HTX, formerly known as Huobi Global, is one of the longest-standing and most recognized cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. Founded in 2013 by Leon Li, it has evolved through regulatory shifts, ownership changes, and global expansion to become a trusted platform for millions of users across more than 130 countries. Now rebranded under the HTX name — symbolizing both cultural continuity and a renewed ambition to reclaim top-tier status — the exchange offers a comprehensive suite of trading and financial services tailored for both novice and experienced investors.
This in-depth guide explores everything you need to know about HTX: its security infrastructure, trading products, fee structure, KYC process, mobile experience, and overall reliability. Whether you're considering joining HTX or comparing it with platforms like Binance or OKX, this article delivers accurate, up-to-date insights to support your decision-making.
HTX Exchange Overview: History & Global Presence
HTX was launched in 2013 in China under the name Huobi. Within its first year, it captured over 50% of the global Bitcoin trading volume, establishing itself as a market leader. Following China’s 2017 ban on domestic crypto exchanges, Huobi transitioned into Huobi Global and relocated operations overseas.
In October 2022, the exchange was acquired by About Capital Management — controlled by Tron founder Justin Sun — marking a major shift in leadership and strategy. The rebranding to HTX in September 2023 reflects this new chapter, although the community still widely refers to it as "Huobi."
Despite challenges including user base reductions after exiting mainland China, HTX maintains strong global metrics:
- Over 47 million registered users
- More than $33 trillion in cumulative trading volume
- Peak asset holdings exceeding $60 billion
- Ranked among the top 10 exchanges by daily spot trading volume
👉 Discover how top traders leverage advanced tools on a secure platform.
Core Features of HTX Exchange
HTX provides a full-stack digital asset ecosystem covering trading, investment, and institutional-grade services.
Supported Trading Products
- Spot Trading: Over 500 cryptocurrencies and 1,000+ trading pairs including BTC, ETH, SOL, USDT, and emerging altcoins.
- Futures Contracts: U-margined and coin-margined perpetual and delivery contracts with up to 200x leverage.
- Options Trading: European spread options and American call options for sophisticated risk management.
- P2P/C2C Trading: Direct fiat-to-crypto purchases using 74 supported currencies including USD, EUR, HKD, and offshore RMB.
- API Trading: Institutional-level API access with dedicated support for algorithmic and high-frequency traders.
Key Financial Services
- Earn Programs: Flexible savings, fixed-term deposits, node staking, dual-currency investments ("Dual Investment"), and structured products like "Shark Fin" yield boosters.
- Trading Bots: Automated grid trading strategies for spot markets with AI-assisted setup.
- Copy Trading: Follow experienced traders in futures markets; top performers earn up to 10% performance fees.
- Institutional Desk: Dedicated OTC desk for trades over $100,000 with personalized service and tighter spreads.
Security & Asset Protection Measures
Trust is paramount in crypto. HTX employs multiple layers of protection to safeguard user funds and data.
Regulatory Compliance & Licensing
HTX holds operational licenses in key jurisdictions:
- Lithuania: Registered Virtual Asset Wallet and Exchange Operator
- Dubai (VARA): Preliminary approval for Financial Market Professional license
- British Virgin Islands (BVI): SIBA Investment Business License
- Australia: AUSTRAC Digital Currency Exchange registration
- South America: Payment and Transfer Services authorization
These registrations demonstrate compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) standards.
Proof of Reserves & Cold Storage
HTX publishes regular proof-of-reserves audits using Merkle tree verification. Its reserve ratio consistently exceeds 100%, ensuring all user assets are fully backed. Approximately 98% of assets are stored in offline cold wallets with multi-signature technology.
Hack Protection & Compensation Fund
While HTX experienced two security incidents in late 2023:
- September 25: ~5,000 ETH (~$8M) stolen; fully reimbursed
- November 23: ~$100M in assets compromised; users compensated in full
The exchange maintains a $800 million Security Reserve Fund (20,000 BTC equivalent) to cover future losses from potential breaches — a critical trust signal for long-term investors.
👉 Stay protected with platforms that prioritize security and transparency.
KYC Verification Levels & Withdrawal Limits
HTX enforces tiered identity verification to enhance security and unlock features.
| Level | Requirements | Daily Withdrawal Limit (BTC) | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unverified | Email/Phone Registration | 1 BTC | No trading |
| L1 | Name, DOB, Address | 5 BTC | Spot trading enabled |
| L2 | Government ID Upload | 200 BTC | Futures & P2P access |
| L3 | Facial Recognition | 3,000 BTC | Full feature access |
| Investment Verification | Employment info + proof of address + risk assessment | 3,000 BTC | Institutional OTC desk |
Completing higher-tier KYC not only increases limits but also grants eligibility for premium services such as large-volume OTC trades and enhanced customer support.
Trading Experience: Interface & Functionality
Spot Trading
The spot interface follows a logical layout: market selection → price chart → order panel → order book. It supports essential order types:
- Market, Limit
- Post-only (Maker-only)
- Stop-loss/Take-profit
- Conditional (Stop-limit)
- Iceberg orders (for large trades)
While functional for retail traders, it lacks advanced tools like bracket orders or time-in-force customization found on Binance or Bybit.
Futures Trading
HTX offers robust futures capabilities:
- U-Margin Contracts: Up to 200x leverage on BTC/ETH
- Coin-Margin Contracts: Flexible settlement in native coins
- Order Types: Grid trading, trailing stops, time-based execution
However, users cannot view all open positions across markets simultaneously — a usability limitation compared to competitors.
Fee Structure: Transparent but Slightly Higher Than Peers
HTX uses a maker-taker model with volume-based discounts.
| Product | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Spot | 0.2% | 0.2% |
| U-Margin Futures | 0.02% | 0.06% |
| Coin-Margin Futures | 0.02% | 0.05% |
Holding HTX token or TRON (TRX) grants an additional 25% fee discount. High-volume traders can apply for VIP tiers with fees as low as 0.0097%.
💡 Tip: Deposit via TRC20-USDT for lowest withdrawal fees ($1 vs $25+ on ERC20).
Mobile App Experience & Compatibility
The HTX app is available on iOS and Android with mixed reviews:
- Google Play: 3.4 stars (40k+ reviews)
- App Store: 4.1 stars (400+ reviews)
Regular monthly updates improve stability and feature parity with desktop. However, HTX does not offer official desktop apps for Windows, macOS, or Linux — a drawback for power users who prefer larger screens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is HTX (Huobi) safe to use in 2025?
A: Yes. Despite past incidents, HTX maintains over 10 years of operational history, holds international licenses, publishes proof of reserves, and compensates users fully during breaches — making it a reliable choice.
Q: Can I trade with leverage on HTX?
A: Yes, HTX supports up to 200x leverage on U-margined futures. Note: Some regions (e.g., Taiwan) may have restricted access due to local regulations.
Q: What are the deposit and withdrawal fees?
A: Deposits are free. Withdrawal fees vary by network:
- BTC: 0.00002 BTC
- ETH: 0.0035 ETH
- USDT (TRC20): $1 flat
Always use TRC20 for stablecoins to minimize costs.
Q: Does HTX support English language?
A: Yes. The platform supports Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese, Russian, Vietnamese, and more.
Q: How do I contact customer support?
A: Support channels include:
- In-app live chat (fastest)
- Help center articles
- Telegram groups (response varies)
While not as responsive as Binance or OKX, most issues are resolved within hours.
Q: Why did Huobi change its name to HTX?
A: After acquisition by Justin Sun’s firm in 2022–23, the rebrand aimed to refresh the brand identity. “HTX” combines heritage (“Huobi”) with forward-looking vision (“X” for innovation), while maintaining trust built over a decade.
Final Verdict: Who Should Use HTX?
✅ Pros
- Long track record since 2013
- Strong compliance and licensing
- High liquidity and diverse product suite
- Excellent for high-net-worth individuals and institutions
- Multi-language support with solid mobile app
❌ Cons
- Higher fees than Binance or Bybit
- Limited advanced trading tools
- No desktop client
- Regional restrictions on leveraged products
HTX stands out as a mature, regulated exchange ideal for users prioritizing security, compliance, and global accessibility. While it may lack some cutting-edge features of newer platforms, its resilience through market cycles makes it a trustworthy option for long-term crypto investors.
👉 Compare your options before choosing your next trading destination.
For those seeking a balanced mix of innovation, security, and competitive fees, exploring alternatives like OKX may provide additional benefits — especially in derivatives trading and Web3 integration.