Binance to Restrict HTX Transfers for UK and EU Users on August 23
Key Takeaways
- •Binance will stop processing HTX deposits and withdrawals for UK and EU users from August 23, 2026, with the restrictions applying to a total of 11 platforms including Rapira and EXMO.
- •Justin Sun stated that HTX does not operate in the UK or EU and that settlement talks with regulators in both regions remain underway, with affected users able to contact HTX customer support.
- •Binance's action follows expanded UK and EU sanctions related to Russia, including the European Union's 21st Russia sanctions package.
- •HTX's ETH order book has thinned ahead of the August 23 deadline, reducing visible liquidity and increasing the expected price impact of larger trades on the exchange.
- •Binance has operated under closer US compliance monitoring since its 2023 settlement with US authorities, in which it paid $4.3 billion and pleaded guilty to charges including sanctions violations.
Binance will stop processing HTX deposits and withdrawals for users in the UK and EU from August 23, 2026, under sanctions compliance measures.
Justin Sun said HTX does not operate in the UK or EU and is negotiating settlements with regulators in both regions. He also said Binance’s planned restrictions apply only to UK and EU users.
HTX’s ETH order book has thinned ahead of the deadline, reducing visible liquidity for larger trades on the exchange.
Sun Addresses Binance Restrictions
Sun said he spoke with Binance about the restrictions involving HTX and other platforms. According to Sun, Binance confirmed that the measures concern its UK and EU users.
HTX does not conduct business in the UK or EU, Sun said. He added that settlement talks with regulators in both regions remain underway. Users affected during the negotiations can contact HTX customer support, according to Sun. HTX will then coordinate a resolution for those users.
The clarification followed Binance’s announcement that it would stop processing HTX transactions from August 23. The measure also covers deposits and withdrawals involving 10 other platforms.
Binance Cites Sanctions Compliance
Binance’s restrictions include platforms such as Rapira and EXMO. The list contains 11 platforms affected by the planned restrictions.
The action follows expanded UK and EU sanctions tied to Russia. The measures also relate to the European Union’s 21st Russia sanctions package.
Cutting transfer routes to and from listed platforms is a common tool exchanges use to limit their exposure to sanctioned jurisdictions. Binance itself has operated under closer US compliance monitoring since its 2023 settlement with US authorities, in which it paid $4.3 billion and pleaded guilty to charges that included sanctions violations.
Regulatory reviews involving HTX began in May 2026. UK regulators raised concerns about HTX’s affiliations during that period. However, no blanket transfer ban had taken effect as of August 14. Binance’s announced restrictions remain scheduled for August 23.
HTX Trading Book Shows Less Liquidity
HTX’s ETH order book has thinned as the Binance deadline approaches. The change has reduced the number of visible buy and sell orders around current prices, affecting the amount of liquidity available for larger ETH trades on HTX. Thinner books typically widen the spread between the best available buy and sell prices and increase the price impact of executing large orders.
Binance’s restrictions will also limit transfer routes between the two exchanges for affected users. Meanwhile, OKX, Bybit and Bitget have adjusted compliance policies since May. HTX, formerly known as Huobi and operating under its current name since a 2023 rebrand, has faced regulatory scrutiny involving Sun and Russia-related sanctions.
Heading into the August 23 start date, open questions include the outcome of the settlement talks Sun described, whether other major exchanges add transfer restrictions covering the 11 listed platforms, and how HTX’s order books respond once the measures take effect.
