HTX has settled a UK legal case over its crypto promotions, with court commitments running until October 2031, the Financial Conduct Authority said. The agreement follows proceedings against the exchange formerly known as Huobi.
The FCA said UK users can no longer deposit funds, new customers cannot register, and HTX has stopped actively seeking business in the country. The regulator said the exchange is no longer active in the UK and will stop targeting or soliciting UK consumers. Existing customers with assets on the exchange were directed to its support notice for withdrawal information.
HTX said its UK exit arrangements and strengthened restrictions had begun before the settlement was announced.
Court order and restrictions
An October 27 High Court order records the settlement with Huobi Global S.A., named as the first defendant. Under the order, the company cannot knowingly communicate, or cause others to communicate, financial promotions that breach UK law through websites, apps, and social media. The settlement remains confidential, and there was no admission of liability or wrongdoing.
Documents observed showed the FCA started proceedings on October 21, 2025, and the case was publicly announced in February 2026. The regulator said HTX began to leave the UK market after proceedings started.
HTX response and case background
In its October 29 response, HTX described the resolution as following constructive engagement and said it had worked collaboratively to address the regulator’s concerns.
In its original court filing, the FCA gave an example of access it said the exchange had. The filing showed that an FCA employee used a UK internet address and driving license to verify an account, purchase crypto, and trade futures. Those allegations were part of the case that has now been settled.
Customers with balances have been directed to the exchange’s withdrawal guidance.
