- Google Play will list crypto exchanges and custodial wallets only where developers hold required local licenses.
- Non-custodial wallets are out of scope, while EU and US apps face MiCA and FinCEN plus state rules.
Google has updated its Play policy to restrict listings for cryptocurrency exchanges and custodial software wallets to jurisdictions where developers can show evidence of the required regulatory approvals. Non-custodial wallets are explicitly out of scope under the policy.
Google sets location-specific licensing and verification steps for listings
Developers must declare an app as a cryptocurrency exchange and or software wallet in the Financial Features Declaration and complete location-specific forms for any targeted country or region.
If the necessary registration or licence is not available for certain locations, developers are instructed to remove those markets from distribution. Google also reserves the right to request additional information to verify compliance in other jurisdictions.
In the United States, crypto exchange and custodial wallet developers must be registered with FinCEN as a Money Services Business and also hold a state money transmitter licence, or be a federally or state chartered bank entity.
In the European Union, developers must be authorised as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider under the MiCA framework and must meet any extra national-level requirements that apply.
Other named markets include the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, South Africa, Bahrain, Canada, Indonesia, Israel, the Philippines and Hong Kong, each with specific regulator-issued licences or registrations.
Where a country is not listed, distribution may continue, but developers are expected to obtain any additional licences required by local law and provide details to Google on request.
EU transition dates in France and Germany define compliance timetable
The policy outlines transitional arrangements linked to the EU’s MiCA rollout. For France, developers that target only the French market may rely on AMF Digital Asset Service Provider registration until June 30, 2026. From July 1, 2026, only MiCA authorisations will be accepted for exchanges and custodial wallets.
For Germany, developers that target only the German market may rely on relevant BaFin licences such as crypto custody, multilateral trading facility and financial brokering until December 30, 2025. From December 31, 2025, only MiCA authorisations will be accepted.
The distinction between custodial and non-custodial models is central to developer impact and store availability. Google’s help page clarifies that non-custodial wallets are out of scope of the exchanges and software wallets policy, although apps must still comply with any applicable local legal requirements.
For multi-market operators, the combination of licensing, disclosure and geotargeting controls will shape product rollouts, with additional review steps where Google requests evidence of compliance.
At the time of this press, Bitcoin is trading at $121,841.00, reflecting an approximate $2,473 gain over the past 24 hours—a +2.07% increase.
