Binance and Bitget are taking synchronized steps to cut off access. Starting August 23, 2026, both exchanges will no longer process any transactions, whether direct or indirect, originating from or destined for HTX and ten other crypto platforms.
The consequences are binding for traders. Bitget has confirmed that it is implementing additional controls on these 11 entities. Any transaction submitted after the August 23 deadline could be temporarily held for compliance review or rejected entirely. The impact extends down to the crypto wallet level; addresses affiliated with these blacklisted platforms risk facing functional restrictions.
In addition to HTX, the ten other platforms on the blacklist are EXMO, Rapira, Aifory Pro, ABCeX, WhiteBird, NoOnecrypto, Tradex, Monease, BitPapa, and Exnode.
This mass block is not an independent internal decision by the exchanges. The action is taken in compliance with Council Regulation 2026/1848, the latest European Union sanctions adopted on July 23. This regulation specifically targets entities deemed to facilitate activities violating financial sanctions related to Russia.
Justin Sun’s Denial and Licensing Issues in the UK
Amid the threat of blocking, HTX founder Justin Sun responded by narrowing the geographic scope. He claims that these transaction restrictions only apply to Binance users residing in the UK and EU countries. It is important to note that this is purely a unilateral claim from Sun; Binance itself has not released an official statement regarding the geographic scope of the rule.
Sun also emphasized that HTX has no business operations whatsoever in the UK or the EU. However, this claim directly clashes with regulatory records. The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) still includes HTX on its warning list of entities operating without authorization in their jurisdiction.
The legal shadow in the UK is indeed not yet resolved. On June 25, the UK High Court extended the trial period for settling the case between the FCA and Huobi Global. They gave both parties an additional two months to resolve the matter.
Sanctions Status and Entity Dispute
The root of HTX’s issues with regulators stems from its corporate history. On May 26, the UK government placed Huobi Global under a specific Russia sanctions regime. This legal status comes with severe penalties: a comprehensive asset freeze alongside restrictions on correspondent banking services.
The UK government’s position is very rigid on this. The UK Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) stated that HTX is automatically subject to all of those sanctions because its ownership falls under the umbrella of Huobi Global. On the other hand, HTX continues to attempt to refute this link by arguing that they have a legitimate legal separation from Huobi Global.
However, for users whose assets are caught in the crossfire between exchanges, the debate over legal entity structure does not change the reality. As Binance and Bitget begin holding funds over the weekend, claims of corporate separation will not stop wallet blocks. Reported by crypto.news.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only, not financial advice. Cryptocurrency assets are highly volatile and carry significant risk. Always do your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose.