TLDR HTX, formerly Huobi, has left the UK after settling the FCA’s case over illegal crypto promotions. UK users can no longer deposit, trade, or open new accounts on the exchange. Eligible u
Crypto exchange HTX has left the UK after reaching a settlement with the Financial Conduct Authority. The case focused on how the exchange, formerly known as Huobi, promoted its services to UK consumers.
The FCA announced the outcome on Oct. 29, 2026. The regulator said HTX is no longer active in the country and will not target, solicit or actively seek to engage UK consumers.
UK customers can no longer make deposits or trade on the platform. New UK users are also blocked from signing up.
According to HTX’s UK service notice, accounts identified as UK accounts cannot transact across its products and services. Eligible individuals who still hold assets must contact customer support to request a one-time, 48-hour withdrawal window.
Access to that window is not automatic. It depends on the conditions of the applicable Personal Remittances General Licence, along with HTX’s identity, ownership, sanctions, anti-money laundering, fraud and account-security checks.
Approved users must withdraw their remaining assets themselves within the 48 hours. They can submit transactions for different asset types, but each one is subject to wallet, blockchain and security controls.
HTX says it will not transfer assets on behalf of users. Accounts will be closed once all assets are withdrawn.
The notice tells affected users to email [email protected] from their registered email address and confirm personal use. Reporting duties to HM Treasury or another authority may also apply.
A High Court order dated Oct. 27 records undertakings from Huobi Global S.A. that last until Oct. 21, 2031. Under them, the company will not knowingly communicate, or cause others to communicate, financial promotions that break section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
The undertakings cover HTX websites, apps and social media. The 2031 date applies only to these commitments and does not set a date for when trading could restart.
The FCA said the settlement terms are confidential. It added that the deal involves no admission of liability or wrongdoing by Huobi Global or anyone else.
Further proceedings in the case are stayed except for enforcement. Either side can ask the court to enforce the settlement without filing a new claim.
The FCA began legal proceedings on Oct. 21, 2025, and announced the action publicly on Feb. 10, 2026. At the time, it called the case its first enforcement action against a crypto firm for illegally marketing products to UK consumers.
The regulator said HTX had repeatedly failed to engage with it. It also asked social media companies to block HTX accounts for UK users and sought the removal of its apps from the UK Google Play and Apple stores.
HTX was placed on the FCA warning list in October 2023. In May 2026, the UK government separately designated Huobi Global S.A. under its Russia sanctions regime, which is distinct from the promotions case.
Steve Smart, executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, said being based overseas “does not put them beyond the reach of UK law.” He added, “The message to other firms is clear: follow the rules or face the consequences.”
The FCA is urging consumers to check a firm’s permissions using its Firm Checker tool. It also reminded the public that cryptoassets are high-risk investments.
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