ICE OKX joint venture will build infrastructure for tokenized and digitally native financial products, the two companies said on Monday. The planned venture would give OKX customers access to ICE futures and tokenized equities tied to NYSE stocks. However, the project still needs regulatory approvals.
The companies said they plan a 50-50 structure. They expect the venture to operate as a U.S. registered broker-dealer and futures commission merchant. Additionally, the business will look at other blockchain-based markets that meet regulatory rules.
ICE OKX Joint Venture Structure
The new arrangement formalizes earlier work between the two firms. In March, ICE bought a minority stake in OKX at a valuation of about $25 billion. ICE invested roughly $200 million and received a board seat.
Under that agreement, ICE uses OKX price data for U.S.-regulated crypto futures. Meanwhile, OKX is expected to distribute futures and tokenized equities linked to NYSE stocks to global users. The companies said the partnership will be co-chaired by ICE and Andrew Cuomo.
Cuomo previously served as New York governor, state attorney general, and U.S. secretary of housing and urban development. He started working with OKX in 2023. He said the next phase of financial markets will depend on how innovation and government regulation advance together.
Executives Outline Venture Goals
Cuomo said the partnership combines OKX blockchain technology with ICE market infrastructure. He also said he is personally excited about blockchain technology and its potential role in financial inclusion. Meanwhile, Trabue Bland said the venture marks a move toward building infrastructure for future global markets.
Bland, Senior Vice President, Futures Exchanges at ICE, said ICE infrastructure has the trust of institutions and traders. He added that the partnership aims to widen access for OKX’s retail user base. Therefore, the ICE OKX joint venture would link ICE market products with OKX’s global customer network if regulators approve the plan.
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