What Is OKB (OKB) and How Does It Work?
OKB (OKB) is the native utility token of the OKX
cryptocurrency exchange, a global digital asset trading platform. Launched by the OK Blockchain Foundation and issued by OKX, OKB powers various functions within the OKX ecosystem and gives users access to exclusive benefits.
OKB is primarily used to reduce
trading fees, participate in token sales on OKX Jumpstart, and
earn passive income through staking and savings programs. It also supports ecosystem growth by allowing holders to vote on governance proposals and access premium services. OKB operates on multiple blockchain networks, including
Ethereum and OKX’s own OKT Chain (OKTC), and is subject to a buy-back-and-burn mechanism that reduces the token supply and helps support its long-term value.
When Was OKB Launched?
OKB (OKB) is the native utility token of the OKX cryptocurrency exchange, formerly known as OKEx. It was officially launched in March 2018 by OKX, a cryptocurrency exchange established in 2017 by Star Xu.
The OKB token was developed to foster the growth of the OKX ecosystem by providing users with various benefits, such as reduced trading fees and access to exclusive features on the platform. Initially, OKB operated as an
ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain but was later migrated to the OKX Chain (OKC), which is OKX's proprietary blockchain platform.
OKB Roadmap and Milestones
• 2017: OKEx exchange launched, laying the foundation for OKB's development.
• March 2018: OKB token officially launched to support the OKX ecosystem.
• 2019: Introduction of OKEx Jumpstart, a platform for token sales, enhancing OKB's utility.
• 2020: Governance capabilities introduced, allowing OKB holders to participate in ecosystem decisions.
• 2021: Rebranding from OKEx to OKX to reflect broader business expansion.
• 2022: Launch of OKXChain mainnet, enabling
DeFi services,
NFTs, staking, and governance.
What Are the Key Use Cases of OKB Token?
OKB is a utility token that powers the OKX ecosystem, offering benefits such as trading fee discounts, participation in token launches via OKX Jumpstart, staking rewards, and access to exclusive services.
What Is OKB Tokenomics?
OKB has a total maximum supply of 300 million tokens, with no new tokens to be minted, ensuring a fixed supply. Out of this, 60% (180 million OKB) is in circulation as of May 2025, while the remaining supply is locked for operational needs, ecosystem development, and team incentives.
What Are the Benefits of Holding OKB Tokens?
Holding OKB tokens provides a wide range of benefits within the OKX ecosystem. Users enjoy up to 40% discounts on trading fees, depending on the number of OKB held and their VIP tier. OKB holders can also access exclusive token sales through OKX Jumpstart, participate in staking and savings products for passive income, and use OKB for DeFi activities and governance on the OKX Chain (OKC).
Beyond trading perks, OKB opens the door to VIP services, special promotions, and early access to new product launches on the OKX platform. Additionally, the ongoing quarterly buy-back-and-burn program helps reduce supply and potentially supports the token’s long-term value, making OKB not just a utility asset, but also a strategic investment within the broader OKX ecosystem.
What Blockchain Network Does OKB Operate on?
OKB initially launched as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain but has since migrated to the OKX Chain (OKC), a high-performance, decentralized blockchain developed by OKX. The OKC network is optimized for scalability, low fees, and seamless integration with decentralized applications (
dApps), enabling faster transactions and broader use cases for OKB. This migration allows OKB to support a wide range of on-chain activities, including DeFi, staking, and governance, while maintaining interoperability with other blockchain networks.
What Is the OKB Buy-Back and Burn Program?
The OKB Buy-Back and Burn Program is a deflationary mechanism implemented by OKX to manage the supply of its native utility token, OKB. Launched in May 2019, this program involves OKX repurchasing OKB tokens from the secondary market and permanently removing them from circulation by sending them to an inaccessible burn address. The primary objective is to reduce the total supply of OKB, thereby potentially increasing its scarcity and value over time.
The buy-back and burn events are conducted quarterly, with the amount of tokens repurchased depending on OKX's seasonal market and operating performance. These actions are transparently reported and can be verified through OKX's official announcements and blockchain explorers. By systematically reducing the circulating supply of OKB, the Buy-Back and Burn Program aims to enhance the token's value proposition for holders and reinforce confidence in the OKX ecosystem.