FCA, HTX Seek Settlement in UK Crypto Promotions Case

Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority has regulated cryptoasset promotions since Oct. 8, 2023, requiring marketing to UK consumers to be issued or approved through an authorized route. Breaches can constitute a criminal offense. The FCA sued HTX, formerly Huobi, on Oct. 21, 2025, in its first civil action against a crypto company over alleged illegal promotions, seeking a declaration of breach and an injunction.

The High Court on June 25, 2026, stayed proceedings between the FCA and HTX operator Huobi Global S.A. for two months while they pursue settlement through alternative dispute resolution or other means. No settlement amount has been disclosed. The FCA said an employee used a UK IP address and driving licence to complete a peer-to-peer crypto purchase and two futures trades. Court filings recorded 4.6 million UK visits to HTX in 2023 and about 13,000 through October 2024.