Futu Holdings Told Investors It Was Taking “Rectification Measures” to Satisfy Chinese Regulators While Allegedly Continuing the Very Operations That Triggered a RMB 1.85 Billion Penalty
NEW YORK, July 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Levi & Korsinsky, LLP highlights the contrast between Futu Holdings Limited’s (NASDAQ: FUTU) public assurances and what allegedly happened behind the scenes. Investors who purchased FUTU securities between May 24, 2023 and May 27, 2026 and suffered losses may be entitled to compensation. Find out if you can recover your investment losses or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at [email protected] or (212) 363-7500.
FUTU shares lost $34.10 per share on May 22, 2026, a 27.5% single-session decline, after regulators proposed penalties of approximately USD 271 million. The lead plaintiff deadline is August 25, 2026.
The Promise: Compliance Through Rectification
Beginning in 2023, Futu repeatedly told the investing public that it was cooperating with the China Securities Regulatory Commission. In its FY2023 annual report filed with the SEC, the Company stated it had “taken and may continue to take rectification measures on our business based on the requirements from the CSRC.” The Company pointed to the removal of its Futubull app from mainland Chinese app stores as evidence of its compliance efforts. Across multiple SEC filings through 2025, Futu used nearly identical language, creating the impression that regulatory risk was being actively managed and reduced.
The Reality: Continued Unlicensed Operations
The CSRC’s May 2026 Notification Letter told a different story, the lawsuit contends. According to the action, Futu entities in mainland China and Hong Kong had continued to conduct securities business, public fund sales, and futures business without obtaining the requisite licenses or approval. The rectification measures Futu publicly touted allegedly did not stop the unlicensed activity that regulators had flagged years earlier.
The Numbers: Promised vs. Actual
- The Promise: “We have taken rectification measures … based on the requirements from the CSRC” (FY2023 and FY2024 20-F filings)
- The Reality: CSRC proposed confiscation of RMB 470 million in illegal gains, confirming alleged continued unlicensed operations
- The Promise: Risk factor language framing penalties as speculative possibilities that “could” or “may” occur
- The Reality: RMB 1.85 billion aggregate penalty proposed, approximately USD 271 million
- The Promise: Quarterly earnings releases touting paying client growth from 1.5 million to over 3.3 million (funded accounts) and client assets surging past HK$900 billion
- The Reality: Revenue generated from mainland Chinese investors was allegedly derived from unlicensed activity, rendering reported financial growth figures materially misleading
Speak with an attorney about whether you can recover damages or call (212) 363-7500.
What the Lawsuit Alleges About the Gap
The complaint asserts that Futu’s public statements created a false narrative of regulatory cooperation while the Company continued the precise conduct the CSRC had warned against. Quarter after quarter, Futu reported surging client numbers, expanding trading volumes, and rising revenues without disclosing that a material portion of this growth allegedly stemmed from business conducted in violation of Chinese securities regulations.
The gap between what investors were told and what was allegedly occurring is at the core of this securities action. When the CSRC finally proposed its penalty in May 2026, investors absorbed losses of more than $34 per share in a single trading session, followed by an additional $5.31 per share decline days later when Q1 2026 earnings reflected the penalty’s financial impact.
“Companies that make specific promises to investors about future performance have an obligation to disclose known risks to those projections. The contrast between Futu’s repeated assurances of regulatory cooperation and the scale of the proposed penalty raises serious questions about the adequacy of the Company’s disclosures throughout the Class Period.” — Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Join the FUTU recovery action to pursue your per-share losses or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at (212) 363-7500.
ABOUT LEVI & KORSINSKY, LLP — Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders. The firm has extensive expertise in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees. For seven consecutive years, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services’ Top 50 Report. Investors who suffered losses have until August 25, 2026 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About the FUTU Lawsuit
Q: What specific misstatements does the FUTU lawsuit allege? A: The complaint alleges Futu Holdings made materially false or misleading statements regarding its compliance with CSRC regulatory requirements and the adequacy of its rectification measures during the Class Period. When the true state of affairs was revealed through the CSRC’s proposed RMB 1.85 billion penalty, the stock price declined sharply.
Q: How much did FUTU stock drop? A: Shares fell approximately 27.5%, a decline of $34.10 per share, after the Company disclosed receipt of a CSRC Notification Letter proposing penalties of approximately USD 271 million. Shares dropped an additional 4.8% ($5.31 per share) days later when Q1 2026 earnings reflected the penalty.
Q: What if I already sold my FUTU shares — can I still recover losses? A: Yes. Eligibility is based on when you purchased, not whether you still hold them. Investors who bought during the Class Period and sold at a loss may still participate.
Q: What do FUTU investors need to do right now? A: Gather brokerage records including purchase dates, share quantities, and prices paid. Contact Levi & Korsinsky for a free, no-obligation evaluation at [email protected] or (212) 363-7500. No immediate action is required to remain eligible as a class member.
Q: What is a lead plaintiff and why does it matter? A: A lead plaintiff is the investor appointed by the court to represent the entire class. Lead plaintiffs are typically investors with the largest documented losses. Being appointed does not increase individual recovery but gives direct oversight of how the case is run.
Q: Do I need to go to court or give testimony? A: No. The overwhelming majority of class members never appear in court or give depositions. You submit a claim form to receive your portion of recovery.
Q: What does it cost me to participate? A: Nothing. Securities class actions are handled on a pure contingency basis. No upfront fees, no retainer, no out-of-pocket costs.
Q: When did Futu Holdings allegedly mislead investors? A: The Class Period runs from May 24, 2023 to May 27, 2026. The alleged fraud was revealed through corrective disclosures on May 22, 2026 and May 28, 2026, causing significant stock declines on both dates.
CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
33 Whitehall Street, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10004
[email protected]
Tel: (212) 363-7500
Fax: (212) 363-7171
