HTX Cryptocurrency Exchange Stops Promoting Services in the UK

The UK financial market regulator FCA has reached a court settlement with the cryptocurrency exchange HTX: it prohibits the company from knowingly illegally promoting crypto services to UK clients. The FCA announced this on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

How the dispute developed

The FCA filed a lawsuit against HTX – formerly Huobi and one of the largest crypto platforms in the world – in October 2025, accusing the company of illegal promotion in the UK. This is the FCA's first court battle in the High Court against a foreign crypto firm over marketing to UK consumers. According to the regulator, HTX, in which Chinese billionaire Justin Sun acquired a controlling stake in 2022, took steps to exit the UK after the proceedings began. After lengthy negotiations, the parties reached an agreement: HTX will not target UK consumers, attract them, or actively seek interactions with them.

FCA's position

“Crypto firms should not be mistaken: being based abroad does not exempt them from UK law,” said Steve Smart, FCA's Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight. “Our actions mean that HTX is leaving the UK and can no longer target UK consumers. The message to other firms is clear: comply with the rules or face the consequences.”

HTX's position

HTX stated that it remains fully committed to complying with “evolving regulatory frameworks” worldwide. “We take local requirements seriously and have already taken steps to comply with UK financial promotion rules,” the company said in a statement. “HTX continues to focus on safe, transparent, and compliant services for suitable users worldwide.”

Context

Regulators worldwide have been warning for years that crypto markets, which are typically less regulated than traditional financial markets, pose risks to investors. Global crypto companies often have opaque corporate structures and operate online, making oversight challenging.