FCA settles HTX case: exchange exits UK and pledges no unlawful crypto promotions until 2031

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has closed its case against crypto exchange HTX. On Oct. 29, 2026 the FCA said it secured High Court undertakings that HTX, formerly Huobi, "will not knowingly promote cryptoasset services unlawfully to UK consumers."

What HTX agreed

Huobi Global S.A., the first defendant, undertook not to communicate a financial promotion in breach of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, the FCA said. The undertaking covers the HTX website, software applications and social media platforms. Cointelegraph reports it runs until Oct. 21, 2031.

"HTX is no longer active in the UK," the regulator said. Consumers can no longer make deposits, new UK users cannot sign up, and HTX will not target, solicit or actively seek to engage UK consumers.

The settlement terms are confidential and do not constitute an admission of liability or wrongdoing, according to the FCA.

"Follow the rules"

"Crypto firms should be under no illusion: being based overseas does not put them beyond the reach of UK law," said Steve Smart, the FCA's executive director of enforcement and market oversight. "The message to other firms is clear: follow the rules or face the consequences."

Cointelegraph reports that in an Oct. 16, 2026 notice, HTX said existing UK accounts could no longer deposit or trade, and that eligible users can request a one-time 48-hour window to withdraw remaining assets, subject to approval and compliance checks.