Binance is preparing to restrict transactions involving 11 cryptocurrency exchanges and service providers, including HTX, as new sanctions-related measures come into force later this month.
The exchange said the restrictions will begin on August 23, citing recent regulatory and compliance developments. The affected platforms include HTX, formerly known as Huobi, along with Rapira, Aifory Pro, ABCeX, WhiteBird, NoOnecrypto, Tradex, Monease, BitPapa, Exnode and EXMO.
Once the restrictions take effect, transactions involving the listed services may be stopped or placed under additional compliance review. Binance also warned that associated wallets could face limitations while investigations are conducted.
Users have been advised not to transfer cryptocurrency directly or indirectly to the affected platforms after the relevant deadlines.
Why HTX Is Included
A number of the platforms named by Binance have recently appeared in European sanctions measures connected to Russia.
The European Union’s latest sanctions package, adopted in July, introduced transaction restrictions against several crypto-related businesses that officials accused of helping Russia circumvent existing financial restrictions. HTX and several other platforms named by Binance were included in those measures.
The restrictions involving HTX are structured as a transaction ban rather than an asset freeze. This means businesses and individuals covered by EU rules are prohibited from conducting direct or indirect transactions with the designated services.
The broader sanctions package also targeted financial institutions, companies, vessels and other entities associated with Russia’s economy and military supply networks.
UK Had Previously Targeted Huobi
HTX had already faced regulatory pressure in the United Kingdom. British authorities designated Huobi Global S.A. in May as part of measures targeting financial networks allegedly connected to Russian sanctions evasion.
The UK said it had grounds to suspect that the company had provided financial services connected to entities associated with Russia. The designation brought restrictions including an asset freeze and limits on certain financial services.
HTX initially argued that the UK action applied to a separate legal entity and said its exchange operations and customer assets were unaffected. British authorities later clarified that HTX was also covered because of its ownership relationship with Huobi Global.
Blockchain analytics companies have also examined transactions involving HTX and entities connected to Russia, adding further scrutiny to the exchange’s compliance practices.
Binance Has Taken Similar Action Before
The latest announcement follows other restrictions Binance has recently introduced against crypto services facing sanctions.
Some platforms were already subject to Binance restrictions earlier in August, including Shelbit, Aban Tether Exchange, A7 Nigeria, A7 Africa and PilotFinance.
The measures demonstrate how international sanctions are increasingly affecting cryptocurrency exchanges and payment platforms. As governments expand their efforts to prevent sanctions evasion, major exchanges such as Binance are under growing pressure to monitor counterparties and restrict transactions involving designated services.
For Binance users, the practical takeaway is simple: transactions involving the listed platforms may no longer be processed after the applicable restriction dates, and transfers could trigger additional compliance checks.
