Cryptocurrency exchange HTX, formerly known as Huobi, is exiting the United Kingdom following a settlement with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) over alleged violations of cryptocurrency advertising regulations.
The UK financial regulator announced on October 29, 2026, that it had secured legally binding commitments preventing HTX from unlawfully promoting cryptocurrency services to British consumers.
The settlement concludes the FCA's first enforcement case against a cryptocurrency company under the UK's financial promotion rules.
HTX, which lists Tron founder Justin Sun as a global adviser, is no longer operating in the UK market, according to the regulator.
The exchange has stopped accepting deposits from UK customers and has blocked new registrations from the country.
Existing Customers Face 48-Hour Withdrawal Window
HTX has restricted existing UK customers from trading cryptocurrencies, requiring them to withdraw their remaining digital assets before their accounts are closed.
According to information published on the exchange's website, affected users have a 48-hour withdrawal window to recover their funds.
The restrictions mean British customers can no longer access normal trading services or deposit additional cryptocurrency.
However, the reported withdrawal period raises practical concerns for users who may need additional time to transfer assets into alternative wallets or exchanges.
Customers should verify the precise withdrawal deadline through HTX's official channels, as the available information does not establish a universal starting time for every account.
The exchange's departure leaves existing users responsible for arranging the transfer of their remaining balances.
FCA Secures Court Commitments Against Illegal Promotions
The settlement includes undertakings secured through the UK's High Court, requiring HTX to comply with British financial promotion restrictions.
Huobi Global S.A., the Panama-registered company named in the proceedings, agreed not to communicate unlawful cryptocurrency promotions through HTX's website, mobile applications or social media channels.
The commitments are intended to prevent overseas cryptocurrency businesses from targeting British consumers without satisfying applicable regulatory requirements.
The settlement terms remain confidential and do not constitute an admission of liability or wrongdoing by HTX, according to the regulator.
Legal Dispute Began in October 2025
The FCA initiated legal proceedings against HTX in October 2025, alleging that the exchange had repeatedly failed to engage with the regulator over its cryptocurrency promotions.
The case marked the authority's first enforcement action against a cryptocurrency company specifically under the UK's financial promotion framework.
Settlement discussions reportedly began in March 2026, with negotiations subsequently extended in June.
Following those discussions, the parties reached an agreement that resulted in HTX's withdrawal from the British market.
HTX told the Financial Times that it had proactively introduced measures intended to comply with the UK's financial promotion regulations.
The exchange has not publicly disclosed the confidential financial or legal terms of the settlement.
UK Tightens Oversight of Overseas Crypto Exchanges
The case demonstrates the FCA's willingness to pursue cryptocurrency businesses operating outside the United Kingdom when their promotional activities target British consumers.
Under UK financial promotion rules, cryptocurrency advertisements must comply with requirements designed to protect consumers from misleading or inappropriate marketing.
These obligations can apply to overseas companies even when they do not maintain a physical presence in Britain.
For international exchanges, the settlement highlights the potential consequences of offering services without meeting local regulatory requirements.
HTX's departure also illustrates how regulatory enforcement can directly affect customer access to cryptocurrency platforms.
The exchange's UK operations have effectively ended, while affected customers must arrange withdrawals within the permitted period.
For now, the FCA's settlement closes a significant enforcement case and reinforces its position that foreign cryptocurrency exchanges must comply with British advertising laws when targeting UK consumers.
