OKX Restructures Institutional Unit as Licensing Strategy Expands Across Markets

OKX restructures its institutional division as it pursues licensing deployments across the U.S., EU, UAE, Singapore, and Australia, aiming to deepen client relationships.

Rich by Coin

2026-01-09

Cryptocurrency exchange OKX restructured its institutional business, resulting in job losses across approximately one-third of its sales team. The Seychelles-based exchange confirmed changes are part of a shift toward a “more traditional institutional coverage model” but declined to specify total affected employees. Sources familiar with the matter provided conflicting accounts, with one reporting half the institutional team departed while another indicated 8-10 layoffs plus voluntary exits. The restructuring occurs as OKX reviews how to deploy licenses across markets including the U.S., EU, UAE, Singapore, and Australia.

OKX stated the changes aim to “deepen long-term relationships with clients and better support their needs across regions and market cycles.” The exchange operates through regulated entities in major markets including Malta under MiCA, select U.S. states, Dubai’s VARA, Singapore, and Australia. OKX expanded to the U.S. in April 2025, establishing regional headquarters in San Jose, California, following a $504 million settlement with the Department of Justice. The firm acquired a MiFID II-licensed entity in Malta in March 2025, enabling derivatives offerings across the European Economic Area.