HTX (formerly Huobi) review: score, licensing and risks
63/100SCORE · CCaution
Grade C, fair
HTX, formerly Huobi, remains one of the larger exchanges by volume with a wide asset list. Its record includes a 2023 hot wallet breach and it was named in the 2026 ICIJ investigation into criminal crypto flows. It holds no MiCA licence and does not serve the US.
The facts
- FOUNDED
- 2013
- HEADQUARTERS
- Seychelles
- CUSTODY
- Custodial.
- MiCA / EEA
- Not authorised across the EEA at the time of writing.
- US ACCESS
- No.
- PROOF OF RESERVES
- Yes. Merkle tree proof of reserves.
- FEES
- Around 0.20 percent at entry tier, lower with the platform token.
- ASSETS
- 700 plus
How the score breaks down
Each dimension is explained on the methodology page.
Where it is strong and where it is not
✓ Strengths
- Large asset list
- Long operating history
- Publishes proof of reserves
✗ Weaknesses
- Repeated security incidents
- No MiCA licence and no US access
- Named in the 2026 ICIJ money laundering investigation
- Ownership and governance are opaque
Incident history
2023
Lost around 8 million dollars in a hot wallet breach. Covered by the exchange.
2026
Named alongside several other venues in an ICIJ investigation into the movement of criminally derived crypto.
Our read
A large venue with a poor compliance and security record and an opaque ownership structure. Usable for a specific listing, not a place to hold a balance.
COMPARE
RISK WARNING
Crypto assets are highly volatile and largely unregulated. You can lose everything you put in.
Nothing on this page is financial, investment or tax advice, and nothing here is a recommendation
to buy or sell any asset. Do your own research and never commit money you cannot afford to lose.