OKX CEO Predicts Blockchain Will Power Half of Global Economy
Key Takeaway
During a recent speech at Abu Dhabi Finance Week, OKX Chief Executive Star Xu projected that within the coming decades roughly 50 % of all global economic activity will operate on blockchain technology.
Why This Shift Is Inevitable
Xu described the transition as a natural progression driven by a generation raised on digital services, mobility, and artificial intelligence. He framed blockchains as “programmable financial rails” that enable value to move freely, instantly, and globally—24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Supporting Trends
Key trends underpinning this outlook include:
- Rapid growth of stable‑coin settlements.
- Increasing on‑chain asset values.
- Expanding number of digital wallets worldwide.
- Regulatory frameworks emerging in major markets, creating compliant pathways for blockchain‑based activity.
Historical Parallels
Xu drew analogies to previous tech cycles—the rise of the internet, mobile technology, and cloud computing—and argued that the next phase is a “financial internet,” where storage, transfer, and settlement of value become software‑driven and auditable.
Infrastructure Ready for Institutional Use
The current blockchain stack can meet institutional demands, offering:
- Seamless account integrations.
- Low‑friction user flows without gas fees.
- Scalability to handle millions of transactions per second.
- Security models mirroring traditional bank accounts.
- On‑chain identity, analytics, and audit tools for greater transparency.
Regulatory Momentum
Jurisdictions such as the United States and Singapore are actively crafting frameworks that will move blockchain activities from pilot projects to full‑scale production, according to Xu.
Practical Applications Today
- Bitcoin as “digital gold” for younger generations.
- Stablecoins providing a parallel payment channel for near real‑time cross‑border settlements.
- Tokenization of assets—funds, government bonds, and more—being issued and traded on‑chain.
Looking Ahead: The Vision
Xu envisions a future where users hold self‑custody wallets, identity is portable, and issuance and settlement occur on a single base layer. He concluded that more open, transparent, and efficient systems will ultimately prevail, driven by the expectations of the internet‑generation.
Conclusion
Star Xu’s outlook paints a picture of a more interconnected and efficient global economy. As regulatory frameworks mature and infrastructure continues to improve, blockchain‑based solutions are set to accelerate, potentially reshaping the very foundation of the world’s financial system.
