Best HTX (Huobi) Alternatives for EU Users in 2026

Best HTX (Huobi) Alternatives for EU Users in 2026

HTX (formerly Huobi) has stopped serving European users — not by choice, but by obligation. Without a CASP (Crypto Asset Service Provider) license under MiCA regulation, HTX can no longer legally operate in the European Union as of July 1, 2026. If you still have funds on HTX, there is only one thing to do: migrate.

The situation became even more serious in May 2026, when the British government sanctioned Huobi Global S.A. — the operational entity behind HTX — accusing it of facilitating over $1.5 billion in transactions to Kremlin-aligned financial networks. A level of risk that goes well beyond a simple MiCA non-compliance issue.

In this guide, you'll find the 5 best MiCA-compliant alternatives to HTX in 2026, verified on the official ESMA register, with updated data on fees, asset coverage, and key strengths for European users.

Why HTX Left the European Market

HTX, launched in 2013 as Huobi and rebranded in September 2023, is one of the world's largest exchanges by trading volume: 59 million registered users, $3.3 trillion in volume in 2025. In Europe, however, these numbers are not enough to operate legally.

MiCA and the CASP Register: The Requirement HTX Ignored

The MiCA regulation (Markets in Crypto-Assets) — effective in the EU from July 1, 2026 for exchange and custody services — requires any platform operating in the European Union to obtain CASP (Crypto Asset Service Provider) authorization from a national supervisory authority of an EU member state.

HTX submitted no CASP application. The names "HTX" and "Huobi" are absent from the official ESMA register, which as of July 21, 2026 lists 294 authorized CASPs across Europe — spanning Germany (59), France (31), Netherlands (28), Malta (22), and Cyprus (21). The consequence is straightforward: HTX cannot legally offer trading, custody, or crypto-asset transfer services to EU-resident users.

HTX is not an isolated case. Exchanges like MEXC, Bybit Global, and Gate.io handled the European exit in different ways — some creating separate EU entities with CASP licenses, others communicating structured offboarding plans. HTX simply added all 27 EU member states to its "unsupported countries" list, without any official statement and without any migration plan for its European users.

HTX and UK Sanctions: What It Means for European Users

On May 26, 2026, the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) designated Huobi Global S.A. — the Panama-registered entity that controls the HTX exchange — under the UK Russia sanctions regime.

The accusations are precisely documented: HTX allegedly facilitated approximately $1.5 billion in transactions for Kremlin-aligned entities, particularly through the A7 network — an international sanctions evasion system that includes:

• A7 LLC: controlled by Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor and linked to Promsvyazbank (a Russian military bank already under international sanctions);
• Rapira (Georgia): a payment processor that allegedly moved hundreds of millions of dollars to sanctioned recipients;
• ABCEX (Russia/Georgia): an exchange considered the successor of Garantex, which was dismantled in March 2025.

In total, according to data from TRM Labs — which called this "the biggest crypto sanctions action yet" — HTX allegedly processed $21 billion in high-risk transactions between 2021 and 2026, including dealings with dark web entities and sanctioned Russian parties.

HTX's official response was unequivocal: "Huobi Global S.A. is a separate entity from the online HTX exchange and has no impact on its operations." A position that is difficult to maintain, given that Huobi Global S.A.'s own lawyers had stated in February 2026, before the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C., that the entity "owns and operates HTX."

UK sanctions do not apply directly to EU-resident users — but they add significant operational and reputational risk. Any European financial institution processing transactions involving Huobi Global S.A. faces potential compliance exposure. For retail users, the most immediate practical risk is difficulty in documenting the origin of funds from a sanctioned exchange under DAC8 — the EU's mandatory crypto-asset tax reporting regime, effective from 2026.

How to Migrate Your Assets from HTX Safely

If you still have funds on HTX, the migration process is straightforward but must be executed without delay. The block for EU users has been active since July 1, 2026, and operational windows can close without notice.

Step 1: Withdraw Your Crypto to a Personal Wallet

Before opening an account on a new exchange, withdraw all your assets to a non-custodial wallet — hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor) or software wallet (MetaMask, Trust Wallet). This gives you direct control of your funds regardless of any exchange.

Step 2: Complete KYC on a MiCA-Licensed Exchange

All MiCA-compliant exchanges require identity verification (KYC) in accordance with EU AML regulations. Typically required documents include: a valid government-issued ID, proof of residence, and a selfie with your document. The process ranges from a few minutes to 24-48 hours.

Step 3: Deposit and Resume Trading

Once verified, deposit your assets via crypto transfer (free or with a minimal network fee) or via SEPA bank transfer — free on almost all EU-licensed exchanges.

⚠️ Important: If you encounter difficulties withdrawing from HTX, contact support immediately and document all communications. For non-MiCA exchanges, legal protection for EU users in case of fund freezes is very limited.

The 5 Best MiCA-Certified HTX Alternatives in 2026

All platforms listed below are present in the ESMA CASP register as of July 2026 and fully operational for EU users. Fee and asset data verified as of July 21, 2026.

1. OKX Europe — Closest to HTX in Features and Volume

MiCA Authorization: OKX Europe Limited — MFSA Malta
Spot fees: 0.08% maker / 0.10% taker
Available assets: 300+ spot pairs
Futures/derivatives: ✅
EU Copy trading: ✅

OKX Europe is the most natural choice for HTX migrants. It offers a comparable product range: spot trading, futures, staking, copy trading, and DeFi access — with some of the lowest fees available to EU users and liquidity approaching the major global exchanges.

The MFSA Malta license covers the full range of MiCA services: trading platform, custody, order execution, asset transfers. OKX consistently ranks among the top three exchanges globally by trading volume.

For users accustomed to the HTX/Huobi interface, OKX offers the smoothest transition: similar layout, comparable asset depth, and maker fees that are actually lower than standard HTX rates. Copy trading is available on the EU entity, with a minimum of 10 USDT per signal order on both spot and futures.

Best for: Active traders looking for advanced features, copy trading, and competitive fees within the MiCA framework.

2. Kraken — The Most Trusted and Regulated Alternative

MiCA Authorization: Payward Europe Solutions Limited — Central Bank of Ireland (CBI)
Spot fees: 0.16% maker / 0.26% taker
Available assets: 220+ spot pairs
Staking: ✅ (17+ assets)
SEPA deposits: Free

Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the longest-running crypto exchanges with the best security track record in the industry: no significant hack in 15 years of operation. The European entity (Payward Europe Solutions Limited) has received CASP authorization from the Central Bank of Ireland, one of the EU's most stringent supervisory authorities.

For European users, Kraken offers a complete package: - Free SEPA deposits and withdrawals in euros - Staking on 17+ assets with monthly rewards - Mobile app rated 4.8/5 on both iOS and Android - Customer support in English, Italian, German, and Spanish

Spot fees are slightly higher than OKX or Bitvavo, but this is justified by the platform's institutional solidity and deep liquidity on major pairs (BTC/EUR, ETH/EUR, SOL/EUR).

Best for: Those seeking maximum institutional reliability, staking users, and anyone who values a verified multi-decade operational history.

3. Coinbase — The Choice for Security and Simplicity

MiCA Authorization: Coinbase Luxembourg S.A. — CSSF Luxembourg
Spot fees: 0.60% taker (Basic) / tier-based on Advanced
Available assets: 250+ spot pairs
Stock exchange listing: Nasdaq (COIN)

Coinbase is the only major crypto exchange listed on a stock exchange, with financial transparency obligations comparable to traditional financial institutions. The European entity is regulated by the CSSF of Luxembourg, one of the EU's most respected financial supervisory authorities.

For less experienced users, Coinbase offers the simplest and most intuitive interface on the market, with a Basic mode that allows buying and selling crypto in just a few clicks or taps. For more active traders, Coinbase Advanced (formerly Coinbase Pro) provides competitive fees and advanced charting tools.

A distinctive feature: exceptional integration with traditional banking services. Coinbase is accepted as a payment method or partner by numerous European financial institutions.

Note: Basic mode fees (up to 2.99%) are the highest in the group. Frequent traders should switch to Coinbase Advanced immediately.

Best for: Beginners, long-term portfolio holders, those seeking the highest institutional reputation.

4. Bitvavo — The EU-First Choice for Euro-Based Trading

MiCA Authorization: Bitvavo B.V. — AFM Netherlands
Spot fees: 0.15% maker / 0.25% taker
Available assets: 350+ spot pairs
SEPA deposits: Free
Supported languages: EN, IT, DE, FR, NL

Bitvavo was founded in the Netherlands in 2018 with an explicitly EU-first philosophy: no offshore entities, European regulation from day one, complete focus on the SEPA market. The result is a user experience optimized for those operating in euros with a European bank account.

With 350+ available assets and competitive fees, Bitvavo is now one of the exchanges with the largest user bases in Northern and Central Europe. Banking integration is immediate: instant SEPA transfers, clean interface, frictionless euro deposits and withdrawals.

For European users, Bitvavo stands out for its clarity, Italian-language support, and the regulatory solidity of its Dutch structure (AFM). The number of available pairs (350+) exceeds both Kraken and Coinbase, with solid coverage of mid-cap and DeFi tokens.

Best for: Those primarily trading EUR/crypto pairs, users seeking simplicity without sacrificing asset variety, and Italian users who prefer a native-language interface.

5. Bitpanda — The Best for Central European and Italian Users

MiCA Authorization: Bitpanda GmbH — FMA Austria
Spot fees (Bitpanda Pro): 0.10% maker / 0.15% taker
Available assets: 400+ (crypto, digital ETFs, fractional stocks, gold)
Mobile app: ✅ (4.7/5 App Store)
SEPA deposits: Free

Bitpanda was founded in Vienna in 2014 and has established itself as the leading EU-native exchange for users in Central and Southern Europe. The FMA Austria license is one of the most robust in the European Union, and Bitpanda is among the few exchanges that have operated exclusively under European regulatory frameworks since inception.

Bitpanda's model goes beyond simple crypto trading: the platform also offers digital ETFs, digital gold, and fractional shares of traditional stocks — making it a complete investment ecosystem for users who want diversification across multiple asset classes from a single platform.

Key advantages for European users: - Platform and customer support available in Italian, German, French, Spanish, and English - Free SEPA transfers with fast processing - 400+ assets spanning crypto, digital ETFs, and commodities - Pro fees (0.10%/0.15%) among the most competitive in the EU market

Note: Standard Bitpanda spread fees are higher than Pro. Frequent traders should activate Bitpanda Pro immediately.

Best for: Those seeking a complete investment ecosystem beyond crypto, Italian and DACH-region users, anyone wanting a European-headquartered platform with native-language support.

Comparison Table: HTX Alternatives at a Glance

*Coinbase Basic: up to 2.99% — always use Advanced mode for competitive fees.

Copy Trading After HTX: Which MiCA Alternatives Support It?

HTX offered an integrated copy trading system for replicating strategies of top-performing traders. Not all MiCA-licensed exchanges include this feature for EU users.

MiCA exchanges with active copy trading in Europe:

• OKX Europe (MFSA Malta): Copy trading available on the EU entity. Supports both spot and futures. Minimum per signal order: 10 USDT. The most direct alternative to HTX's copy trading function.
• eToro (CySEC Cyprus): The most well-known platform for social trading. The CopyTrader allows automatically replicating full portfolios. Fees operate via spread (no explicit per-transaction fee). eToro is a registered CASP in the EU.

Exchanges without dedicated copy trading:
Kraken, Bitvavo, Coinbase, and Bitpanda currently do not offer copy trading systems comparable to HTX.

If copy trading was your primary use case on HTX, OKX Europe is the most direct alternative — comparable features, MiCA-compliant entity, competitive fees.

Frequently Asked Questions About HTX and EU Alternatives

Is HTX still legal in Europe after July 1, 2026?

No. HTX has not obtained the CASP license required under MiCA regulation. From July 1, 2026, HTX cannot legally offer trading, custody, or crypto-asset transfer services to users residing in the European Union. The exchange has added all 27 EU member states to its unsupported countries list.

Can I still use HTX with a VPN in Europe?

Technically possible, but strongly inadvisable. Using a VPN to circumvent geographic restrictions violates HTX's Terms of Service and may leave your funds vulnerable to sudden freezes with no legal recourse. In the event of a dispute or insolvency, users operating in violation of ToS lose any contractual rights against the platform.

Will HTX reimburse EU users' funds?

As of now, there is no official communication from HTX regarding any reimbursement or structured offboarding plan for European users. The absence of communication is itself a warning signal: exchanges that exit markets in an orderly manner — like Gemini or Binance EU — publish clear guidelines with defined deadlines. HTX has not. Act immediately.

What is the best HTX alternative for altcoin trading?

For altcoin trading with low fees and broad asset coverage, OKX Europe is the closest alternative to HTX: 300+ spot pairs, 0.08% maker fee, and available futures. For those preferring a EUR-centric approach with diversified altcoins, Bitvavo (350+ assets) is the second choice with competitive fees.

How much time do I have to migrate from HTX?

The block has been active since July 1, 2026. Do not wait: some features may already be restricted or could become unavailable without notice. If you have significant assets on HTX, withdraw immediately to a personal wallet, then transfer to a new exchange.

Do UK sanctions on HTX affect me as an EU user?

UK sanctions of May 26, 2026 formally apply to UK-based entities and individuals. They do not have direct legal effect on EU-resident users. However, they add significant reputational and operational risk: European financial institutions may flag or restrict transactions involving exchanges linked to sanctioned parties. Under DAC8 — the EU's mandatory crypto tax reporting regime effective from 2026 — funds from sanctioned exchanges may require additional documentation.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Crypto-asset trading involves significant risks, including the possible partial or total loss of invested capital. CASP license information is verified as of July 21, 2026 on the official ESMA register and may be subject to change. Before migrating your funds, assess your specific investment needs and, if necessary, consult a regulated financial advisor.

Some platforms mentioned in this article may pay a referral commission to bitcoinmarket.net if you register through links in the article. This commission does not influence the selection criteria or evaluations expressed.