OKEx, which stands for Open Ket Virtual Exchange, is a global cryptocurrency exchange that has operations in various countries around the world. However, its origins and primary development are closely tied to China. Initially founded by Jay Hao (Hao Baoyi) in 2013, OKEx was one of the first exchanges to offer margin trading and futures contracts on cryptocurrencies.

Despite its Chinese roots, it's important to note that as regulatory pressures increased within China against cryptocurrency activities, including outright bans on ICOs and trading platforms, OKEx shifted much of its operations outside of the country. Currently, its headquarters are located in Malta, a European Union member state known for favorable regulations towards blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.

The company maintains a strong presence in international markets, catering to users globally with multiple language support options including Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese, Russian, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Turkish, Portuguese, and more. This global reach reflects an expansion beyond its initial base in China while maintaining cultural ties through language accessibility for its diverse user base.

While OKEx was born out of the vibrant early days of cryptocurrency adoption in China, today it positions itself as a leading international exchange platform ready to serve worldwide audiences in many languages, showcasing both its heritage and forward-looking approach.