Forbes, the iconic American business magazine, is deepening its footprint in the Web3 landscape by launching an exclusive NFT-gated membership community—powered by a strategic partnership with OKX Wallet. This collaboration introduces a new era of digital exclusivity, where access to elite networks, high-profile events, and influential circles is secured through blockchain technology.
At the heart of this initiative is the Forbes Legacy Pass, a limited-edition non-fungible token (NFT) that serves as a digital key to a private ecosystem designed for innovators, leaders, and key stakeholders in the Web3 space. With only 1,917 passes available, scarcity and prestige go hand in hand.
Strategic Alliance Between Forbes and OKX Wallet
On August 29, Forbes announced that OKX Wallet is now the exclusive onchain wallet provider offering fast-track application review for the Forbes Legacy Pass. This means users of OKX Wallet can apply for membership through OKX Drops, gaining priority access over other applicants.
This partnership underscores a growing trend: traditional media and finance institutions leveraging blockchain infrastructure to enhance user engagement and create value-driven communities. For OKX Wallet, it’s a powerful validation of its role as a gateway to premium Web3 experiences.
The Forbes Legacy Pass isn’t just a collectible—it’s a utility-rich asset. Holders gain:
- Entry to invitation-only, real-world events featuring industry leaders
- Influence over Forbes’ Web3 content and initiatives
- Access to the Forbes Inner Circle, a private network of visionaries and decision-makers
- Opportunities to engage directly with Forbes’ editorial team and global innovators
Taha Ahmed, Chief Growth Officer at Forbes, emphasized that this move reflects the publication’s ongoing commitment to innovation. “We’re not just covering the future—we’re building it,” he stated. “This initiative empowers our community to actively shape the evolution of Web3 through meaningful participation.”
Bridging Digital Ownership with Real-World Value
One of the most compelling aspects of the Forbes Legacy Pass is its dual presence in both digital and physical realms. It exemplifies how NFTs are evolving beyond speculative assets into tools for identity verification, community access, and experiential rewards.
This aligns with a broader theme in Forbes’ Web3 strategy: creating bridges between online ecosystems and tangible experiences. Whether it's attending award shows or joining private roundtables, NFT holders are no longer just observers—they’re participants.
Earlier in August, Forbes demonstrated this philosophy through two major collaborations:
- On August 28, they launched the “INSPIRE” NFT collection as part of Base network’s Onchain Summer event—a celebration of creativity and onchain identity.
- On August 21, Forbes partnered with Optimism for “The SUNNYs,” an awards ceremony honoring artists, developers, and community builders within the Superchain ecosystem.
These initiatives reflect a deliberate effort to embed Forbes into the cultural fabric of Web3—not as a bystander, but as a co-creator.
The Evolving Role of NFTs in Modern Communities
While NFTs initially gained fame as digital art pieces fetching millions at auction, their utility has matured significantly. Today, they serve as credentials, tickets, memberships, and even governance tokens in decentralized organizations.
Despite market volatility—such as the notable decline in value for once-high-flying collections like CryptoPunks—the underlying technology continues to find innovative applications. In fact, recent data from August 26 shows a promising rebound in weekly NFT sales volume across major blockchains.
Polygon led the resurgence with a staggering 123.20% increase in transaction volume, signaling renewed interest and use case development in the space.
“No matter how bad it gets, there’s a lot going on with NFTs,” said one prominent NFT creator during CoinTelegraph’s 24 Hours of Art feature. “We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.”
Forbes’ entry into token-gated communities taps into this next phase of NFT evolution—one focused on utility, exclusivity, and long-term engagement rather than short-term speculation.
👉 See how leading platforms are turning NFTs into gateways for elite digital experiences.
Why This Matters for Web3 Adoption
The Forbes-OKX collaboration is more than a marketing play; it’s a signal of mainstream institutional confidence in blockchain-based identity and access systems.
By integrating OKX Wallet—a trusted, user-friendly interface—Forbes lowers the barrier to entry for professionals who may be new to crypto but eager to engage with cutting-edge networks. The fast-track application process ensures a seamless onboarding journey, blending traditional prestige with modern technology.
Moreover, limiting the Legacy Pass supply to 1,917 units (a nod to Forbes’ founding year) reinforces rarity and long-term desirability—key drivers in both luxury branding and digital collectibles.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Forbes Legacy Pass?
A: The Forbes Legacy Pass is a limited-edition NFT that grants holders access to exclusive real-world events, influence over Forbes’ Web3 initiatives, and entry into the Forbes Inner Circle—a private network of innovators and leaders.
Q: How can I apply for the Forbes Legacy Pass through OKX Wallet?
A: OKX Wallet users can apply via OKX Drops, which provides priority review for the application process. This makes OKX Wallet the only onchain wallet with fast-tracked access.
Q: How many Forbes Legacy Passes are available?
A: Only 1,917 passes will ever be minted, reflecting Forbes’ founding year (1917) and ensuring long-term scarcity and value.
Q: Are NFTs still relevant amid market downturns?
A: Yes. While speculative trading has cooled, NFTs are increasingly being used for utility purposes—like membership access, event tickets, and identity verification—making them more relevant than ever in Web3 ecosystems.
Q: What benefits do Legacy Pass holders get beyond events?
A: In addition to IRL events, holders gain influence in shaping Forbes’ Web3 content, networking opportunities with top industry figures, and early access to future digital collectibles and collaborations.
Q: Is this part of Forbes’ larger Web3 strategy?
A: Absolutely. This initiative follows other recent projects like the INSPIRE NFT collection on Base and participation in Optimism’s SUNNYs awards, showing Forbes’ sustained commitment to building within the onchain world.
Final Thoughts
Forbes’ partnership with OKX Wallet marks a pivotal moment in the convergence of legacy media and decentralized technology. By using an NFT as a gateway to influence, connection, and experience, they’re redefining what membership means in the digital age.
As Web3 continues to mature, we can expect more institutions to follow suit—leveraging blockchain not for hype, but for real utility. And with trusted platforms like OKX enabling seamless access, the future of exclusive communities is already here.