FCA Sues HTX Crypto-Exchange Over Unlawful Promotions

By Staff Writer

23rd Oct 2025

Regulation

Regulation

Quick Take

• FCA files civil lawsuit against crypto exchange HTX for promoting services in the UK without proper authorization.
• HTX is accused of breaching the Financial Promotions Regime, with prior consumer alerts issued earlier in the year.
• Regulatory action highlights the FCA’s zero-tolerance approach to unregistered crypto firms targeting UK users.

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has filed a civil lawsuit against entities linked to HTX (formerly known as Huobi), accusing the crypto exchange of unlawfully promoting its services to UK consumers without proper registration or authorization.

The case, submitted to London’s High Court, is a rare enforcement action by the FCA targeting a major global exchange. It follows earlier consumer alerts warning that HTX was offering services to UK users despite not being authorized to do so.

In a statement, the FCA said: “The FCA has commenced civil proceedings in the High Court against HTX, a global crypto exchange, for unlawfully promoting cryptoasset services to UK consumers. This action is part of our commitment to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of UK financial markets.”

The legal action underscores the FCA’s strict stance on overseas crypto platforms operating in the UK without regulatory oversight. HTX is one of several exchanges the FCA has flagged under the Financial Promotions Regime, alongside others like Binance, KuCoin, and OKX.

HTX has continued to operate using the Huobi brand in various regions, raising questions about its cross-border compliance and marketing tactics. While Justin Sun—HTX adviser and figure known for his ties to digital asset ventures—is connected to the platform, he is not named in the lawsuit. Neither Sun nor his team have issued any public statements.

Share this article!