The Financial Conduct Authority said HTX has ceased UK activity after a settlement in litigation over cryptoasset promotions, according to an October 29 announcement.
The regulator said it secured High Court undertakings that HTX would not knowingly promote cryptoasset services unlawfully to UK consumers. Under the restrictions, new UK customers cannot register and deposits are no longer available.
Restrictions target new UK customers
The FCA said HTX would not target, solicit or actively seek UK consumers. Existing customers were directed to the exchange’s official arrangements for residual assets.
The announcement also said the settlement does not constitute an admission of liability or wrongdoing by Huobi Global or another person or entity. The FCA distinguished the negotiated restriction from an admission of the regulator’s allegations.
Court record shows longer proceedings
The FCA’s published proceedings page records a sequence of court documents beginning with an October 2025 claim and extending through October 2026 orders, providing procedural background to the latest announcement.
The regulator’s warning page for HTX gives its view of the firm’s permission status and the limitations on UK consumer protections. The source says a recognizable exchange brand should not be treated as evidence that every service carries the same safeguards in every country.
Residual balances handled separately
The FCA directs UK users to HTX’s published information about arrangements for their accounts. The announcement does not provide a universal deadline or promise of instant processing, and closing a market to new business is distinct from handling existing customer assets.
For other crypto businesses, the case illustrates that jurisdictional controls need to be reflected in marketing channels, onboarding systems and service access, not only in disclaimer wording.
