The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has secured undertakings through the High Court to ensure that HTX, formerly known as Huobi, will not knowingly promote cryptoasset services unlawfully to consumers in the UK.

The agreement follows legal action taken by the FCA against the global cryptocurrency exchange over breaches of the UK’s financial promotion rules.

FCA Takes Legal Action Against HTX

The FCA launched legal proceedings against HTX in October 2025 after the company repeatedly failed to comply with UK financial promotion requirements and did not engage with the regulator.

Following the commencement of legal proceedings, HTX took steps to withdraw from the UK market. The FCA and Huobi Global S.A. have now reached a settlement, bringing the case to an agreement.

The High Court undertakings are intended to ensure that HTX does not knowingly promote cryptoasset services unlawfully to UK consumers.

HTX Withdraws from the UK Market

HTX is no longer active in the UK, and its services are no longer available to new UK customers.

The arrangements mean that:

• Consumers in the UK can no longer make deposits into the platform.
• New UK users cannot register for an HTX account.
• HTX will not target, solicit or actively seek to engage with UK consumers.

Existing UK users should consult the information published by HTX regarding the availability of its services in the UK and the arrangements for withdrawing any remaining assets held on the platform.

FCA Warns Overseas Crypto Firms to Follow UK Rules

Steve Smart, Executive Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight at the FCA, stressed that overseas crypto businesses are not exempt from UK financial regulations simply because they operate outside the country.

He explained that the FCA’s action against HTX means the exchange is leaving the UK market and can no longer target UK consumers. He also warned other crypto firms that failure to comply with UK rules could result in regulatory and legal consequences.

Consumer Warning: Check Crypto Firms Before Investing

The FCA continues to remind consumers to check whether a financial services firm has the appropriate regulatory permissions before using its services.

Consumers can use the FCA Firm Checker to verify a company’s regulatory status and understand whether it is authorised to provide particular financial services in the UK.

The regulator also warns that cryptoassets are high-risk investments. Their value can fluctuate significantly, and investors should be prepared for the possibility of losing all the money they invest.

Continued FCA Enforcement Against Unlawful Crypto Promotions

The action against HTX highlights the FCA’s commitment to enforcing UK financial promotion rules across the cryptoasset sector, including against businesses based overseas.

By pursuing legal action and securing High Court undertakings, the FCA aims to prevent unlawful cryptoasset promotions, protect UK consumers and ensure that firms seeking to reach the UK market comply with applicable financial regulations.