HTX Agrees to Stop Unlawful Crypto Promotions in the UK Under FCA Settlement

Crypto exchange HTX, formerly known as Huobi, has agreed to end illegal marketing of its services to UK consumers, the Financial Conduct Authority announced on Thursday. The exchange already blocks deposits from UK customers and no longer lets new users in the country sign up. The company behind it, Huobi Global S.A., promised the High Court it will not knowingly run unlawful promotions through its website, apps or social media, and that pledge lasts until Oct. 21, 2031.

Details of the Court Settlement

The FCA filed the case in October 2025 and made it public in February, calling it its first enforcement action against a crypto firm over illegal marketing. The settlement is dated Oct. 16 and was recorded in a court order on Tuesday. Its terms are confidential, and Huobi Global did not admit liability or wrongdoing.

UK and EU Sanctions Add to HTX’s Troubles

The settlement follows separate sanctions on the exchange. The UK froze the assets of Huobi Global on May 26 over suspected support for Russia’s government. HTX argued the company was a separate entity, but UK authorities said the platform was covered because Huobi Global owned it. The EU followed on July 23 with a transaction ban on HTX that took effect on Aug. 23.