OKX Urges Users to Avoid MEXC Transfers Amid Freeze Risk

OKX founder and CEO Star Xu urged users to avoid sending funds directly from MEXC to OKX, warning that deposits linked to the exchange may be frozen for review as OKX tightens compliance controls in response to a U.S. Treasury action.

Xu said OKX is applying a risk-management approach similar to financial sanctions and has significantly tightened controls ahead of the deadline. Funds from MEXC may be frozen for review, while related accounts may face additional investigation.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), part of the Treasury, designated MEXC a financial institution of primary money laundering concern on Nov. 6. FinCEN said MEXC facilitated about $16.7 billion in suspicious transactions from May 2021 through May 2026.

FinCEN's restriction on covered fund transfers will take effect 30 days after the measure is published in the Federal Register. The agency provided a 30-day transition period, but Xu said OKX is acting before it expires.