UK Regulator Moves to Block Crypto Exchange HTX from Social Media and App Stores

Britain’s financial watchdog has stepped up its action against crypto exchange HTX, asking major technology platforms to block the firm’s social media presence and remove its apps for UK users. The move signals a tougher stance on crypto firms that continue to target British consumers without regulatory approval.

The Financial Conduct Authority said it has formally requested that platforms including Google and Apple restrict access to HTX services in the United Kingdom. The regulator also wants UK based users prevented from viewing or interacting with HTX promotional content across major social media networks. The request follows a series of warnings and an ongoing legal case that highlights growing concern over unauthorised crypto marketing.

HTX, previously known as Huobi, has been under scrutiny for promoting crypto products to UK consumers without registering with the regulator. Under British rules, crypto firms must be authorised and comply with anti money laundering and financial crime requirements before offering services or advertising to the public. The FCA said HTX failed to meet these standards and continued to promote what it described as illegal financial promotions.

According to the regulator, HTX repeatedly advertised trading services, crypto loans, and investment style content to British users on platforms such as TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Some promotions encouraged rapid trading and leveraged activity, which regulators consider particularly risky for retail investors. The FCA said such messaging breached UK financial promotion rules designed to protect consumers.

The action marks the first time the FCA has moved directly against a crypto company for illegally marketing its services to UK customers. The regulator said it had already taken the unusual step of filing a lawsuit in the London High Court last year against entities linked to HTX, citing concerns about the firm’s organisational structure and lack of cooperation with authorities.

Steve Smart, the FCA’s joint head of enforcement and market oversight, said the conduct of HTX differed sharply from that of other firms attempting to comply with the UK regulatory framework. He said most crypto businesses operating in Britain were engaging constructively with regulators, while HTX had ignored repeated attempts at dialogue.

HTX has taken limited steps to prevent new UK users from signing up, according to the FCA. However, regulators said existing British customers could still access unlawful promotions, prompting the request to block social media accounts and mobile apps entirely for UK audiences. HTX did not respond to requests for comment.

Legal experts say the case highlights the difficulty of regulating crypto businesses that have no physical presence in the UK. The FCA’s lawsuit targets Panama incorporated entities and unnamed individuals, reflecting the challenge of enforcement in a global digital market. Despite these hurdles, analysts say the regulator is keen to demonstrate that firms flouting UK rules will face consequences.

The FCA’s move comes amid wider global efforts to rein in crypto markets, which regulators say remain opaque and risky for retail investors. By pressing technology platforms to limit access, the UK regulator is attempting to close off one of the main channels through which unauthorised crypto firms reach consumers.