OKX Pays $500M in Bold DOJ Settlement for Compliance Failures

• OKX paid over $500M settlement to resolve DOJ charges for non-compliance
• DOJ settlement includes $84M penalty, $421M fee forfeiture by OKX.
• OKX strengthens KYC, AML measures to align with global regulations.

OKX, one of the largest global cryptocurrency exchanges, has settled with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over compliance violations. The company paid a total of over $500 million to resolve charges related to operating without the necessary money transmitter license. This settlement involves the OKX affiliate, Aux Cayes FinTech Co. Ltd., which previously facilitated transactions for U.S. customers without proper authorization.

OKX Agrees to a Settlement with U.S DOJ

The investigation focused on OKX’s failure to secure the required license to operate within the U.S. The DOJ claimed that the exchange targeted U.S. customers, including those in the Southern District of New York. Although OKX did not specify the state involved, it acknowledged past compliance gaps and confirmed that no customer harm occurred.

As part of the settlement, Aux Cayes FinTech agreed to pay a penalty of $84 million and forfeit approximately $421 million in fees earned from U.S. customers. The company clarified that the affected U.S. customers were a small fraction of its global user base. There were also no charges against any employees, and the settlement did not include a government-appointed monitor.

The DOJ’s press release noted that OKX was involved in transactions worth more than $5 billion, which included suspicious or criminal proceeds. Moreover, OKcoin, OKX’s U.S. division, received a subpoena from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in February 2024. The CFTC’s investigation is tied to the flash crash of OKX’s native token, OKB, in January 2024, which caused significant price drops.

OKX Regulatory Compliance

OKX has taken steps to enhance its compliance infrastructure following the settlement. The exchange voluntarily retained a compliance consultant to address past issues and improve its operational standards. OKX emphasized its ongoing commitment to regulatory compliance and maintaining a high level of integrity in its global operations.

The exchange has implemented key measures to enhance its Know Your Customer (KYC) system. The exchange has expanded its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) tools, and built a team of 150 specialists to detect illicit activities. These efforts are part of OKX’s broader strategy to align with global regulatory expectations.

OKX Pays $500M in Bold DOJ Settlement for Compliance Failures 3

OKX remains committed to fostering trust and transparency within the cryptocurrency industry. The company has invested heavily in measures to combat financial crime and enhance platform security. OKX aims to strengthen its regulatory engagement and promote innovation in a regulated and secure environment. 

The settlement represents a pivotal moment in OKX’s efforts to address past compliance issues and enhance its global reputation. Despite the financial penalties, OKX is confident in future expansion and regulatory collaboration. OKX’s proactive approach to compliance ensures a safe and secure environment for its users.