The world’s second largest cryptocurrency exchange, OKX, has recently announced its partnership with digital asset storage firm, Komainu. This collaboration allows institutional users to store their cryptocurrencies securely within the Nomura-backed custodian, while simultaneously trading these funds on the exchange. The partnership aims to create a vertically integrated system, similar to traditional finance, that segregates operations to minimize the risk of another catastrophic event, like an FTX collapse.
OKX has become the first client to use Komainu Connect, a regulated settlement and custody system specifically designed for institutional customers. The platform provides 24/7 trading alongside a combination of cold storage, multiparty computation (MPC), and hardware security modules (HSMs).
According to OKX Chief Commercial Officer, Lennix Lai, funds deposited in a Komainu custody wallet will be moved to a Komainu collateral wallet and subsequently linked to an OKX account. The account will then mirror the wallet’s balance, enabling active trading across OKX’s vast range of spot and derivatives markets. The partnership will also create an institutional-grade tri-party account change agreement that involves Komainu’s client.
On one hand, this collaboration bridges the gap between traditional financial institutions and crypto exchanges by providing a secure and reliable platform for institutional investors to participate in the rapidly growing digital asset market. Furthermore, it showcases the potential for OKX to become a more trusted and reliable crypto-native service in a rapidly evolving, competitive landscape.
On the other hand, the integration of Komainu Connect into OKX’s infrastructure may raise some concerns regarding centralization and privacy. As a third-party entity, Komainu will have access to sensitive client data, which raises questions about the extent to which clients’ privacy and autonomy will be protected.
Although the precise value of assets under custody to be transferred to Komainu has not been disclosed, Lai mentioned it being “significant” and expected to grow as the firms enhance their institutional product offerings. As technologies advance, it is becoming increasingly important to offer users multiple solutions for storing and trading digital assets. This partnership between OKX and Komainu reflects that sentiment and demonstrates that the future of cryptocurrencies might depend on companies’ ability to adapt and cater to the needs of a diverse range of users in a safe and secure manner.
Komainu, launched in 2020, is a joint venture between Nomura, digital asset manager CoinShares, and digital asset security company Ledger. The firm is regulated in Jersey and Dubai with offices in London, Dublin, and Singapore. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve and mature, such partnerships are likely to play a key role in shaping the future of digital asset trading and storage.
Source: Coindesk
