Binance Freezes Out HTX and 15 Firms as EU Sanctions Bite

Binance halts transactions with 16 sanctioned platforms

Binance told users on 14 August 2026 that it will stop processing transactions involving 16 crypto exchanges and service providers. The platform cited regulatory compliance as the reason. HTX, formerly known as Huobi, is the largest named entity. The list also includes EXMO Ltd., Rapira, BitPapa, WhiteBird, and Aifory Pro.

Binance said it must follow the rules in the markets where it works. "Binance is required to adhere to the regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions in which it operates," the company stated. It added that the measures help "maintain a safe and secure environment for our users and their assets."

Blocks take effect on staggered dates through August

The restrictions arrive in stages. Binance blocked Shelbit and Aban Tether Exchange on 7 August 2026. It stopped transactions with A7 Nigeria, A7 Africa, and PilotFinance Ltd. on 13 August. The remaining 11 entities, among them HTX and EXMO, face a cutoff on 23 August 2026.

After each date, users should not send or receive funds through Binance that involve the listed entities. Transactions that do so will trigger a compliance review. That review may lead to wallet restrictions. Most of the named platforms are low-volume venues, though HTX ranks among the larger global exchanges.

EU added HTX to its Russia sanctions package

The European Union (EU) adopted its 21st Russia sanctions package on 23 July 2026. The package named HTX among crypto firms it says helped Russians evade sanctions. From 23 August 2026, people in the EU are barred from transacting with the exchange. The United Kingdom sanctioned HTX earlier, in May 2026. Shelbit and Aban Tether Exchange were blocked over a U.S. Treasury designation tied to Iran. Several of the other listed firms, including the A7 network, have been described as Russia-linked cross-border payment providers.

Binance set no clear geographic limit on the block

Binance published the change as a general notice to all users. The notice stated no jurisdictional restriction on which accounts are affected. Several outlets noted this raised questions over whether the blocks reach users outside the EU and UK. Binance operates in many markets and screens transactions against sanctions lists across its platform.

Justin Sun disputes the scope of the measures

Justin Sun, who acquired a controlling stake in HTX in 2022, pushed back on the move. He said the exchange does not operate in the affected markets and is already in talks with regulators.

"This matter concerns only Binance's UK and EU users. HTX does not conduct business in the UK or EU, and settlement negotiations with UK and EU regulators are already in progress.", 14 August 2026. — Justin Sun, Founder, TRON and HTX stakeholder

HTX also faces separate settlement talks with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) over alleged illegal crypto promotions to British users.

BNB trades near $611 at time of publication

BNB, the token tied to Binance, traded at $610.93 at the time of publication, up 0.25% over the past 24 hours versus the previous close (CoinPaprika, 15 August 2026). Its market value stood near $81.4 billion. The token gained about 3% over the past seven days.