30s Summary
Crypto exchange OKX has launched a trading platform and a self-custodial wallet in Belgium, permitting local customers to trade over 200 cryptos. OKX has partnered with Belgian payment system Bancontact, allowing customers to deposit euros instantly and without charge. The company operates through Okcoin Europe, a Malta-licensed firm. The expansion aligns with OKX’s plan to solidify its European presence, as it launched an exchange in the Netherlands and aims to establish a regulatory hub in Malta.
Full Article
Crypto exchange OKX is spreading its wings in Europe! They’ve just launched a trading platform and a self-custodial wallet in Belgium. They’re setting up shop and inviting customers to start trading.
So what’s on offer? A lot! Belgium-based customers can now spot trade and swap more than 200 cryptos! They even have 60 pairs where you can trade crypto straight up against the euro.
Just to be clear, OKX doesn’t have direct regulatory approval from Belgium itself. But they’re all above board because they’re operating through Okcoin Europe – a company registered in Malta and fully licensed there to provide these virtual financial services.
To sweeten the deal, OKX has teamed up with Bancontact, a top payment system in Belgium. This lets OKX customers in Belgium deposit euros instantly and for free! They also let you deposit and withdraw through the Single Euro Payments Area, a cashless payment system across Europe.
If you live in Belgium and are interested, you can start trading on the platform after you’ve verified your identity through the Itsme app.
It’s worth mentioning that Erald Ghoos, the guy who’s steering the ship for OKX in Europe, says that a quarter of Belgium’s population could be dealing in crypto by 2024. That’s according to stats from research firm Statista.
There are rules to protect consumers though. Belgium’s Financial Services and Markets Authority made it compulsory in 2024 for all crypto ads to clearly state the associated risks to help protect investors.
This move into Belgium is part of OKX’s big plan to strengthen its presence in Europe — they even launched their exchange in the Netherlands in June 2024. What’s more, they announced in July 2024 their plans to set up their European regulatory hub in Malta.