Key Takeaways
- Bitget launches three-phase compliance enforcement targeting 16 platforms including HTX and EXMO, with implementation dates of August 7, 13, and 23.
- These restrictions align with Binance’s approach and stem from US OFAC designations and the European Union’s 21st sanctions package against Russia.
- HTX disputes the measures, with Justin Sun claiming limitations only impact UK and EU users, as regulatory negotiations proceed.
- The platform has grown its Stock Dual Investment offering from 6 to over 20 tokens linked to U.S. equities and ETFs.
- New tokenized assets encompass Nvidia (NVDA), Tesla (TSLA), Apple (AAPL), Coinbase (COIN), Meta (META), and leveraged semiconductor ETFs.
This week witnessed Bitget executing a dual strategy: implementing stricter compliance measures against sanctioned cryptocurrency platforms while simultaneously broadening its traditional asset-linked investment offerings for non-US traders.
Exchange Implements Three-Phase Sanctions Enforcement
The cryptocurrency exchange announced a phased approach to implementing enhanced compliance measures affecting 16 designated platforms across three distinct timeframes.
Beginning August 7, the initial phase encompasses Aban Tether Exchange and Shelbit. These platforms face allegations from the US Office of Foreign Assets Control regarding cryptocurrency transactions linked to Iranian sanctions circumvention, including operations connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Phase two, launching August 13, affects A7 Africa, A7 Nigeria, and PilotFinance Ltd.
The final and most extensive phase, taking effect August 23, encompasses HTX, EXMO, ABCeX, Aifory Pro, BitPapa, Exnode, Monease, NoOnecrypto, Rapira, Tradex, and WhiteBird. These entities appear on the European Union’s 21st Russia-related sanctions package, which authorities adopted in July 2026.
One day before Bitget’s announcement, Binance revealed virtually identical enforcement measures, featuring the same entity roster and implementation schedule. This synchronized timing indicates both platforms are responding to identical regulatory mandates.
The exchange cautioned that operations involving any listed entity may result in transaction denial, account investigation, or service termination.
HTX has challenged these designations. In a statement on X, Justin Sun clarified that limitations exclusively affect users in the United Kingdom and European Union, regions where HTX maintains no operational presence.
British authorities offered a different perspective. The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation determined the designation encompasses the entire HTX platform due to its ownership by Huobi Global SA. HTX confirmed ongoing settlement discussions with regulatory bodies in both the UK and EU.
Stock-Linked Investment Products Grow to Over 21 Tokens
In parallel developments, Bitget significantly expanded its Stock Dual Investment portfolio on August 14, scaling from 6 offerings to more than 21 within a month of the July 25 launch.
The enhanced product suite now features tokens representing Nvidia (NVDA), Tesla (TSLA), Apple (AAPL), Meta (META), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Intel (INTC), Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM), Coinbase (COIN), Circle, and Strategy (MSTR). Additionally, two leveraged semiconductor ETF tokens, rSOXL and rSOXS, have joined the lineup.
The Buy Low mechanism enables users to commit USDT, select a desired entry price, and receive the corresponding token if that price point is reached at settlement. When the target remains unmet, participants recover their USDT plus earned interest. The Sell High structure operates inversely, with users depositing tokens to potentially receive USDT upon reaching predetermined price objectives.
Settlement timing has been adjusted to 11:30 p.m. UTC+8, positioning it 90 minutes following the 9:30 a.m. ET opening of Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange.
The platform categorizes Dual Investment as a non-principal-protected product. Capital remains locked through maturity, and final payouts may differ from initial deposits based on prevailing market dynamics.
In July statements, Bitget CEO Gracy Chen revealed that tokenized conventional assets represented 20 to 30 percent of spot trading volume during the previous quarter, with stock-linked products surpassing $100 million in cumulative trading activity.
US residents currently cannot access the Stock Dual Investment platform. Chen indicated the company intends to secure US money-transmitter, derivatives, and broker-dealer authorizations before accepting American clients, though no specific timeline has been announced.
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