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Is OKX prohibited in France?
A persistent rumor suggested that the OKX platform was prohibited in France. However, the Crypto exchange is well back on the territory, and in a new light. What exactly happened? Why had OKX suspended his services, when he was already registered with the Financial Markets Authority (AMF)? And above all, what regulatory changes have made this return? The answer is in one word: MiCA .
OKX recently consolidated its presence in France thanks to increased compliance with the European framework. After obtaining the PSAN recording and adapted its operation to the new regulatory requirements, the crypto platform returns in force. The MiCA license , which harmonizes the regulation of cryptocurrency on a European scale, now offers clearer terrain to operate legally in all member countries, including France. Thanks to this evolution, does OKX offer a more lasting solution?
With millions of users worldwide, OKX now allows French residents to access a wide range of services: cash -friendly trading , derivatives, staking , automated trading bots , and much more. This complete range attracts both beginners and experienced traders. In this article, we will detail the OKX platform , its legal evolution, the advanced features available, and we will also offer some crypto alternatives for those who wish to compare.
Finally, we will share practical advice to regain total control over its digital assets, by storing them independently on the blockchain , far from the risks inherent in centralized platforms.
Table of contents
Why could we believe that Kex was prohibited in France?
To fully understand the story, you have to go back to December 2023 . During this period, OKX obtained the PSAN recording (service provider on digital assets) from the AMF. This PSAN status is essential for a Crypto company to offer its services on the French market, because it guarantees at least the compliance of the platform with the basic rules of national regulation:
- Implementation of KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures,
- Fight against money laundering and terrorism financing (AML/CFT),
- Safety and conservation of funds under demanding conditions.
Despite everything, in fact, registering an Exchange as PSAN does not automatically allow it to offer all of its products. As soon as we touch more complex services (derivatives, term contracts, etc.), French regulation is particularly picky. This is the reason why, after having obtained his PSAN recording, OKX decided to suspend part of his services in France, perhaps to avoid confronting the restrictions imposed by the AMF on certain risky products.
As a result, this suspension sowed confusion among users, who believed that OKX was prohibited in France . However, the platform did have PSAN approval, but not in the conditions allowing it to fully deploy its offer. Hence the regulatory vagueness that pushed OKX to set back, pending a more homogeneous and clearer frame at European level.
The arrival of the MiCA license: a new start for Okx France
On February 18, 2025 , the new tomb: OKX obtained the MiCA license (Markets in Crypto-Astets) from its European entity based in Malta. MiCA is a regulatory framework set up by the European Union to harmonize the rules on cryptocurrencies throughout the EEA (European Economic Area). Thanks to this license, OKX is no longer unavailable in France.
Unlike national provisions (such as French PSAN status), the MiCA offers a European passport . In other words, if an exchange is validated in one of the Member States, it can offer all of its services in the 28 countries concerned, without having to return by registration procedures by country.
For OKX , this is a major change. Not only is the exchange now free to operate in France legally.
This evolution is crucial for many fans of decentralized finance. Before MiCA , OKX had to deal with the sometimes contradictory laws of each Member State, which mechanically limited its development in Europe. MiCA license simplifies procedures, provides a more homogeneous level of security, and clarifies the offer offered to users.
In short, we understand better why OKX is "back" in France in February 2025 : the exchange has chosen to wait for the implementation of the new European regulatory framework to reactivate its services, both at French and European level.
What does the MiCA license really imply for OKX in France?
Beyond the simple notion of "European passport", the MiCA license has several components which directly interest the user:
Product offer extension
- With MiCA , OKX can offer its French customers a full palette of trading services : spot, margin, derivatives (future, options), etc.
- PSAN recorded platforms could already offer certain options, but often with a more restrictive framework.
Transparency and security obligations
- MiCA requires exchanges important transparency measures on fund management, the publication of proofs of reserves, or even solvency.
- The user can thus more easily check the financial solidity of the platform, which significantly reduces the sudden risk of collapse (like that of FTX).
Confidence and recognition on the markets
- European banks and financial institutions being more inclined to work with platforms with MiCA , OKX benefits from easy access to payment services (SEPA integration, Ideal, Bancontact, etc.).
- For the user, it is the guarantee of being able to deposit and withdraw their euros without incident.
Regulatory convergence
- MiCA Homogenize constraints and obligations in each member country, avoiding distortions of competition.
- Therefore, an exchange can deploy the same interface and the same products for the entire European market, without fear of being blocked in this or that state.
How to use OKX France today?
KYC registration and verification
To start using OKX France , the first step is to create an account on OKX , then complete the KYC . You will need to provide an official identity document , sometimes proof of address , as well as a selfie or a short video to validate your identity. This process is rapid, often finalized in a few minutes, and meets the compliance requirements imposed by MiCA and the AMF to strengthen risk management .
This level of rigor allows OKX to offer its services in a clearer setting, while offering users a more reliable platform. OKX is a Crypto platform which now respects strict regulatory standards, making the opening of account more reassuring for French investors.
Deposits and withdrawals in euros
Once your account is validated, you can feed your balance via SEPA transfer , bank card (visa/mastercard) or sometimes other means like Bancontact or Ideal depending on your country. Withdrawals via SEPA are privileged for their simplicity and very low costs , which is well suited to professional traders and individuals. stablecoin ss convertible to cryptos or retrifiable if necessary.
Cash trading and derivative products
OKX makes the difference with a very wide range of trading pairs , including major cryptos as well as more confidential tokens. OKX supports more than 350 cryptocurrencies. In trading spot , you buy and sell your cryptocurrencies directly ( BTC , ETH, USDT , etc.) via crypto/fiat or crypto/crypto pairs according to the country.
Note that at present in France, OKX only supports Crypto/Fiat pairs , which can pose tax complications not to be overlooked.
But OKX is also a platform recognized for its term contracts : derivative products such as term (future) contracts make it possible to speculate on the increase or the drop in assets without having it. Thanks to the legal framework provided by MiCA , professional traders can again access it legally.
EARN Staking and Services
OKX also offers "Earn" features to generate a passive income. You can do ETH staking liquidity pools , or lend your tokens via different integrated protocols. These solutions make it possible to make your cryptos , but they also include risks linked to protocols and the volatility of the markets .
Trading bots
One of the advanced services at OKX is the native integration of trading bots . You can configure automated strategies such as DCA , grid trading, or arbitration. These tools are useful for optimizing your cryptos trading without passing the whole day in front of your screen, while keeping a total control over the settings .
Use of an integrated wallet and interactions DEFI
Finally, OKX WALLET is a non-CUSTODIAL web3 portfolio that allows you to keep your private keys while accessing the DEFI ( staking , NFT, DApp S , etc.). Unlike the centralized trading account, this Wallet offers you reinforced security and complete autonomy on your funds.
OKX allows you to manage all your active ingredients on different blockchains while choosing between centralization and auto-custody according to your preferences. And if necessary, OKX customer service is accessible to support users. Many customer reviews also highlight the quality and responsiveness of the assistance.
What are the alternatives to OKX?
Even if the Exchange Crypto OKX is now perfectly operational, it is always interesting to compare to find the platform most suited to your trading or investment goals.
Bitvavo
For European residents, we recommend Bitvavo in particular. This platform offers:
- Very competitive costs (maximum 0.25 % on the platform for beginners and even 0.05 % max on USDC pairs of the Pro Platform).
- Very rare applied spreads and explicitly mentioned if necessary, including on the beginner interface.
- Over 350 cryptocurrencies available.
- An environment regulated and registered with European financial authorities.
- A simplified interface for beginners.
- The possibility of making free deposits in euros by bank transfer or SEPA.
- Excellent security with partial insurance on funds in the event of a problem.
What if you prefer not to go through a centralized exchange?
Beyond the question "is OKX prohibited in France?" », Puts that, more fundamental, of sovereignty over your funds . If you fear blockages, account suspensions or if you simply want to hold your cryptocurrencies without any intermediary , several decentralized solutions are available to you.
You can buy your cryptos via a Dex like Uniswap , Pancakeswap or Sushiiswap, or even use non-Custodial Fiat-To-Crypto ramps such as Ramp Network or MoonPay , compatible with Wallets like Metamask or Trust Wallet . These options allow you to acquire assets without going through a centralized exchange.
But for maximum security , the best reflex remains to transfer your cryptocurrencies to a physical wallet . Brands like Ledger (French) or Trezor (Czech) offer cold wallet S, designed to protect your private keys outside of any connected environment .
👉 If you want to discover the differences between the models and to know which one to choose, we invite you to consult our comparison of the Ledger models and our complete comparison between Ledger and Trezor .
You benefit from maximum control, security and independence : the reason why the blockchains have been developed
A free guide to understand everything step by step
For those who wish to embark on the adventure, or even explore another Psan approved platform, we have developed an ultra-detailed guide with screenshots at each stage. In this guide, you will find:
- How to create an account on a centralized exchange,
- KYC verification of the first time,
- How to deposit and withdraw euros safely,
- How to decentralize your funds and interact directly with the blockchain,
- Practical advice to avoid beginner (or intermediary) errors.
The idea is to demystify the functioning of a centralized exchange and to help you navigate between traditional finance and decentralized finance (DEFI). Screenshots and explanations step by step will allow you to keep confidence at each stage . To receive it, fill out the form below:
Conclusion: OKX prohibited in France? Not really, and here is why ...
To sum up in a concise way, OKX has never been really prohibited in France . It was certainly recorded PSAN with the AMF since December 2023, but the platform preferred to suspend a good part of its services to avoid conflicts with national regulations, in particular on derivatives.
When the MiCA license entered into force in January 2025, OKX obtained a European passport which enabled it to redeploy all its offer in France. Since February 2025, OKX France is therefore fully functional, with secure access, the possibility of depositing and withdrawing euros easily, and a range of products (spots, derivatives, staking , Earn, trading boots).
For the end user, this is excellent news , because it diversifies the regulated platforms available in Europe.
Finally, if you are still afraid of entrusting your cryptocurrencies to a centralized intermediary, you can always turn to decentralized and Dex . In this case, remember that you must already have crypto to pay network costs and learn to secure your private keys yourself (explained in our guide).
In the end, OKX is far from prohibited in France . It simply went through a strategic withdrawal phase to comply with the best regulatory practices.
To better understand the status of different exchange platforms in France such as those on black list like Bitget , Kucoin and Mexc , we invite you to read our different articles on the subject.
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Noah
Training engineer, I quickly became interested in the field of finance. Convinced that decentralized finance has a bright future ahead of it, I participate in its democratization by developing Crypternon.
