Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has announced plans to halt processing of transactions linked to HTX (formerly Huobi) and several other digital asset platforms. The decision stems from the need to comply with evolving regulatory requirements, particularly those tied to the European Union’s sanctions targeting entities accused of facilitating the circumvention of restrictions related to Russia.
In a notice issued on August 14, 2026, Binance stated that it would no longer handle deposits, withdrawals, or other transactions involving a group of crypto-asset service providers after specified effective dates.
Users are advised against sending funds to or receiving assets from these platforms through Binance once the cutoffs take effect.
Any attempts made afterward may be placed on hold pending compliance reviews, and associated wallets could face temporary restrictions during the process.
Such activity might also breach the exchange’s terms of use.
The restrictions are being implemented in stages.
Measures for Shelbit and Aban Tether Exchange became effective on August 7, 2026.
Those for A7 Nigeria, A7 Africa, and PilotFinance Ltd. followed on August 13. Starting August 23, the list expands to include Rapira, Aifory Pro, ABCeX, WhiteBird, NoOnecrypto, Tradex, Monease, BitPapa, Exnode/Exnode Pay, HTX (listed as Huobi Global SA), and EXMO Ltd.HTX stands out as the most prominent name on the roster.
The platform was included in the European Union’s 21st package of sanctions against Russia, adopted in July 2026.
EU authorities identified it among third-country financial and crypto service providers that they said were significantly undermining measures imposed in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The transaction ban for EU operators takes effect on August 23 and prohibits direct or indirect dealings with the exchange, though it does not involve a full asset freeze.
Eligible individuals in the EU, European Economic Area, and Switzerland may seek authorization to withdraw funds or close accounts within a defined window.
This follows earlier UK sanctions in May 2026 against Huobi Global S.A., the entity associated with HTX, over suspected support for Russian-linked networks, including the A7 payments system.
HTX has previously maintained that the designations apply to a distinct legal entity and that its core exchange operations and user funds remain unaffected, while emphasizing its commitment to regulatory compliance.
Binance emphasized that these steps are required to meet obligations in the jurisdictions where it operates and to help ensure a secure environment for users and their assets.
The exchange noted that the measures focus on counterparties rather than specific cryptocurrencies.
Similar compliance actions have been observed across the industry as global platforms respond to heightened scrutiny of potential sanctions-evasion channels involving crypto services.
The development highlights the increasing pressure on centralized exchanges to screen for links to designated entities, even when funds move through intermediate addresses.
Users who regularly transfer between Binance and the affected platforms may encounter delays or blocks, potentially affecting liquidity and arbitrage activities.
Market observers have already noted signs of reduced depth in certain trading pairs on HTX ahead of the August 23 deadline.
Binance’s announcement reflects broader efforts by major crypto platforms to align with international sanctions regimes aimed at limiting financial workarounds. As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, participants in the digital asset space are expected to face stricter counterparty checks and operational adjustments.