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Is OKX legal in Italy?
Since the entry into force of the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) in Europe, many cryptocurrency platforms, including OKX , have strengthened their regulatory compliance. But what about OKX's accessibility in Italy? Can we use this platform legally? And what alternatives exist for Italian traders wishing to invest in cryptos while remaining within a regulated framework?
Table of contents
Is OKX accessible and authorized in Italy?
Yes , OKX is now legal in Italy , thanks to obtaining the MiCA license which allows it to operate throughout the European Union. However, before this progress, the situation of the platform in Italy was more uncertain.
Unlike some other exchanges, OKX had never been recorded with the organo agenti e Mediatori (OAM) , the organization that oversees service providers on digital assets in Italy. He directly benefited from MiCA to enter the Italian market in a legal manner and offer a full range of services.
OKX regulatory history in Italy
Okx and Italian regulation before MiCA
Before entering into force of the MiCA , OKX had no local registration in Italy. At that time, the country demanded that all cryptocurrency platforms register with OAM , an entity responsible for monitoring the Exchanges and guaranteeing their compliance with local standards.
Since January 2023 , any company offering services related to cryptos in Italy must have been registered with OAM , an obligation established to combat money laundering and ensure more transparency in the sector .
However, OKX was not among the exchanges recorded in Italy , unlike platforms like Binance , Crypto.com or Bitvavo . Consequently, its access to the Italian market was limited and users could meet restrictions on certain features.
The impact of MiCA on the legality of OKX in Italy
On January 27, 2025, OKX officially obtained the MiCA from its European entity based in Malta. This authorization radically changes the situation, because it allows OKX to offer all of its services throughout European territory , including in Italy.
With MiCA , OKX can now: ✅ Offer a full range of cryptographic services, including cash trading
, derivative products, options and stuking staking Ensure a homogeneous regulatory framework in Europe, avoiding divergences of application of local laws
✅ Provide additional guarantees to users, in particular in terms of fund safety and transparency of operations
A more secure frame for Italian users
MiCA regulation reinforced compliance requirements on exchanges , in particular:
- Consumer protection : platforms must provide clear information on the risks of cryptocurrencies
- Separation of customer funds to avoid abuses like those observed with FTX
- Obligation to prove the reserve of assets held
These new standards provide Italian investors better protection , while facilitating access to centralized platforms like OKX .
How to use OKX in Italy today?
Thanks to its MiCA , OKX is now completely operational in Italy . Here are the main accessible features:
1️⃣ Deposits and withdrawals in euros
Users can deposit and withdraw euros via several methods:
- SEPA bank transfer
- Bank card (visa/mastercard)
- Compatible electronic wallets
2️⃣ trading in cash and derivative products
OKX offers a wide range of cryptographic active ingredients, including more than 300 cryptocurrencies and several trading pairs:
- Cash market : Instant purchase and sale
- Derivative products : term contracts, options, and trading on margin
Thanks to MiCA , these products are now legally available for Italian residents.
3️⃣ Staking and Earn
Users can stake their cryptos directly on OKX and obtain yields via EARN services. However, it is important to note that yields are never guaranteed , as they depend on market dynamics.
4️⃣ Trading bots and advanced features
OKX also provides trading bots , allowing certain strategies to automate:
- DCA (Dollar Cost Averaginging)
- Grid trading
- Arbitration
What are the alternatives to OKX?
Even if OKX is now perfectly operational, it is always interesting to compare to find the platform most suited to your trading or investment goals.
- Binance : a global giant, leader in exchange volume. Offers a very wide ecosystem ( BNB Chain, Launchpad, staking , etc.). However, French regulation keeps an attentive eye on Binance , and it also had to face adjustments to stay in compliance.
- Bitvavo : Based in the Netherlands, this platform is particularly appreciable by displaying transparent costs and not using hidden spreats. The design is refined and is suitable for investors of any level who want to trader cryptocurrencies without too many complications. In the European framework, Bitvavo also complied with local rules and offers fluid services, especially for French residents who wish to diversify their accounts on a reliable Exchange.
- Coinbase : often considered the simplest solution for beginners, thanks to a user interface and solid banking partnerships. The costs can be higher than at others, but the notoriety and safety of Coinbase reassure many users.
What if you prefer not to go through a centralized exchange?
You can also buy your cryptocurrencies directly from a decentralized wallet (Metamask, Exodus, Trust Wallet ) by holding your funds directly on the blockchain .
More information here
If you do not know how to use an online wallet and you start in cryptocurrency, we have designed a detailed and illustrated guide, step by step, with screenshots. It will allow you to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals and learn to navigate with confidence.
What you will learn in this guide:
- Buy your first cryptocurrencies - a detailed tutorial to start on a centralized exchange platform.
- Trader safely - good practices to buy, sell and exchange cryptos while minimizing risks.
- Understand the stablecoin s - their role, their differences and their usefulness in securing your funds during periods of volatility.
- Use a decentralized portfolio ( DeFi ) - Manage your assets independently without going through a centralized platform and interact directly with the blockchain.
- Buy and exchange cryptos via a decentralized wallet - a practical guide to perform your transactions without intermediary.
- Introduction to decentralized finance ( DeFi ) - Discover advanced concepts such as staking and NFT .
Get your guide for free by filling out the form below.
Conclusion: Is OKX legal in Italy?
Thanks to obtaining the MiCA , OKX is now fully legal in Italy . Its registration with European authorities allows it to offer all of its services to Italian users without restrictions .
For investors seeking a reliable and regulated alternative , Binance , Bitvavo and Coinbase are excellent options. And for those who want to maximize their independence, decentralized wallets and Dex remain a solution to consider.
Investments in cryptocurrencies are risky. Crypternon could not be held responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused following the use of a property or service put forward in this article. Readers must do their own research before undertaking any action and investing only within the limits of their financial capacities. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This article does not constitute an investment advice.
Certain links of this article are sponsorship links, which means that if you buy a product or you register via these links, we will collect a commission on the part of the sponsored company. These commissions do not train any additional cost for you as a user and certain sponsorships allow you to access promotions.
AMF recommendations. There is no guaranteed high yield, a product with high performance potential implies a high risk. This risk taking must be in line with your project, your investment horizon and your ability to lose part of this savings. Do not invest if you are not ready to lose all or part of your capital .
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Yohan Uzzan
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.
