Crypto exchange OKX and New York Stock Exchange owner Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) announced a joint venture, led by former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, to build infrastructure linking traditional and digital financial markets. Subject to regulatory approval, the venture will operate as a U.S.-registered broker-dealer and futures commission merchant, enabling OKX's 120 million users to access ICE futures and NYSE tokenized equities. The initiative extends ICE's push into digital assets, following its strategic investment in OKX at a $25 billion valuation and backing of Bakkt and Polymarket. Cuomo, who began working with OKX in 2023, emphasized the need for innovation and regulation to move forward together. The joint venture aims to explore regulatory-compliant blockchain-enabled market opportunities.

Key facts

• OKX and ICE joint venture led by former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
• Aims to operate as a U.S. registered broker-dealer and FCM subject to approval.
• OKX's 120 million users to access ICE futures and NYSE tokenized equities.
• ICE made a strategic investment in OKX at a $25 billion valuation in March.
• ICE also backs Bakkt and invested $2 billion in Polymarket.