The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has secured High Court undertakings against global crypto exchange HTX (formerly Huobi). Under the terms of the settlement, HTX will not knowingly promote cryptoasset services unlawfully to UK consumers.
The enforcement action originated in October 2025, when the regulator commenced legal proceedings in the Business and Property Division of the High Court against HTX for breaching UK financial promotion rules under section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. According to the regulator, HTX had failed repeatedly to engage with the watchdog before taking steps to exit the UK market following the start of legal action.
HTX Exits the UK Crypto Market
Following the High Court order, HTX is no longer active in the UK. UK consumers can no longer make deposits, and new UK users are prevented from signing up to the platform. Under its undertakings to the court, HTX is prohibited from targeting, soliciting, or actively seeking to engage UK consumers directly or indirectly across its website, software applications, and social media platforms.
Steve Smart, executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, stated: “Crypto firms should be under no illusion: being based overseas does not put them beyond the reach of UK law. Our action means HTX is leaving the UK and can no longer target UK consumers. The message to other firms is clear: follow the rules or face the consequences.”
Withdrawal Arrangements for Existing UK Users
Existing UK customers of HTX are advised to review the information published on HTX’s official website regarding the availability of services in the UK and instructions for withdrawing any residual funds. The legal proceedings were settled without an admission of liability or wrongdoing by Huobi Global S.A. or related entities.
The watchdog reminds UK retail investors that cryptoassets remain high-risk investments and are largely unregulated in the UK, except for anti-money laundering controls and financial promotion rules until full regulatory powers take effect in October 2027. Consumers are encouraged to verify firm permissions using the official FCA Firm Checker before transferring funds. This article is provided strictly for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.
Main picture: Screenshot of fca.org.uk, 29 Oct 2026
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