Cryptocurrency derivatives trading has evolved into a powerful tool for experienced investors seeking to hedge risk, amplify returns, and diversify portfolios. For qualified wholesale clients in Australia, OKX offers advanced access to a comprehensive suite of digital asset derivatives—backed by deep liquidity, robust infrastructure, and dedicated local support.
Whether you're an individual with substantial trading experience or an institution managing significant capital, OKX provides the tools and flexibility needed to execute sophisticated strategies in today’s dynamic crypto markets.
What Are Cryptocurrency Derivatives?
Derivatives are financial contracts whose value is derived from an underlying asset—in this case, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other major digital assets. These instruments allow traders to speculate on price movements without owning the actual asset, enabling both long and short positions.
On OKX, users can access three primary types of crypto derivatives:
- Perpetual futures – Contracts with no expiry date, ideal for long-term positioning.
- Expiry futures – Time-bound contracts settling at a predetermined future date.
- Options – Instruments offering the right (but not obligation) to buy or sell at a set price, available in daily, weekly, and monthly terms.
With up to 20x leverage across more than 100 cryptocurrencies, OKX empowers qualified traders to maximize capital efficiency while maintaining strategic control.
👉 Discover how professional traders use advanced derivatives to optimize their market exposure.
Who Can Access Derivatives on OKX in Australia?
Access to cryptocurrency derivatives on OKX is available exclusively to qualified wholesale clients in Australia. This classification ensures that only experienced and financially resilient investors engage with high-leverage products, aligning with regulatory expectations under the Corporations Act 2001.
You may qualify as a wholesale investor if you meet one of the following criteria:
For Individuals
1. Significant Assets or Income
You must meet at least one of the following:
- Earned a gross income of A$250,000 or more in each of the last two financial years.
- Hold net assets valued at A$2.5 million or more.
2. Sophisticated Investor Status
To qualify under this category, you must meet at least two of the following conditions:
- Work Experience: At least one year of relevant experience in financial markets or digital assets.
- Trading Activity: Executed a minimum of 40 significantly sized leveraged trades per year.
- Portfolio Size: Maintain a portfolio worth USDT 250,000 or more.
This assessment evaluates your ability to understand complex financial instruments, assess risks, interpret market data, and make informed investment decisions.
For Institutions
3. Professional Investor Classification
Your organization qualifies if it meets any of the following:
- Holds a valid financial services license.
- Regulated by APRA (excluding superannuation fund trustees).
- Registered under the Financial Sector (Collection of Data) Act 2001 (Cth).
- Controls or manages assets worth A$10 million or more, including those held by associates or under trust.
- Acts as trustee for a superannuation fund with net assets exceeding A$10 million.
- Is a listed entity or related body corporate of a listed company.
- Functions as an exempt public authority.
- Operates as an investment-focused body corporate or unincorporated entity raising funds from the public under Section 82 of the Corporations Act.
4. Business Size Test
Your business may also qualify if:
- It employs 20 or more people, or
- It’s a manufacturing business with 100 or more employees.
Meeting these standards demonstrates institutional capacity and operational scale suitable for engaging in advanced trading activities.
How to Apply for Derivatives Access
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, applying for derivatives access on OKX is straightforward:
- Verify your identity and complete KYC on the OKX platform.
- Navigate to the Trade page via the OKX app or website.
- Submit your application for wholesale client status.
- Review and agree to the required consents and acknowledgements, which outline key disclaimers regarding disclosure obligations under Chapter 7 of the Corporations Act.
As a wholesale client:
- You will not receive a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
- OKX will not have certain retail-level obligations under Chapter 7 of the Corporations Act.
This streamlined approach reflects the assumption that qualified investors possess the knowledge and resources to evaluate risks independently.
👉 See how top traders structure their leveraged positions using OKX's advanced tools.
Why Choose OKX for Derivatives Trading?
OKX stands out as a leading global exchange for institutional and professional traders due to its:
- Deep order book liquidity across multiple derivative products.
- Advanced trading interfaces including web, mobile, and API access.
- Multi-tier risk management systems ensuring platform stability.
- Dedicated relationship managers based in Australia for priority support.
Additionally, OKX regularly updates its product offerings based on market demand and regulatory developments—ensuring compliant access without compromising innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be an Australian citizen to qualify?
A: No, residency status is not a requirement. However, you must meet the financial or professional criteria defined under Australian law to be classified as a wholesale client.
Q: Can I upgrade from a retail to a wholesale account later?
A: Yes. If your financial situation or trading experience evolves, you can reapply by submitting updated documentation demonstrating eligibility.
Q: Are there fees associated with applying for wholesale status?
A: No. There is no cost to apply for or maintain wholesale client access on OKX.
Q: What happens if my circumstances change after approval?
A: While there’s no ongoing monitoring, you are responsible for ensuring continued eligibility. Misrepresentation may result in account restrictions.
Q: Is leverage the same across all assets?
A: Leverage varies by asset class and market volatility. Most major cryptocurrencies offer up to 20x leverage, but limits may be adjusted during high-risk periods.
Q: Can I trade options with leverage?
A: Options themselves are leveraged instruments—though they don’t use traditional margin-based leverage like futures. They offer asymmetric risk-reward profiles ideal for hedging and speculation.
Final Steps Toward Professional Trading
Gaining access to derivatives on OKX is more than just unlocking new trading tools—it's about stepping into a professional-grade ecosystem designed for serious investors.
If you meet the wholesale client criteria, you’re already positioned to take advantage of one of the most sophisticated crypto derivatives platforms in the world.
👉 Start your application today and unlock institutional-level trading capabilities.