FCA Takes HTX to Court Over Illegal UK Crypto Promotions

Crypto News Regulation

FCA Takes HTX to Court Over Alleged Illegal UK Crypto Promotions

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: February 11, 2026

Key Takeaways

The FCA brought HTX to the High Court after the exchange promoted crypto services in the UK without meeting the required advertising rules;
HTX continued to post non-compliant promotions on its site and major social platforms despite earlier warnings from the FCA;
The FCA gained approval to serve the case outside the UK and said its rules aim to support a stable crypto market and informed consumer choices.

Stop overpaying - start transferring money with Ogvio. Sign up, invite friends & grab Rewards now! 🎁

FCA Takes HTX to Court Over Alleged Illegal UK Crypto Promotions

BITDEGREE IN YOUR SOCIAL FEED

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has taken HTX, a cryptocurrency exchange, to the High Court.

The authority states that HTX promoted crypto services to people in Britain without following UK advertising rules.

The FCA filed the case in October 2025 in the Chancery Division. Several individuals connected to HTX are also included in the action.

The Most Rewarding Play-to-Earn Project? BitDegree Explained (ANIMATED)

Did you know?

Want to get smarter & wealthier with crypto?

Subscribe - We publish new crypto explainer videos every week!

In a February 10 update, the FCA said it received approval to serve the case outside the UK and through alternative methods. HTX, previously known as Huobi Global, is registered in Panama, so the regulator needed this permission.

The FCA said companies that offer crypto products to UK users must follow rules that prevent misleading or unfair marketing. The authority also noted that promoting crypto assets on websites or social platforms without complying with these rules constitutes a criminal offense.

The regulator explained that it had issued earlier warnings to HTX. The exchange did not change its approach after those warnings. It continued to publish promotions that failed to meet the required standards.

These promotions appeared on HTX’s website and on TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Steve Smart, joint executive director for enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, said the rules aim to support a stable crypto market in the UK and help consumers make informed choices.

He stated that HTX’s conduct differs from that of firms seeking to comply with the regime.

Meanwhile, Ripple received approval from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for its local subsidiary, Ripple Markets UK, to act as an Electronic Money Institution and to register under the Money Laundering Regulations. What did the company say? Read the full story.