The record hack suffered by Binance on October 29, with $6.3 billion lost, reminds users of centralized exchange platforms to remain vigilant. Two essential questions, often forgotten when everything is going well, come back to the forefront: does my exchange really hold my cryptos? And what happens if my account is compromised?
At OKX, two systems address these concerns: proof of reserves that everyone can verify and the “OKX Shield” protection. We present them to you in detail, before explaining how to benefit from an 8% deposit bonus open until November 14. Here we go!
Proof of reserves: check yourself that your cryptos are there
Since the resounding bankruptcy of FTX in November 2022, OKX has published proof of reserves every month. While many platforms rushed to adopt the same mechanism to reassure their customers in an emergency, most have since stopped producing these reports, which are not subject to any legal obligation. At OKX, this is not the case: the latest report was published on November 1, 2026 and shows that the platform holds much more than it owes to its customers.
The principle? A photo of the balances of all customers, verified by a mathematical proof called “zk-STARK”: each account is included in the total, without anyone seeing your balance (practical for those who do not like to show off their wallet).
How to check it yourself
Thanks to this system, there is no need to take the platform's word for it. You can check for yourself that your balance is included in the report. Here is the procedure to follow:
Log in to your account then go here. Then click on “Show details” of the report you are interested in.
Then copy the proposed data and save it in a file whose name ends with “_inclusion_proof.json” (create a dedicated folder).
Download the free and open source tool “zk-STARK Validator” from OKX GitHub, then place it in the same folder.
Launch the tool: the message “Inclusion constraint validation passed” confirms that your balance has been recorded.
The most curious can also check that OKX controls its addresses on the blockchain as well as their balance. A detailed tutorial for doing this is available here.
OKX Shield: activate account theft protection
In addition to its proof of reserves, the platform launched OKX Shield in September 2026. This system, which is not a legal obligation, can allow you to be reimbursed if a third party takes control of your account (phishing, malware, SIM card theft, etc.).
The limit depends on your account level:
The program is completely free and optional, but it does not activate on its own. To do this, you must have your eligibility verified by going to the “More” tab then “OKX Shield”. A scan will verify that you meet the required conditions:
have had your identity verified (KYC);
use devices deemed healthy (no “rooted” or “jailbroken” phones);
use an authentication key;
use facial recognition for large withdrawals;
block withdrawals from the website;
enable verification for all transactions.
If this is the case, all you have to do is accept the conditions and click on “Activate OKX Shield”. Warning: deactivate just one of these settings and the protection will immediately return to “Inactive”.
Quick reminder: OKX Shield is neither an insurance nor a guarantee. In the event of a problem, you will have 72 hours to report the incident and your file will be studied by OKX. Transfers that you have validated (even under pressure), trading losses and off-platform funds are excluded.
Deposit bonus: 8% on your USDT converted to USDC
A final point, more profitable, which deserves your attention. Until November 14 at 12:59 AM, OKX is offering an 8% bonus on USDT deposited and converted to USDC. The maximum gain is €3,500 per user, paid in USDC.
To take advantage of it, nothing could be simpler:
Log in to your account or create one with our affiliate link (which will allow you to get additional bonuses).
Before making any deposit, register for the campaign by clicking on “Participate” (funds already in the account do not count).
Deposit USDT from an external wallet or another platform, for at least €10 equivalent.
Convert these USDT to USDC (no fees during the campaign).
The bonus will be paid to you every two weeks for one year, starting November 21. Pleasant surprise: you can trade with these funds without market losses reducing the bonus. On the other hand, any withdrawal (including to OKX Pay) will lower it.
Conclusion: trust is verified
OKX is clearly among the most serious regulated exchanges on the market. Beyond significant bonuses, the platform goes further than what security regulations require. The guarantees offered are enough to make many banks and institutions pale, very few of which would be capable of doing the same. Contrary to what we are often used to, OKX gives you the means to check what it is saying. You don’t have to trust blindly.
