HTFX, a Far East-focused forex and CFD broker, has reportedly ceased global operations after losing its FCA licence and giving up its CySEC CIF licence, with its main website now showing a GoDaddy parked page.
Far East Forex and CFD Broker HTFX Ceases Global Operations
On 2026-07-06, HTFX, a broker focused on retail forex and contracts for difference (CFD) in the Far East, was reported to have ceased operations worldwide. Its main website, htfx.com, currently displays only a parked page from domain registrar GoDaddy. (Source: FX News Group, Exclusive: CFDs broker HTFX shuts down after losing CySEC, FCA licenses, published: 2026-07-06.)
The HTFX brokerage brand was established in 2018 and was controlled by Chinese entrepreneur Lijun Li. The company previously operated across three jurisdictions: the United Kingdom, Cyprus and Vanuatu. All three entities have now closed or ceased operations.
Three Business Lines at Its Peak
At the height of its operations, the HTFX group simultaneously operated three entities serving different client groups:
HTFX Limited in the United Kingdom, operating through htfx.co.uk, held a licence from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and focused on professional and institutional clients.
HTFX (EU) Ltd in Cyprus, operating through htfx.eu, held a licence from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and served European clients.
Its offshore retail brokerage business in Vanuatu, operating through htfx.com, focused on clients in the Far East and served as the group’s “main” offshore operation.
Timeline of Licence and Business Terminations Across Three Jurisdictions
The table below summarises the licence status and termination timing of HTFX’s business lines by entity.
| Business Entity | Jurisdiction | Licence Status | Key Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTFX Limited | United Kingdom | FCA licence lapsed | 2026-04-10 |
| HTFX (EU) Ltd | Cyprus | CySEC CIF licence surrendered | Early 2026 |
| Offshore retail brokerage | Vanuatu | Business terminated, website closed | Reported on 2026-07-06 |
| Main website htfx.com | Global | Displays a GoDaddy parked page | Reported on 2026-07-06 |
Sequence of Regulatory Exits
HTFX’s withdrawal from regulated markets took place in the following stages:
It surrendered its Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission CIF licence earlier this year.
It lost its UK FCA licence on 2026-04-10.
Its “main” offshore operation in Vanuatu subsequently ceased business, and the htfx.com website was shut down. (Source: FX News Group, Exclusive: CFDs broker HTFX shuts down after losing CySEC, FCA licenses, published: 2026-07-06.)
Operators of the UK Business
HTFX’s UK business had been operated over the past six years by Levy Benarroch and Stephen Williams. Levy Benarroch previously served as Chief Operating Officer of GCM Prime, which was later sold and renamed EC Markets. The company’s control changed in recent years, with the relevant authorisation held by Lijun Li and an offshore company before October 2023.
Questions Related to the HTFX Shutdown
What type of broker was HTFX?
HTFX was a retail forex and CFD broker focused on the Far East. The brand was established in 2018 and previously operated in the United Kingdom, Cyprus and Vanuatu.
When did HTFX cease global operations?
According to a report on 2026-07-06, HTFX had ceased operations worldwide, and its main website, htfx.com, currently displays a GoDaddy domain parking page.
When did HTFX’s UK and Cyprus licences cease to be active?
The group surrendered its CySEC CIF licence in Cyprus earlier this year and lost its FCA licence in the United Kingdom on 2026-04-10.
Who controlled the HTFX brand?
The HTFX brokerage brand was founded and controlled by Chinese entrepreneur Lijun Li, while the UK business had been operated over the past six years by Levy Benarroch and Stephen Williams.
What role did the Vanuatu offshore business play within the group?
The Vanuatu offshore retail brokerage business was HTFX’s “main” business line, focused on serving clients in the Far East. That operation has now been terminated, and the corresponding website has been closed.
