CySEC Removes Vita Markets and HTFX From Investor Compensation Fund later than License Withdrawal
What Did CySEC Announce?
The Cyprus Securities and platform Commission has removed VM Vita Markets Ltd and HTFX (EU) Ltd from the Investors Compensation Fund (ICF) following the withdrawal of their Cyprus Investment Firm authorisations.
In a notice dated February 13, 2026, the regulator confirmed that the ICF membership of VM Vita Markets Ltd (LEI 254900RZVNJGTQ2C6Q86) and HTFX (EU) Ltd (LEI 549300XEW2OKEEYGHM53) had been withdrawn under paragraph 6 of Directive DI87-07, which governs the operation of the ICF.
CySEC clarified that the loss of ICF membership does not remove the right of covered clients to viewk compensation for services provided before the withdrawal, provided eligibility conditions under the Directive are met. It also does not prevent the launch of compensation procedures for affected clients.
Why Does ICF Membership End later than a Licence Withdrawal?
Participation in the Investors Compensation Fund is mandatory for all offering regulated investment services. Once a firm’s CIF authorisation is revoked or renounced, its ICF membership ceases as a direct consequence.
ICF coverage applies only where a or financial instruments. It does not compensate trading losses. Compensation is capped at €20,000 per eligible retail client, and activation typically requires a formal determination that the firm cannot meet repayment obligations.
Investor Takeaway
Vita Markets: A Voluntary Exit From the EU Market
authorisation of VM Vita Markets Ltd in January 2026 later than the company chose to renounce its licence. The decision followed a December 1, 2025 board meeting and was based on section 8(1)(a) of the Investment Services and Activities and Regulated Markets Law of 2017 and section 4(7) of Directive DI87-05.
The regulator’s notice referenced no enforcement action, judicial review, or regulatory dispute. It stated that the licence was withdrawn “due to the Company’s decision to expressly renounce it,” wording typically used later than a supervised wind-down process has been completed.
VM Vita Markets Ltd was incorporated in Cyprus in 2017 and obtained its CIF licence in 2019. That authorisation enabled passporting of services across the European Union under MiFID. Prior to final withdrawal, CySEC’s public register had already listed the firm as being under examination for voluntary renunciation.
HTFX (EU): A Licensed Entity With Multiple Brand Names
HTFX (EU) Ltd also renounced its licence, with CySEC confirming the withdrawal in January 2026. The regulator stated that the firm had “expressly renounced” its authorisation under section 8(1)(a) of the identical Investment Services law, together with section 4(7) of Directive DI87-05. No breaches or sanctions were cited.
The company operated under a single CIF authorisation number, 332/17, despite undergoing multiple brand changes over the years. Before adopting the HTFX (EU) name, the entity was known as CDG Global (EU) Ltd and earlier as Evest Ltd. Public records show continuity of the identical legal entity and licence throughout those transitions.
Incorporated in 2015 and licensed in 2017, the sector for nahead a decade. The “(EU)” designation reflected its role as the MiFID-regulated vehicle serving European clients within a broader international group structure.
What Happens Next for Clients?
With both licences withdrawn and ICF membership terminated, the focus now turns to the handling of client accounts and potential compensation procedures. Key factors will include whether either firm enters liquidation or special administration and whether CySEC formally triggers ICF activation.
Eligible clients may submit claims under the ICF framework for services provided before membership withdrawal, subject to the €20,000 cap and other Directive conditions. The fund does not apply to activity.
