HTX faces FCA suit over UK promo rules breach

Key Takeaway:

• FCA sues HTX for illegal UK-targeted crypto promotions.
• Authorities request app store and social media blocks for British users.
• Action signals extraterritorial reach and intensified scrutiny of overseas platforms.

Britain’s financial regulator has sued crypto exchange HTX over alleged illegal financial promotions to UK consumers, according to Global Investigations Review. The case centers on marketing activities aimed at British customers without meeting the UK’s promotions regime.

Alongside the lawsuit, the regulator asked social media companies and app stores to block access to HTX for UK users, as reported by MSN. These measures aim to curb further exposure while the case proceeds.

The action underscores the UK regime’s extraterritorial reach and signals tougher scrutiny of overseas platforms. For consumers, it could limit access to HTX channels in the UK pending outcomes.

Since October 2023, all crypto firms marketing to UK consumers, domestic or overseas, must follow the financial promotions rules, including prominent risk warnings and proper authorisation, according to Cointelegraph. The framework is designed to ensure clear, fair, and not misleading communications in retail-facing crypto marketing.

Regulators allege HTX marketed products in the UK without meeting these standards. “This is the first time we’ve taken enforcement action against a crypto firm illegally marketing their products to UK consumers,” said Steve Smart, Joint Executive Director of Enforcement & Market Oversight at the Financial Conduct Authority.

In practice, requested platform blocks typically involve removing apps from UK app stores and restricting brand content for UK IP addresses. Existing accounts may encounter access frictions while firms adapt communications and controls to the UK rules.

At the time of writing, Coinbase Global (COIN) traded near $161.04, up roughly 10% intraday, based on data from Yahoo Finance. Exchange equities can reflect shifting sentiment around regulatory developments and market activity.

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