OKX raises $25B from Standard Chartered, Circle

OKX: OKX is a cryptocurrency exchange evolving into a global fintech platform with pillars including asset custody, payments, investments, and wealth management. It recently launched the standalone OKX Money app enabling conversion of dozens of local currencies into dollar-backed stablecoins and filed via joint venture to offer 24/7 tokenized U.S. stock trading. This capital raise from traditional finance and stablecoin leaders supports its push to integrate crypto infrastructure with broader financial services. Circle: Circle issues the USDC stablecoin and builds infrastructure to expand its use in payments, settlements, and institutional settings. It has entered strategic partnerships to promote and integrate USDC across platforms while advancing adoption in financial services. Its involvement in funding OKX aligns with efforts to embed stablecoins more deeply into crypto exchange ecosystems and emerging market finance. Standard Chartered: Standard Chartered is a global bank expanding its regulated digital asset services with institutional crypto trading, custody, and prime brokerage capabilities. It has recently rolled out Bitcoin and Ether spot trading in the UAE and partnered on custody solutions across key jurisdictions like Luxembourg and DIFC. Participation in OKX's funding round reflects its strategy to connect traditional banking with crypto markets and infrastructure. Exchange Evolution: OKX is advancing from core trading toward integrated fintech services that combine crypto with AI-driven and tokenized asset features. Banking Crypto Push: Standard Chartered continues to broaden institutional digital asset trading and custody offerings in regulated markets worldwide. Stablecoin Partnerships: Circle is forming alliances with major platforms to accelerate USDC distribution and utility in both crypto and traditional finance.