FCA Launches High Court Legal Proceedings Against HTX for Unlawful Cryptocurrency Marketing
Britain's financial regulatory authority has initiated legal proceedings against Panama-registered HTX cryptocurrency platform and associated individuals for ongoing unauthorized digital asset promotions across social platforms following multiple warnings.
Britain's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has revealed that it initiated legal proceedings against HTX alongside multiple individuals connected to the platform through the Chancery Division of the High Court during October 2025.
According to an announcement made public on Tuesday, the regulatory body disclosed that it secured authorization on Feb. 4 to deliver the legal documentation beyond UK borders and through alternative service methods, highlighting that HTX (previously operating under the name Huobi Global) maintains its corporate registration in Panama.
The enforcement measures are being pursued under the authority of the FCA's Financial Promotions (FinProm) Regime, a regulatory framework that came into force in October 2023, establishing stricter standards for cryptocurrency companies regarding their marketing approaches toward consumers in the United Kingdom.
FCA previously warned about HTX's illegal promotions
"Companies offering cryptocurrency products to consumers in the UK must adhere to regulations designed to safeguard consumers against deceptive and unfair marketing practices," the regulatory authority stated. The organization emphasized that promoting digital assets through social media channels or online platforms while failing to meet these regulatory standards constitutes a criminal violation.
The FCA had issued prior warnings concerning HTX's unauthorized promotion of cryptocurrency services targeting UK-based consumers, according to the official statement.
"Despite these warnings, the platform has persisted in distributing financial promotions that violate these regulations on its official website and across multiple social media platforms, including TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube," the watchdog declared.
"The regulations we've implemented are intended to foster a viable and competitive cryptocurrency marketplace within the UK, guaranteeing that consumers possess the necessary information to make well-informed choices," stated Steve Smart, joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA.
"The behavior exhibited by HTX represents a sharp departure from the vast majority of companies making efforts to meet the FCA's regulatory requirements. This marks the first instance where we've pursued enforcement proceedings against a cryptocurrency company for unlawfully advertising their services to consumers in the UK," he continued.
We'll continue to act against firms who ignore our rules.
The FCA has additionally requested that social media platforms restrict HTX's social media profiles from being accessible to UK-based users and has called for the deletion of HTX mobile applications from Google Play and Apple Stores throughout the UK.
The watchdog has further added the company to its official Warning List, cautioning consumers that they lack protection from the UK government should they wish to file a complaint regarding HTX.
Cointelegraph contacted HTX requesting a statement regarding the FCA's enforcement action, but no response was received before publication.