HTX Q1 2026 Report: User Base Surges to 59M as Record Volumes Drive Unprecedented Wealth Effects

PANAMA CITY, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In Q1 2026, the crypto market entered a pivotal repricing phase against a backdrop of macroeconomic uncertainty and structural industry reshuffling. As user behavior becomes increasingly rational, the focus of exchange competition has shifted from a mere race for traffic acquisition to a comprehensive contest defined by product excellence, asset quality, and regulatory compliance.

As a crypto infrastructure leader, HTX continues to position trading as its core engine, underpinned by a rock-solid foundation of security and compliance. By leveraging product innovation and globalization as key growth drivers, the platform has achieved synergistic progress across all business lines. During the quarter, HTX co-released the 2026 Digital Asset Trends White Paper with key media outlets, further reinforcing its thought leadership. By the end of March 2026, HTX's total registered users officially surpassed 59 million, while quarterly brand reach hit a record 53.55 million. From high-impact spot listings to the surge of TradFi futures contracts, HTX is delivering a stellar performance report that sets the stage for a new crypto era starting in 2026.

Spot and OTC: Capturing 2026's "Wealth Effect" While Advancing Global Expansion

In the volatile market environment of this first quarter, HTX fortified its security moat while leveraging sharp market insights and rapid execution to consistently capture alpha returns for its users. The quarter was marked by a steady stream of breakout assets, driving spot trading volume past the 3-billion-dollar level.

During Q1, HTX listed 39 new assets, with initial listings accounting for 53.85%. Among them, breakout assets such as ELSA, 老子, and 我踏马来 performed exceptionally well, posting peak gains of 620%, 572.73%, and 411.81%, respectively. Other assets such as BTW, BNKR, and RIVER also recorded strong gains, with BTW debuting on HTX and RIVER achieving significant post-listing momentum. Furthermore, by leveraging premier events like the Blockchain Forum 2026, HTX's Spot Fee Rebate Program successfully engaged high-net-worth individuals, driving cumulative trading volume beyond 30 billion USDT.

HTX's OTC business is expanding its global footprint. With significant breakthroughs in compliant operations in Australia and expansion into the PKR market, HTX is extending its regulatory presence across high-growth regions. Moving forward, HTX will cultivate deeper ties with premium OTC clients, driving user loyalty and enhancing the overall experience. Simultaneously, the platform is accelerating its global outreach, proactively broadening partnership channels and extending seamless fiat on/off-ramp capabilities across a wider range of ecosystem scenarios.

On the security front, HTX has released its latest Proof of Reserves (PoR) update for April, marking 42 consecutive months of Merkle tree-based disclosures, with major asset reserves consistently exceeding 100%. Notably, BTC and ETH holdings recorded net increases of 142 and 538 coins, respectively, while TRX reserves grew by over 91.78 million tokens. The platform also upgraded its stablecoin asset display by introducing a unified USDs aggregation model, consolidating USDT, USDC, and other dollar-backed stablecoins to enhance transparency and clarity for users.

Futures and Earn: A $300 Billion Vision Backed by TradFi Expansion and Stable Yields

In 2026, HTX's futures business is undergoing a structural transformation, through a "full-category, one-stop" strategy that bridges traditional finance and crypto markets.

In Q1, HTX significantly expanded its futures trading pairs in the TradFi zone, introducing over 22 new assets across gold, silver, crude oil, U.S. equities, and major indices. Currently, the total number of tradable pairs on the platform has surpassed 276, driving an increase in futures market share and a steadily expanding active trader base. Simultaneously, HTX's SmartEarn delivered a peak APY of 7.21%, with an average yield of 2.68% throughout the quarter. Characterized by zero entry barriers, no lock-up requirements, and daily rewards, SmartEarn offers uninterrupted futures trading flexibility. Its performance consistently outpaces industry benchmarks.

With the rollout of Copy Trading 4.0 and the Smart Copy feature, the trading volume increased by 50% in Q1, while the number of copy trading users doubled and liquidation volumes dropped by 61%. These improvements not only enhanced the user experience but also demonstrated HTX's ability to reduce trading risk and protect followers' interests through technological innovation.

HTX Earn also introduced its flagship VIP Flexible product in Q1, tailored for Prime 5+ users, offering up to 9% APY on USDT with a per-user cap of 100,000 USDT. The Flexible Earn products for stablecoins, such as USDT, USDC, USDD, U, and USD1 offer industry-leading yields of up to 15% APY, with tiered platform subsidies. The platform also launched the Flexible Earn products and campaigns for USDe and USAT, drawing over $110 million in subscriptions. Meanwhile, six Earn campaigns for new cryptos launched during the quarter attracted over $10 million in subscriptions.

Product Evolution and Industry Influence: Deep Integration of AI and Web3 Ecosystems

In 2026, HTX is fully embracing AI to empower trading, evolving into an intelligent financial platform.

HTX launched a beta version of its AI assistant, enabling advanced market analysis and personalized Earn recommendations. The Community posting section was upgraded with interactive features such as "topics" and "bullish/bearish sentiment indicators," improving user decision-making efficiency. The platform also introduced HTX Private membership benefits and a desktop client, alongside upgrades to margin position modes and Earn order pages. From asset-liability comparisons to one-click functions such as closing positions, transfers, and repayments, the trading experience has reached industry-leading standards. HTX also launched an on-chain yield product for USDe, allowing users to mint and redeem assets directly within the CEX environment, significantly lowering the barrier to Web3 participation.

Ecosystem development continues to expand through HTX DAO, with the launch of on-chain staking, the listing of $HTX on compliant European exchanges, and the introduction of community-driven initiatives such as the "People's Experience Officer" program to enhance community participation and governance activity. The next quarterly token burn for $HTX is scheduled for mid-April.

Meanwhile, HTX Ventures continues to provide industry insights. In January, the arm released its 2025 Year in Review report, systematically outlining the critical pathways toward mainstream crypto adoption. By maintaining a high-profile presence at premier global summits like Consensus HK and ETHDenver, and providing high-quality decision-making resources through its weekly market recaps, HTX Ventures reinforces the platform's thought leadership across the industry.

Looking Ahead to Q2: AI and Compliance as the Next Growth Drivers

HTX's strong Q1 performance reflects the execution of its four core strategies: global compliance, ecosystem expansion, wealth creation, and security assurance.

For Q2, the integration of third-party custody solutions such as Ceffu and the advancement of asset transfer upgrades will further enhance capital efficiency and liquidity on HTX, solidifying its position as an unwavering builder of crypto financial infrastructure. In an increasingly mature crypto market, competition is no longer defined by short-term volatility, but by the sustained accumulation and execution of long-term capabilities. HTX is steadily advancing along this path.

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX (formerly Huobi) has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of "Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance," HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.

PANAMA CITY, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In Q1 2026, the crypto market entered a pivotal repricing phase against a backdrop of macroeconomic uncertainty and structural industry reshuffling. As user behavior becomes increasingly rational, the focus of exchange competition has shifted from a mere race for traffic acquisition to a comprehensive contest defined by product excellence, asset quality, and regulatory compliance.

As a crypto infrastructure leader, HTX continues to position trading as its core engine, underpinned by a rock-solid foundation of security and compliance. By leveraging product innovation and globalization as key growth drivers, the platform has achieved synergistic progress across all business lines. During the quarter, HTX co-released the 2026 Digital Asset Trends White Paper with key media outlets, further reinforcing its thought leadership. By the end of March 2026, HTX's total registered users officially surpassed 59 million, while quarterly brand reach hit a record 53.55 million. From high-impact spot listings to the surge of TradFi futures contracts, HTX is delivering a stellar performance report that sets the stage for a new crypto era starting in 2026.

Spot and OTC: Capturing 2026's "Wealth Effect" While Advancing Global Expansion

In the volatile market environment of this first quarter, HTX fortified its security moat while leveraging sharp market insights and rapid execution to consistently capture alpha returns for its users. The quarter was marked by a steady stream of breakout assets, driving spot trading volume past the 3-billion-dollar level.

During Q1, HTX listed 39 new assets, with initial listings accounting for 53.85%. Among them, breakout assets such as ELSA, 老子, and 我踏马来 performed exceptionally well, posting peak gains of 620%, 572.73%, and 411.81%, respectively. Other assets such as BTW, BNKR, and RIVER also recorded strong gains, with BTW debuting on HTX and RIVER achieving significant post-listing momentum. Furthermore, by leveraging premier events like the Blockchain Forum 2026, HTX's Spot Fee Rebate Program successfully engaged high-net-worth individuals, driving cumulative trading volume beyond 30 billion USDT.

HTX's OTC business is expanding its global footprint. With significant breakthroughs in compliant operations in Australia and expansion into the PKR market, HTX is extending its regulatory presence across high-growth regions. Moving forward, HTX will cultivate deeper ties with premium OTC clients, driving user loyalty and enhancing the overall experience. Simultaneously, the platform is accelerating its global outreach, proactively broadening partnership channels and extending seamless fiat on/off-ramp capabilities across a wider range of ecosystem scenarios.

On the security front, HTX has released its latest Proof of Reserves (PoR) update for April, marking 42 consecutive months of Merkle tree-based disclosures, with major asset reserves consistently exceeding 100%. Notably, BTC and ETH holdings recorded net increases of 142 and 538 coins, respectively, while TRX reserves grew by over 91.78 million tokens. The platform also upgraded its stablecoin asset display by introducing a unified USDs aggregation model, consolidating USDT, USDC, and other dollar-backed stablecoins to enhance transparency and clarity for users.

Futures and Earn: A $300 Billion Vision Backed by TradFi Expansion and Stable Yields

In 2026, HTX's futures business is undergoing a structural transformation, through a "full-category, one-stop" strategy that bridges traditional finance and crypto markets.

In Q1, HTX significantly expanded its futures trading pairs in the TradFi zone, introducing over 22 new assets across gold, silver, crude oil, U.S. equities, and major indices. Currently, the total number of tradable pairs on the platform has surpassed 276, driving an increase in futures market share and a steadily expanding active trader base. Simultaneously, HTX's SmartEarn delivered a peak APY of 7.21%, with an average yield of 2.68% throughout the quarter. Characterized by zero entry barriers, no lock-up requirements, and daily rewards, SmartEarn offers uninterrupted futures trading flexibility. Its performance consistently outpaces industry benchmarks.

With the rollout of Copy Trading 4.0 and the Smart Copy feature, the trading volume increased by 50% in Q1, while the number of copy trading users doubled and liquidation volumes dropped by 61%. These improvements not only enhanced the user experience but also demonstrated HTX's ability to reduce trading risk and protect followers' interests through technological innovation.

HTX Earn also introduced its flagship VIP Flexible product in Q1, tailored for Prime 5+ users, offering up to 9% APY on USDT with a per-user cap of 100,000 USDT. The Flexible Earn products for stablecoins, such as USDT, USDC, USDD, U, and USD1 offer industry-leading yields of up to 15% APY, with tiered platform subsidies. The platform also launched the Flexible Earn products and campaigns for USDe and USAT, drawing over $110 million in subscriptions. Meanwhile, six Earn campaigns for new cryptos launched during the quarter attracted over $10 million in subscriptions.

Product Evolution and Industry Influence: Deep Integration of AI and Web3 Ecosystems

In 2026, HTX is fully embracing AI to empower trading, evolving into an intelligent financial platform.

HTX launched a beta version of its AI assistant, enabling advanced market analysis and personalized Earn recommendations. The Community posting section was upgraded with interactive features such as "topics" and "bullish/bearish sentiment indicators," improving user decision-making efficiency. The platform also introduced HTX Private membership benefits and a desktop client, alongside upgrades to margin position modes and Earn order pages. From asset-liability comparisons to one-click functions such as closing positions, transfers, and repayments, the trading experience has reached industry-leading standards. HTX also launched an on-chain yield product for USDe, allowing users to mint and redeem assets directly within the CEX environment, significantly lowering the barrier to Web3 participation.

Ecosystem development continues to expand through HTX DAO, with the launch of on-chain staking, the listing of $HTX on compliant European exchanges, and the introduction of community-driven initiatives such as the "People's Experience Officer" program to enhance community participation and governance activity. The next quarterly token burn for $HTX is scheduled for mid-April.

Meanwhile, HTX Ventures continues to provide industry insights. In January, the arm released its 2025 Year in Review report, systematically outlining the critical pathways toward mainstream crypto adoption. By maintaining a high-profile presence at premier global summits like Consensus HK and ETHDenver, and providing high-quality decision-making resources through its weekly market recaps, HTX Ventures reinforces the platform's thought leadership across the industry.

Looking Ahead to Q2: AI and Compliance as the Next Growth Drivers

HTX's strong Q1 performance reflects the execution of its four core strategies: global compliance, ecosystem expansion, wealth creation, and security assurance.

For Q2, the integration of third-party custody solutions such as Ceffu and the advancement of asset transfer upgrades will further enhance capital efficiency and liquidity on HTX, solidifying its position as an unwavering builder of crypto financial infrastructure. In an increasingly mature crypto market, competition is no longer defined by short-term volatility, but by the sustained accumulation and execution of long-term capabilities. HTX is steadily advancing along this path.

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX (formerly Huobi) has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of "Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance," HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

HTX Q1 2026 Report: User Base Surges to 59M as Record Volumes Drive Unprecedented Wealth Effects

HTX Q1 2026 Report: User Base Surges to 59M as Record Volumes Drive Unprecedented Wealth Effects

HTX Q1 2026 Report: User Base Surges to 59M as Record Volumes Drive Unprecedented Wealth Effects

HTX Q1 2026 Report: User Base Surges to 59M as Record Volumes Drive Unprecedented Wealth Effects

HTX Q1 2026 Report: User Base Surges to 59M as Record Volumes Drive Unprecedented Wealth Effects

Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge 2026 Kick-off Ceremony

HONG KONG, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge (HSODC) 2026" series of events was successfully concluded at the InnoEX. The competition is organised by the Digital Policy Office (DPO) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data, jointly curated by B4B (Hong Kong Big Data for Business Challenge), International Data Port (Shanghai Lin-Gang Special Area International Data Port Co.,Ltd.) and SODA (Shanghai Open Data Applications Competition).  

The activities included the Kick-off Ceremony on 13 April, a forum titled "Hong Kong/Shanghai Data Co-operation Forum" under the theme "Research Data Platforms" on 14 April, and the four-day Hong Kong/Shanghai Data Co-operation Pavilion. These events showcased the achievements of open data applications in both cities, providing a platform for the industry to explore business opportunities and partnerships. The four-day event was honored to gather government officials, entrepreneurs, and teams from the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong to share the development achievements and forward-looking blueprints of open data in Shanghai and Hong Kong, and to express their expectations and support for deepening collaboration between the two cities.

Co-creating a Data Industry Platform for the Two Cities

At the HSODC Kick-off Ceremony, the organisers officially announced the commencement of applications for the HSODC 2026.

Themed "Co-creating a Data Industry Platform for the Two Cities", this year's competition is based on open data of the governments and their latest urban development needs. It continues to seek open data resources that foster social development while exploring collaborative models for open data and industry data, thus promoting the collaborative development of smart city construction between the two cities.

The event brings together the open data platforms of both cities, including Hong Kong's data.gov.hk and the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure Portal, as well as Shanghai's data.sh.gov.cn. Additionally, it incorporates industry datasets from organisations such as the Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Center, and the Shanghai Topease Information Technology Co., Ltd. Through this competition, innovative collaboration models between public and industry datasets are explored, driving joint efforts in building smarter cities and advancing co-ordinated development between Hong Kong and Shanghai. This year's competition incorporates more international elements, encouraging Hong Kong and Shanghai teams to explore global application scenarios, thereby promoting the advancement of digital technologies and innovation capabilities in both cities towards the global stage.

Addressing the kick-off ceremony, the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, stated that the Challenge provides a platform for young people, research teams and enterprises from both places to showcase their creativity within the national strategic framework, driving high-quality development of the digital economy. In recent years, the HKSAR Government has actively improved open data, data sharing and flow by optimising data governance, thereby promoting data application within the government and across various industries. The development and use of data elements is a long-distance race, with Hong Kong and Shanghai joining forces, the two cities will contribute significantly to the high-quality development of the country's digital economy.

Mr Qian Xiao, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data, articulated a strategic vision centered on three pillars: deepening the exploration of application scenarios, augmenting the supply of data resources, and institutionalising exchange mechanisms. He stated, "Through the competition, we aim to fortify the comprehensive digital economy ecosystem between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Our objective is to co-develop a series of high-standard benchmarks that are exemplary, actionable, and scalable. By fostering a robust environment for bilateral knowledge transfer and digital transformation expertise, we aim to cultivate top-tier talent, broaden global perspectives, and significantly bolster the innovation and entrepreneurial vitality of both cities."

In addition to the above guests, the forum was honoured to invite government officials, entrepreneurs, and teams from Hong Kong and the Mainland. They shared the development and future plans of open data between Hong Kong and Shanghai, and expressed their expectations and support for Hong Kong-Shanghai cooperation.

"Hong Kong/Shanghai Data Co-operation Forum - Research Data Platforms"

The "Hong Kong/Shanghai Data Co-operation Forum" held on 14 April, themed "Research Data Platforms", brought together data experts to discuss in depth how to open up channels for scientific research data cooperation. Topics included sharing the applications of scientific research data and how compliance mechanisms for shared scientific research data can be applied to cross-border data collaboration between Hong Kong and Shanghai. The forum also featured a roundtable discussion session, which delved into the collection, compliance challenges, and application scenarios of global human resources data and medical data.

"Hong Kong/Shanghai Data Co-operation Pavilion" Showcases Innovative Achievements Comprehensively

The four-day "Hong Kong/Shanghai Data Co-operation Pavilion" exhibition at InnoEX displayed the data application achievements of last year's competition teams in the four major areas of Smart Mobility, Smart Living, Smart Environment, and Smart Economy. It also showcased how data can be used to solve real-world problems and create social value. The exhibition provided a valuable platform for the industry to understand the open data resources of both cities and explore business opportunities. The winning teams from the HSODC 2025 also showcased their award-winning projects and innovative data application solutions at the "Hong Kong/Shanghai Data Co-operation Pavilion".

"Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge 2026" is Now Open for Registration

Teams interested in contributing to innovation and technology development in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, and in providing data solutions for cooperation between the two places, may register to attend the Competition Briefing Session by 18 May 2026, and submit their proposal documents by 15 June 2026. Shortlisted teams will receive mentor training from late June to August 2026 and will have the opportunity to attend the Final Judging in person in Shanghai in August.

For competition details, please visit the official website: https://hkshadata.org 

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

From Data Cooperation to Industry Integration: Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge Reaches New Heights