Key Highlights:
- A line of text in a paragraph.Google requires licenses for custodial wallets and exchanges in key regions.
- Non-custodial wallets remain exempt from new Play Store restrictions.
- Developers must prove compliance with local crypto laws upon Google’s request.
Google has updated its policies for cryptocurrency apps hosted on the Play Store, banning the publication of custodial wallets and crypto exchanges that lack official licenses in major jurisdictions. These requirements are detailed in Google Play’s official developer documentation.
Developers targeting the US must be registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and hold appropriate state licenses or be recognized banking institutions. In the European Union, authorization as a crypto-asset service provider (CASP) under the MiCA regulation is mandatory.
Regional Licensing Requirements and Transition Periods
Apps aimed at countries on Google’s special list must comply with local licensing regimes, including:
United Kingdom: Registration with the Financial Conduct Authority;
Canada: Registration with the Financial Analysis Centre of Canada;
Japan: Registration with the Financial Services Agency;
South Korea: Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) reporting to Korea Financial Intelligence Service;
UAE: Licensing from relevant Financial Services Authorities;
Bahrain: Permission from the Central Bank;
Switzerland: Licensing by the Financial Market Supervisory Authority;
Hong Kong: Securities and Futures Commission Type 1 and 7 licenses;
Thailand: Licensing by the Securities and Exchange Commission;
South Africa: Financial Conduct Authority registration.
Certain countries, like France and Germany, have been granted transition periods—until June 30, 2026, and December 30, 2025, respectively—after which only MiCA-compliant licenses will be accepted.
Developers targeting other regions may continue publishing apps but must comply with local laws and provide evidence of compliance if requested by Google.
Importantly, these new rules apply solely to custodial wallets and crypto exchanges. Non-custodial wallets are exempt from these restrictions.
Google also pledged to update its help center documentation to clarify these new requirements and reduce confusion among developers.
