OKX Partners with Nomura-Backed Komainu for Institutional Crypto Custody

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In a major move to strengthen institutional trust and security in digital asset management, OKX has selected Komainu, a regulated digital asset custody firm backed by Japanese financial giant Nomura Holdings, as its official custodian. This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of secure, compliant infrastructure for crypto trading and asset storage—especially for institutional investors seeking peace of mind in an often-volatile market.

The partnership allows OKX’s institutional clients to securely store their cryptocurrencies with Komainu while simultaneously using those assets for trading on the OKX exchange. This seamless integration is made possible through Komainu Connect, a cutting-edge, regulated settlement and custody platform designed specifically for institutional users. As the first exchange to adopt this system, OKX is setting a new benchmark for security, interoperability, and 24/7 operational availability in the crypto space.

Why Komainu Stands Out in Digital Asset Custody

Komainu combines advanced technological safeguards with traditional financial compliance standards. The platform leverages a hybrid security model that integrates:

This layered approach ensures that private keys are never fully exposed or stored in one location, dramatically reducing the risk of theft or unauthorized access.

As a subsidiary of Nomura, one of Japan’s most respected financial institutions, Komainu operates under strict regulatory oversight and adheres to global compliance frameworks. This institutional-grade pedigree gives clients confidence that their digital assets are held to standards comparable to those in traditional finance.

“Security isn’t just about technology—it’s about trust, transparency, and accountability,” said a spokesperson familiar with the partnership. “By partnering with Komainu, OKX reinforces its commitment to providing institutional-grade infrastructure.”

Mitigating Systemic Risk: Learning from Past Failures

One of the most critical motivations behind this collaboration is the prevention of systemic failures like the FTX collapse in 2022. That event exposed fatal flaws in how some exchanges managed customer funds—particularly the commingling of user assets with operational capital.

By adopting a third-party custody model, OKX ensures complete operational isolation between asset storage and trading functions. In practical terms, this means:

This structural separation significantly reduces counterparty risk and aligns with growing regulatory expectations worldwide.

👉 Discover how secure custody solutions are reshaping institutional crypto adoption.

Komainu Connect: Powering Seamless Institutional Trading

At the heart of this integration is Komainu Connect, a regulated infrastructure solution enabling real-time settlement and custody services for institutional clients. With 24/7 availability, it supports continuous trading cycles without compromising security or compliance.

For institutional investors—such as hedge funds, family offices, and asset managers—this means they can:

This level of service was previously rare in the crypto ecosystem but is now becoming essential as more traditional financial players enter the space.

Strengthening Trust Through Transparency

Transparency remains a cornerstone of long-term adoption. By choosing a well-regulated custodian like Komainu, OKX sends a clear message: security and compliance are non-negotiable.

Independent audits, regular attestations, and adherence to international accounting standards further reinforce trust. For regulators and institutions alike, these measures demonstrate that crypto platforms can operate responsibly within existing financial ecosystems.

Moreover, the partnership underscores a broader trend: the convergence of decentralized innovation and centralized accountability. As digital assets mature, users demand not just performance—but also protection.

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FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q: What is third-party crypto custody?
A: Third-party custody involves storing digital assets with an independent, regulated provider instead of keeping them on an exchange. This reduces risk by separating ownership from platform operations.

Q: Why does Nomura’s involvement matter?
A: Nomura brings decades of experience in global finance and regulatory compliance. Its backing gives Komainu credibility and ensures adherence to stringent security and governance standards.

Q: Can I use my assets for trading while they’re in custody?
A: Yes—through Komainu Connect, institutional clients on OKX can trade using their assets even while those assets remain securely stored off-exchange.

Q: Is this service available to retail users?
A: Currently, Komainu Connect is designed for institutional clients. However, the enhanced security benefits indirectly support all users by strengthening overall platform integrity.

Q: How does MPC improve security compared to traditional wallets?
A: Multi-party computation (MPC) splits cryptographic keys into multiple parts across different locations. No single party ever holds the full key, making theft or internal fraud far more difficult.

Q: Does this make OKX fully compliant with global regulations?
A: While no single measure guarantees full compliance, partnering with a regulated custodian like Komainu significantly enhances OKX’s ability to meet evolving regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.

The Future of Secure Digital Finance

As digital assets continue to gain traction among mainstream institutions, partnerships like the one between OKX and Komainu will become increasingly common. They represent a shift toward mature, resilient infrastructure that prioritizes user protection without sacrificing functionality.

For investors, this means greater confidence in where they store and trade their assets. For the industry, it signals a move toward sustainability, accountability, and long-term growth.

With cyber threats rising and regulatory scrutiny intensifying, robust custody solutions are no longer optional—they’re essential.

👉 Explore how next-generation custody is transforming the future of finance.

Final Thoughts

The selection of Komainu as a custodian reflects OKX’s ongoing commitment to building a secure, transparent, and institution-ready trading environment. By integrating cold storage, MPC technology, and HSMs through a regulated partner, OKX sets a new standard for what users should expect from a leading crypto exchange.

As the line between traditional finance and digital assets continues to blur, such innovations will play a pivotal role in driving global adoption—ensuring that security evolves alongside technology.

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