its platform.

The deal was announced on Tuesday, with the exchange saying it had raised an undisclosed amount of capital. The valuation remains unchanged from the March funding round, indicating steady investor confidence amid a volatile crypto market. The inclusion of Qube Research, a hedge fund that had previously invested in the NYSE’s owner, signals a growing interest from traditional finance in crypto infrastructure.

How Will the Capital Be Used?

OKX’s partnership with ICE is a key driver behind the fresh capital injection. The joint venture aims to bring tokenized versions of U. S. equities to the exchange, allowing investors to trade digital shares of companies such as Apple, Amazon, and Tesla. The move is part of a broader push to blend traditional securities with blockchain technology, offering greater liquidity and fractional ownership. Regulatory approval is still pending, but the partnership has already attracted attention from institutional investors seeking exposure to tokenized assets.

The new funding round also reflects OKX’s ambition to expand its global footprint. The exchange plans to open new offices in Asia and Europe, and to enhance its trading infrastructure to support higher volumes. By securing investment from major financial players, OKX can accelerate the development of its tokenized equity platform and strengthen its position against competitors like Binance and Coinbase.

The capital raised will be allocated across several initiatives. First, OKX will invest in technology upgrades to support the increased demand for tokenized equity trading. Second, the company will expand its regulatory compliance team to navigate the complex legal landscape of securities tokenization. Finally, OKX will use the funds to deepen its market presence through marketing and partnership programs, targeting institutional clients and retail investors alike.

What Does This Mean for the Crypto Market?

The involvement of SC Ventures and Qube Research also brings strategic expertise. SC Ventures, with its banking background, can help OKX navigate financial regulations, while Qube Research’s quantitative analytics can improve trading algorithms and risk management. Together, these investors provide both capital and industry knowledge, positioning OKX for long‑term growth.

The announcement underscores a growing convergence between traditional finance and cryptocurrency. By backing a platform that bridges tokenized equities and digital assets, investors are signaling confidence in the viability of blockchain‑based securities. If OKX successfully launches its tokenized equity offerings, it could set a precedent for other exchanges to follow, potentially reshaping how investors access and trade traditional stocks.

However, the market remains cautious. Regulatory uncertainty, especially in the U. S., could delay the launch of tokenized shares. Moreover, the volatility of crypto markets may affect investor appetite for new digital products. Still, the steady valuation and high‑profile investors suggest that OKX is well positioned to navigate these challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which companies are included in the tokenized equity list? A: The joint venture with ICE plans to offer tokenized shares of 63 U. S. companies, including major names like Apple, Amazon, and Tesla.

Q: When will the tokenized equity platform launch? A: OKX is awaiting regulatory approval; no definitive launch date has been announced yet.