FCA settles HTX case, exchange quits UK on secret terms

The UK Financial Conduct Authority announced Thursday that HTX, the crypto exchange formerly called Huobi, will leave the United Kingdom after settling the regulator’s first court case against a crypto firm over unlawful marketing. British customers can no longer deposit funds or sign up. The FCA secured High Court undertakings from Panama-registered Huobi Global S.A. not to intentionally conduct unlawful crypto marketing to UK consumers via its site, apps or social media; the confidential terms admit no liability. The case began on 21 October 2025 and became public on 10 February 2026; the rules behind it took effect in October 2023 and require overseas crypto promoters to use an authorized firm.