Britain’s financial watchdog has intensified its enforcement stance against crypto exchange HTX, seeking to block the platform’s access to UK based users across social media channels and mobile app stores. The move reflects growing regulatory pressure on overseas crypto firms that continue to market services to British consumers without authorization.
On February 10, 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority said it had formally requested major technology platforms to restrict HTX’s presence in the United Kingdom. This includes asking social media companies to block HTX accounts for UK users and urging app store operators to remove the exchange’s applications from local listings. The FCA described the action as necessary to prevent what it called illegal crypto asset promotions.
HTX, formerly known as Huobi, has been the subject of regulatory scrutiny in the UK since last year. The regulator filed a lawsuit in the London High Court in October, alleging that the exchange continued to promote crypto services to British consumers despite not being registered under the UK’s financial crime and anti money laundering regime. Under current rules, crypto firms targeting UK customers must be authorized by the FCA and comply with strict marketing and disclosure requirements.
According to the FCA, HTX repeatedly advertised crypto products on platforms such as TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, even after warnings were issued. The regulator cited examples including promotional language encouraging users to buy Bitcoin quickly and descriptions of crypto lending products framed as tools to scale profits. Such messaging, the FCA said, constituted unlawful financial promotions under UK law.
The regulator noted that while HTX had taken some steps to prevent new UK users from opening accounts, existing customers in Britain were still able to access prohibited marketing content. Officials also raised concerns about HTX’s corporate structure, describing it as opaque and difficult to engage with. The lawsuit is filed against Huobi Global, incorporated in Panama, and unnamed individuals connected to the operation.
The enforcement action marks the FCA’s first case targeting a crypto firm for illegally marketing services to UK consumers. A senior FCA enforcement official said HTX’s behavior stood in stark contrast to other firms that have worked to align with the regulator’s crypto regime. Authorities have long warned that lightly regulated crypto markets pose heightened risks to investors, particularly when firms operate across borders without local oversight.
Legal experts say the case highlights the challenges national regulators face when dealing with global crypto platforms that lack a physical presence in the country. While the FCA cannot easily shut down HTX directly, pressuring intermediaries such as social media networks and app stores allows regulators to limit consumer exposure. The FCA has reportedly asked Google and Apple to remove HTX apps from UK storefronts as part of this strategy.
HTX was founded in 2013 and lists Justin Sun as a global adviser, though he is not named in the UK lawsuit. The exchange did not respond to requests for comment following the FCA’s announcement.
The action underscores a broader shift in the UK toward stricter enforcement of crypto marketing rules. As regulators seek to bring digital asset activity closer in line with traditional financial standards, overseas exchanges face increasing pressure to either comply fully or risk being cut off from major markets.
