OKEx, one of the world's leading cryptocurrency exchanges, was launched in September 2014. The company has since then grown into a global platform for buying and selling digital assets.

Founded by Tim Lin and others, OKEx is part of the larger OK Group which focuses on blockchain technology and financial services. Initially starting as an exchange site focused primarily on Bitcoin trading, it quickly expanded its offerings to include over-the-counter transactions, margin trading, futures markets, and more. This diversification allowed OKEx to cater to a wide range of investors from beginners to advanced traders looking for sophisticated trading tools.

The choice of the name "OK" in OKEx is symbolic of its mission to provide users with an experience that is straightforward ("okay") yet advanced enough to meet their needs across various levels of expertise. As such, it stands as one of the most recognizable names within the cryptocurrency market alongside other giants like Binance or Coinbase.

In summary, while more detailed historical information about exact dates might vary slightly depending on sources consulted, OKEx officially began its operations in late 2014, positioning itself at the forefront of the rapidly evolving blockchain industry.