OKX valuation reaches $25 billion! NYSE parent company ICE makes strategic investment, OKB surges 55%

New York Stock Exchange parent company strategic investment in OKX, valuation estimated at $25 billion, driving OKB up 55%. Both parties will collaborate to promote tokenized securities, aiding OKX in returning to the U.S. market.

NYSE Parent ICE Strategically Invests in OKX

The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), parent company of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), announced last night (3/5) that it has made a strategic investment in the cryptocurrency exchange OKX, valuing it at $25 billion.

Under the strategic investment agreement, ICE will gain a seat on OKX’s board of directors and be authorized to use OKX’s cryptocurrency spot price data to launch U.S.-regulated crypto futures products. At the same time, OKX will be able to offer ICE futures and tokenized stock trading services to U.S. customers.

Following the announcement, the price of OKX’s platform token $OKB surged by 55%, though the gain has since narrowed, falling back to $99.87.

Image source: CoinMarketCap NYSE parent ICE strategically invests in OKX, OKB surges

OKX CEO Focuses on Tokenization, Security, and Transparency

Regarding the partnership, OKX CEO Star stated that the financial markets are entering a period of structural transformation. Blockchain technology enables assets to move and settle globally with high efficiency, and AI is reshaping market analysis and risk management.

While technological development progresses, market expectations for security, transparency, and investor protection remain crucial. Next-generation financial infrastructure must incorporate these elements.

Star pointed out that tokenized securities and digitalization of traditional assets hold enormous potential. Future issuers can directly offer securities to global investors via digital infrastructure, continuing to benefit from the governance and regulatory frameworks of traditional exchanges.

The collaboration with ICE and the NYSE ecosystem provides OKX with an opportunity to responsibly explore these models.

Image source: X OKX CEO Star’s statement on ICE Group’s investment

NYSE to Build 24/7 Tokenization Platform

Recently, the NYSE has been active in the crypto space. In January, it announced the development of a blockchain-based platform dedicated to tokenized securities trading, expected to launch later this year. If approved by regulators and launched, it will break the traditional stock market trading hours, enabling 24/7 trading.

The NYSE plans to use a private blockchain network, combining the existing Pillar matching engine and backend infrastructure to build the platform. The platform is expected to support 24-hour trading, real-time settlement, dollar-based orders supporting fractional shares, and allow funds to be managed using stablecoins.

According to Fortune magazine, Michael Blaugrund, Vice President of Strategic Planning at ICE, said that this platform and the collaboration with OKX are complementary projects, operating independently.

• Related report: Mainstream enters! NYSE announces development of tokenized U.S. stocks and ETF platform, aiming for 24/7 trading

OKX Returns to the U.S. Market with Compliance and Innovation

In April 2025, OKX will re-enter the U.S. market. Previously, the exchange reached a $500 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, admitting to providing services to U.S. customers without a money transfer license and failing to comply with anti-money laundering laws.

At that time, OKX issued a statement emphasizing that the company will continue to prioritize compliance and innovation. In June 2025, OKX Global Corporate Affairs Partner Haider Rafique mentioned in an interview that they are working to establish a more solid foundation in the U.S. market and are considering an initial public offering (IPO) in the United States.

• Related report: OKX Exchange considers U.S. listing! Following the crypto IPO trend? How does the company respond?