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In a significant move that underscores the growing convergence of centralized and decentralized finance, OKX has announced the launch of built-in decentralized exchange (DEX) trading for U.S. users enabling non-custodial self-custody wallets across the Solana, Base and X Layer networks. At the same time, global DEX trading volumes surged to a record $613 billion in October 2025, highlighting accelerating demand for on-chain trading and self-custody solutions.
What OKX’s new feature means for crypto traders
With this rollout, OKX users in the U.S. can now access decentralized markets directly within the app, combining the familiarity of a centralized exchange with the control of self-custody wallets. Trades executed via the in-app wallet allow users to retain custody of their private keys while leveraging more than 100 liquidity pools across supported chains for optimal routing and price execution.
By integrating DEX trading for networks like Solana, Base and X Layer, OKX is making a bold statement about the future of trading: one where “what’s running in the crypto market” increasingly means on-chain, multi-chain, user-controlled trading, not just centralized order-books.
Why this launch comes amid a DEX boom
The timing of OKX’s rollout is far from coincidental. October’s surge in on-chain trading activity saw DEX trading volumes hit $613.3 billion, up significantly from September, according to reports.
That milestone points to several underlying shifts:
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Traders are gravitating toward DEXs for self-custody, transparency and direct chain access, especially during heightened market volatility.
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The long-tail keyword “DEX volume hit $613 billion October” reflects growing investor interest in decentralized liquidity.
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Exchanges like OKX that build hybrid models (centralized + DEX) are positioning themselves for the next phase of crypto adoption.
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Chains such as Solana and Base are being recognized not just as platforms for projects, but as running ecosystems with meaningful liquidity and trading interest.
More than just semantics, these keywords reflect the reality that what’s running in the crypto market today is multi-chain access, self-custody control, and seamless trading between centralized and decentralized infrastructures.
What this could mean for markets and users
For the average crypto user:
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Access simplifies: Instead of juggling multiple apps and wallets, users manage everything in one interface centralized portfolio and decentralized trading combined.
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Control increases: Users trade via self-custody wallets, keeping private keys instead of relying solely on exchange custody.
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Chain diversity grows: Solana, Base and X Layer become more than development platforms they’re liquidity hubs.
For the broader market:
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Volume decentralization: As decentralized exchange share of total trading grows, the dominance of centralized platforms may face more pressure. DEXs’ rising volumes strengthen long-tail keywords like “DEX share of total crypto trading 2025.”
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Regulatory shift ahead: As major exchanges embed DEX access, regulators may refocus on interface and routing layers rather than only order-books.
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Innovation ramp-up: With modern features like smart routing across 100+ liquidity pools and wallet creation via passkey within the app, trading infrastructure is evolving rapidly.
FAQs
Q1: What exactly did OKX announce?
OKX announced that U.S. users can now trade on decentralized exchanges via the OKX app using self-custody wallets on Solana, Base and X Layer networks.
Q2: Why is the $613 billion figure important?
It represents the record monthly volume of decentralized exchange trading in October 2025 - $613.3 billion indicating strong demand for self-custody and on-chain trading.
Q3: What is a self-custody wallet?
A self-custody wallet means the user holds the private keys. In OKX’s case, the wallet is created within the app, allowing non-custodial trades while maintaining user control.
Q4: What are Base, Solana and X Layer?
Solana is a high-throughput public blockchain. Base is a Layer-2 network by Coinbase. X Layer is OKX’s proprietary Ethereum Layer-2 chain. Together they represent multi-chain access for DEX trading.
Q5: How does this benefit a regular trader?
Regular traders gain unified access: one app, one wallet for both centralized and decentralized trades, plus smart routing for best trade execution across chains.
Q6: Are there risks with this hybrid model?
Yes. While self-custody improves control, users still face smart contract risks, chain-specific failures and liquidity pool concerns. It’s critical to maintain security best practices and understand the mechanics.
