Bybit Distances Itself From HTX As Experts Warn Of USDT Freeze Risk

Bybit warns customers that any HTX-linked deposits or withdrawals could trigger additional anti-money laundering (AML), compliance, or risk-control checks. The advisory arrived hours after the UK sanctioned HTX operator Huobi Global S.A.

The notice marks one of the first public moves by a top-tier exchange to wall off HTX flows. Bybit advised users to avoid HTX-related wallets when funding accounts and keep all activity inside local rules.

Bybit Walls Off HTX-Linked Transfers

Specifically, Bybit said that HTX-linked transfers may face additional AML, compliance, or risk-control checks. The exchange told users to keep all account activity aligned with local laws and platform policies.

Meanwhile, HTX draws a sharp line between the sanctioned entity and its consumer platform. The exchange said Huobi Global S.A. is distinct from the online HTX platform.

“To clarify, the listed entity Huobi Global S. A. is distinct from the online HTX exchange,” the exchange stated.

That separation, HTX argued, means the designation should not affect day-to-day operations.

In the same tone, Huobi Global’s advisor, Justin Sun, said that the relevant team will work with the UK authorities to address any concerns promptly.

Experts Warn Of Stablecoin Freeze Spillover

Vitaly Gorbenko, chief executive at CoinKit, told BeInCrypto the move sets a global precedent, flagging the order’s asset-freeze clause as the most pressing risk.

“This means issuers themselves could potentially block assets. That is alarming because, based on public data alone, HTX wallets hold more than 100 million USDT.”

Data according to Arkham shows HTX holds over $74 million worth of USDT, which features among its top 10 holdings by portfolio value metrics.

Fedor Ivanov, analytics director at AML provider SHARD, said the British order binds only UK residents and entities.

Still, he expects global banks and stablecoin issuers to tighten screens on HTX counterparties.

Tether has previously frozen USDT on flagged wallets and moved earlier against Russian exchange Garantex.

Ivanov added that AML labelling spread the UK designation through compliance pipelines within hours. That speed accelerates a split between sanctioned and non-sanctioned crypto ecosystems.

Pending European AML rules due in 2027 may widen that divide further.

With over $100 million in HTX-controlled USDT under the microscope, attention turns to whether Tether or Circle act next.

The notice fits Bybit’s regulatory push toward compliance optics as global enforcement tightens around sanctioned counterparties.