In a major advancement for institutional cryptocurrency trading, OKX has joined forces with Komainu, a regulated digital asset custody provider, to enable seamless, secure, and continuous trading of segregated assets under custody. This integration marks a pivotal development in the evolution of institutional-grade crypto infrastructure, combining OKX’s market-leading trading platform with Komainu’s robust, compliant custody solutions.
The collaboration allows institutional clients to trade around the clock on OKX while their assets remain securely held in segregated accounts managed by Komainu—eliminating counterparty risk and enhancing capital efficiency. This is made possible through Komainu Connect, a collateral management platform launched in April 2023 that enables off-exchange settlement and tripartite mirroring of positions.
Enhancing Institutional Confidence Through Secure Custody
For institutions entering or expanding within the digital asset space, security and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable. The integration with Komainu Connect directly addresses these concerns by ensuring that client assets never need to be transferred to a counterparty for trading purposes.
Instead, assets stay under the protection of Komainu’s institutional-grade custody framework while mirrored positions are created on the OKX trading platform. This model not only reduces operational risk but also ensures full transparency and auditability across transactions.
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How Komainu Connect Works
Komainu Connect leverages a tripartite architecture involving the custodian (Komainu), the trading venue (OKX), and the client institution. Here’s how it functions:
- Asset Segregation: Client funds are held in isolated, auditable wallets under Komainu’s regulated custody.
- Position Mirroring: Trading instructions from the client are executed on OKX, with positions mirrored in real time without transferring ownership of underlying assets.
- Off-Exchange Settlement: Settlement occurs outside the exchange environment, minimizing exposure to exchange-specific risks.
- 24/7 Trading Access: Institutions retain uninterrupted access to OKX’s deep liquidity pools and advanced trading tools, including portfolio margin account mode.
This infrastructure is especially valuable for large-scale traders who require immediate execution capabilities without compromising on security or control over their digital holdings.
Strategic Leadership Perspectives
Leaders from both organizations emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership in advancing trust and innovation in the crypto ecosystem.
Nicolas Bertrand, CEO at Komainu, stated:
“This strategic partnership marks a milestone in our mission to provide secure and compliant digital asset custody solutions. OKX's reputation as a leading cryptocurrency exchange, combined with our expertise in institutional-grade custody services, is paving the way for a new era of trust and innovation in the industry.”
Sebastian Widmann, Head of Strategy at Komainu, added:
“Komainu Connect is rapidly emerging as the leading collateral management solution. Partnering with one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges is a testament to the infrastructure and expertise committed to this service, and our focus remains on seamless execution for all parties.”
Lennix Lai, Global Chief Commercial Officer at OKX, highlighted the client-centric benefits:
“Institutions need the peace of mind that comes with knowing their assets are being kept safe with a leading custodian, while retaining their ability to capitalize when investment opportunities arise. That is why we are delighted to partner with Komainu to allow investors a way to keep their assets secure while not compromising on returns.”
Why This Matters for Institutional Adoption
The barriers to institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies have historically included concerns over custody safety, regulatory uncertainty, and fragmented trading infrastructure. This partnership directly tackles these challenges by offering:
- Regulatory-compliant custody under a trusted European-based provider.
- Reduced counterparty risk through off-exchange settlement.
- Uninterrupted market access via OKX’s high-performance trading engine.
- Capital efficiency without sacrificing security.
These features make the integrated solution particularly appealing to asset managers, financial institutions, corporate treasuries, and even government-linked entities exploring digital asset strategies.
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A Growing Ecosystem of Trusted Infrastructure
Komainu was founded in 2018 with the goal of bridging traditional finance and digital assets through secure, regulated custody services. Since launching its operations in June 2020, Komainu has built a strong client base across exchanges, banks, hedge funds, and public-sector organizations.
OKX, ranked as one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume, continues to expand its suite of Web3 and institutional services—from prime brokerage and lending solutions to advanced risk management tools.
Their collaboration underscores a broader trend: the maturation of crypto markets through interoperable, enterprise-grade infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Komainu Connect?
A: Komainu Connect is a collateral management platform that enables institutions to trade digital assets without moving them from secure custody. It uses tripartite mirroring to reduce counterparty risk and supports 24/7 trading access.
Q: How does segregated custody work with OKX?
A: Client assets remain in segregated wallets under Komainu’s regulated custody. Trading positions are mirrored on OKX’s platform, allowing execution without transferring asset ownership.
Q: Who benefits most from this integration?
A: Institutional investors—including asset managers, family offices, fintech firms, and corporate treasuries—benefit from enhanced security, compliance, and liquidity access.
Q: Is this available globally?
A: Yes, the service is designed for international institutions operating in compliant jurisdictions where both OKX and Komainu offer regulated services.
Q: Does this affect trading performance or speed?
A: No. The integration maintains low-latency access to OKX’s markets, including spot, futures, and options trading with portfolio margin support.
Q: Are there additional fees for using Komainu Connect via OKX?
A: Fee structures are determined based on individual institutional agreements. Clients should contact their account representatives for detailed pricing.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Institutional Crypto Trading
As digital assets become increasingly embedded in mainstream finance, demand for secure, efficient, and compliant trading infrastructure will continue to grow. The OKX-Komainu partnership exemplifies how strategic collaborations can deliver tangible value—merging cutting-edge technology with rigorous security standards.
For institutions seeking to navigate the complexities of crypto markets without compromising on safety or agility, this integration offers a compelling blueprint for responsible innovation.
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By prioritizing custody integrity, operational resilience, and round-the-clock market access, OKX and Komainu are setting a new benchmark for what institutional participation in crypto should look like—secure, scalable, and sustainable.