Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) invests in OKX at $25B valuation to expand tokenized stocks, linking NYSE equities with blockchain trading infrastructure globally.
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) has invested in crypto exchange OKX at a $25 billion valuation. The move brings tokenized asset trading worldwide. Furthermore, the deal gives ICE a board seat at OKX. However, the companies failed to disclose the amount of investment and the financial terms.
The investment was confirmed by the New York Stock Exchange’s parent company, Intercontinental Exchange, on March 5. Meanwhile, the collaboration bridges traditional markets and blockchain infrastructure. According to a report by Fortune, the agreement is focused on tokenized stocks and derivatives.
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Under the partnership, OKX is planning to distribute tokenized versions of equities listed on the NYSX around the world. Moreover, there are over 120 million registered users on the platform. Therefore, the initiative could have a big impact on increasing access to United States financial markets for people around the world.
Tokenized stocks are conventional stocks that are on the blockchain network. As a result, investors can more efficiently trade digital versions of shares. Supporters claim that this technology could save money in settling them and make them more transparent. Additionally, blockchain trading can happen around the clock, 7 days a week in the global market.
Real-time cryptocurrency prices will also be licensed from OKX by ICE. As a result, ICE anticipates new United States-regulated crypto futures contracts. Therefore, such a type of price integration can boost the infrastructure of derivatives trading in regulated markets.
The companies expect tokenized stock trading to start in the second half of 2026. But regulatory approvals are required before launch. If it gets the go-ahead, users of the OKX platform would be able to trade NYSE-listed tokenized stocks and derivatives directly on the exchange.
The agreement supports ICE’s overall blockchain-based financial infrastructure strategy. Specifically, the company has the goal of allowing 24/7 trading and settlement of United States equities. Therefore, continuous global trading activity could eventually be achieved using digital tokens as support.
Furthermore, ICE will take a seat in the board of directors of OKX. This role in governance enables ICE to have an impact on the strategic development of the platform. Consequently, the partnership helps to strengthen the relationship between institutional finance and the cryptocurrency markets.
The collaboration is also indicative of a rise in interest in tokenization in global finance. Many institutions are now looking at blockchain settlement systems for securities markets. Therefore, tokenized equities could be a major financial innovation in the next decade.
Recently, ICE has made more investments in blockchain-focused platforms. In November of 2025, the company invested up to $2 billion in the prediction market platform Polymarket. In that investment, Polymarket was worth some $9 billion.
Meanwhile, OKX tightened its regulatory stance in the United States in 2025. The exchange increased compliance operations after a $505 million settlement from the U.S. Department of Justice. Consequently, the platform enhanced oversight to support institutional partnerships.
Ultimately, tokenization is a key bridge between traditional finance and digital assets. Through this investment, it is hoped that ICE and OKX can bring together regulated infrastructure and blockchain technology. So, the initiative could change the way global investors can access equities and derivatives markets.
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