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Huobi
Huobi, founded by Leon Li in 2013, is a global cryptocurrency exchange and blockchain infrastructure firm spanning trading, custody, and venture capital.
Huobi
Leon Li, a former Oracle engineer, launched Huobi in 2013 as a bitcoin-to-renminbi exchange in Beijing. The firm grew rapidly during China's crypto boom and, after the 2017 government crackdown on domestic trading, relocated its primary operations to Singapore and Hong Kong. Huobi still maintains a corporate registration in China but conducts most active business abroad. Huobi's strategy spans spot and derivatives trading, over-the-counter desks, crypto custody via Huobi Trust, and a venture arm called Huobi Ventures. It operates a native blockchain, Huobi Chain (now HECO), and lists hundreds of tokens. Key investors and partners have included Sequoia China and ZhenFund. Geographic footprint covers Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas — with specific offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong Island, Grand Cayman, London, and Miami. Headcount has fluctuated with regulatory pressure, but the firm once exceeded 1,000 employees. In 2022, founder Leon Li sold a majority stake to About Capital, a Hong Kong-based fund, though Li retained influence. Justin Sun, founder of TRON, has served as an advisor. The firm does not disclose AUM or assets under custody. Huobi's structural differentiator is its resilience across regulatory regimes — surviving China's ban, establishing compliant entities in Seychelles and the Cayman Islands, and maintaining exchange operations through decentralized governance structures. This multi-jurisdictional architecture is rare among peers that centralize in one hub.
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
2013
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
Asia
Country
China
City
Beijing
Corporate office
Beijing, China
Additional offices
Shanghai · Singapore · Hong Kong Island · Grand Cayman · London · Miami
Principals
Leon Li
Founder
Justin Sun
Advisor
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who controls Huobi after the 2022 ownership change?
In 2022, founder Leon Li sold a majority stake to About Capital, a Hong Kong-based fund. Justin Sun, founder of TRON, has been publicly associated with the exchange as an advisor. The exact ownership split is not publicly disclosed.
Does Huobi operate in China after the 2021 crypto ban?
Huobi maintains a corporate presence in China but complies with the 2021 government ban on cryptocurrency trading. Its exchange operations are conducted through entities registered in Seychelles and the Cayman Islands, serving non-Chinese clients only.
What investment services does Huobi offer beyond exchange trading?
Huobi runs a venture capital arm, Huobi Ventures, which invests in blockchain projects. It also provides crypto custody via Huobi Trust, staking services, and a decentralized-finance ecosystem including its own HECO chain and the HT token.
How does Huobi's token listing process work?
Huobi lists tokens through a standard application process, with criteria including project maturity, liquidity, and regulatory compliance. Listing fees are not publicly disclosed but have been reported in the industry as variable. The firm also runs a Huobi Chain-based listing platform.
Is Huobi regulated in any jurisdiction?
Huobi entities hold or have applied for licenses in multiple jurisdictions, including a Trust and Company Service Provider license in the Cayman Islands and compliance with US FinCEN for certain services. It is not registered with the US SEC as an exchange. Regulatory posture varies by entity.
What is Huobi's relationship with TRON and Justin Sun?
Justin Sun, founder of the TRON blockchain, serves as an advisor to Huobi. The rebranding of Huobi's global exchange to HTX in 2023 aligned the exchange with TRON's ecosystem. TRON's native TRX token has been listed on Huobi since 2019.
Does Huobi have a venture capital arm, and what does it invest in?
Yes, Huobi Ventures is the firm's venture capital division. It invests in early-stage blockchain projects, decentralized finance protocols, and Web3 infrastructure. Known portfolio companies include Polychain Capital-backed projects and various DeFi protocols, though specific holdings are not fully disclosed.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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