OKX to support DEX trading with public beta test
OKX will reportedly support DEX trading and has launched a limited public beta test, further blurring the lines between centralized and decentralized exchanges.
- OKX will support DEX trading and has launched a limited public beta test.
- The move further blurs the lines between centralized and decentralized exchanges, ensuring users have self-custody capabilities and zero trading fees.
At the OKX Alphas Summit’s “The New Money Era” event on Sept. 30, the head of trading products Thomas Tse said that the exchange will support DEX trading functionality. At the moment, the exchange has launched a limited public beta test phase for its DEX trading.
For the first time, users will be able to trade on-chain tokens using their existing OKX exchange balances, whether it be in USDT (USDT), USDC (USDC), or other native tokens. With this development, users will no longer have to switch wallets or perform cross-chain transfers.
According to the announcement, the first rollout will cover networks including X Layer, Solana (SOL), Base (BASE), and BNB Smart Chain (BNB), with plans to expand to Ethereum (ETH) as well as other chain integrations in the future.
During the beta period, the exchange plans to distribute 1,000 experience codes worldwide, giving users the chance to test the feature out with zero trading fees. Transactions will be executed directly on-chain, but within the interface of the OKX exchange.
Tse emphasized that speed and simplicity will define success in the new financial era, positioning OKX’s hybrid approach as a way to make on-chain trading safer and more accessible to the masses. By blending centralized liquidity and user experience with decentralized custody, the exchange is betting on a model that could lower the entry barriers for DeFi adoption.
In addition, the DEX trading suite will reportedly come with a built-in token discovery model, market insights, and portfolio tracking tools. Users can also create a self-custody wallet within seconds with passkey or facial recognition authentication, eliminating the need for mnemonic phrases.
OKX adopting DEX trading: What does it mean?
The integration further blends the boundaries between centralized exchanges and decentralized exchanges; considering DEXs offers better execution prices, faster transactions, as well as zero trading fees.
Not only that, DEXs also provide users a one-stop service with built-in token discovery, market intelligence, and portfolio tracking features.
If CEXs like OKX start offering seamless, zero-fee trading, or gas-subsidized DEX trades, standalone DEXs and aggregators could face higher competitive stakes. Users may prefer a one-stop shop platform over learning multiple DeFi platforms. DEX protocols will need to innovate to remain attractive to users.
On the other hand, hybrid models would allow users to hold funds in self-custody wallets while also enjoying the liquidity and ease of centralized platforms. The shift towards self-custody could reduce risks of losing funds due to exchange collapses and push the industry closer to decentralization.
