OKX founder Star Xu recently stressed that long-term thinking remains essential in the cryptocurrency market, arguing that investors should build portfolios with a 5- to 10-year horizon rather than reacting only to short-term price swings.
A story used to illustrate the power of holding
During his speech, Xu referenced the case of an early investor who was incarcerated in 2014 and, as a result, unintentionally held his crypto assets for years. According to Xu, the investor emerged from prison as a billionaire after the value of those holdings surged over time. Xu added that the investor even offered him a Ferrari as a sign of gratitude. He used the example to argue that in a volatile market, long-term exposure to quality assets can sometimes outperform constant trading.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and OKB as foundational positions
Xu said that Bitcoin, Ethereum, and OKB should be viewed as core holdings within a crypto portfolio, comparing them to essential real-world assets such as property and cars. In his view, investors who chase every market narrative without establishing a base in major cryptocurrencies risk becoming “drifters,” lacking a stable anchor for long-term decision-making.
Regulatory progress supports a longer horizon
He also linked his investment outlook to the evolving global regulatory landscape, suggesting that clearer rules and maturing market structures support a longer-term approach. While short-term volatility remains a feature of the sector, Xu argued that the broader environment is developing in a way that can reward patient capital over time.
Overall, Xu’s message was not that investors should ignore risk, but that a disciplined allocation to core assets may offer a more durable strategy than constantly rotating into market trends.