TLDR
- ICE invests in OKX at a $25B valuation and secures a board seat.
- ICE plans US-regulated crypto futures using OKX spot price data.
- OKX users may gain access to ICE futures and tokenized NYSE equities.
- Tokenized securities and crypto products may launch in the second half of 2026.
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the owner of the New York Stock Exchange, has made a strategic investment in crypto exchange OKX. The investment values OKX at $25 billion and includes a board seat for ICE. The partnership aims to develop tokenized equities and regulated crypto futures products.
The companies also plan to build infrastructure that connects traditional capital markets with blockchain-based trading systems. Several products are expected to launch in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approval.
Strategic Investment Connects Traditional Finance and Crypto
ICE announced the investment as part of a broader relationship with OKX. The deal values the crypto exchange at $25 billion, though the size of ICE’s stake was not disclosed. As part of the agreement, ICE will take a seat on the OKX board of directors. Both companies will also work together on projects related to market structure, risk management, and trading infrastructure.
ICE Chair and CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher said the partnership with OKX aims to broaden global access to regulated financial markets. He said the collaboration will help accelerate ICE’s plans to introduce on-chain infrastructure and tokenized assets for U.S. investors. The effort combines ICE’s regulated market technology with OKX’s blockchain infrastructure and its large global user base worldwide across markets.
OKX currently serves more than 120 million users worldwide. Star Xu, founder and CEO of OKX, said the collaboration brings together two large trading infrastructures. “This relationship brings together OKX’s digital-asset execution stack and ICE’s regulated-market technology,” Xu said. “It will help build a more reliable market structure that bridges digital assets and equities.”
Plans for Crypto Futures and Tokenized Equities
Under the agreement, ICE will license OKX spot crypto price data. ICE plans to use this data to launch U.S.-regulated futures tied to crypto markets. These futures contracts are designed to give institutional investors a regulated path to digital asset exposure. They will be developed within ICE’s existing futures exchange framework.
The companies also plan to expand distribution of tokenized financial assets. OKX may provide access to ICE futures products and tokenized NYSE equities to its global user base. This step will require regulatory approval in relevant markets. ICE is also exploring infrastructure upgrades that support digital asset trading.
These include clearing systems, custody services, and wallet architecture that can support multiple blockchain networks. The collaboration may also support institutional participation in crypto markets. The companies said they aim to build systems that meet regulatory and risk management standards used in traditional finance.
ICE Expands Blockchain Strategy and Global Reach
The investment continues ICE’s broader push into blockchain and tokenization. In January 2026, the company said it was developing a platform for trading tokenized securities with on-chain settlement. The proposed platform would allow trading around the clock and enable near-instant settlement. It would combine the NYSE Pillar matching engine with blockchain-based post-trade systems.
ICE is also working with banks such as BNY and Citi on tokenized deposits used as collateral within its clearinghouses. These systems allow firms to manage margin requirements outside traditional banking hours. The partnership with OKX adds a large distribution network to these efforts. By connecting tokenized NYSE securities with OKX’s global users, ICE gains access to crypto-native markets.
OKX has also been rebuilding its presence in the United States. The exchange paid a $500 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice in February 2025 and agreed to improve compliance oversight through 2027. Following the settlement, OKX established a U.S. headquarters in San Jose and appointed Roshan Robert as its U.S. chief executive.
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