Google Play updated its Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Software Wallets policy on July 10, 2025, mandating regulatory licenses for apps facilitating crypto trading or storage in select regions. This aims to ensure compliance with local laws, with developers given until mid-August 2025 to adapt.
Key requirements include:
- In the US, registration with FinCEN as a Money Services Business and state-level money transmitter licenses.
- In the EU, authorization as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) under MiCA regulation; transitional periods apply in France (until June 2026 for AMF registration) and Germany (until December 2025 for BaFin licenses).
- Other regions: Bahrain (CBB Crypto-Asset Services license), Canada (FINTRAC), Hong Kong (SFC types 1 & 7), Japan (FSA registration), South Korea (KoFIU VASP report), and more.
Non-custodial wallets—where users control private keys—are explicitly exempt, following Google's clarification amid initial backlash over potential bans.
This policy affects custodial software wallets and exchanges, requiring developers to declare compliance. Failure may result in app removal. For unlisted regions, local laws still apply, with Google reserving rights to request proof.
