Google has closed the Play Store for crypto services without international licenses.

Google has updated its rules for listing cryptocurrency applications in the Play Store, banning the publication of custodial wallets and cryptocurrency exchanges without official licenses in key jurisdictions. The requirements are published in the official documentation for Google Play developers.

For the USA, the developer must be registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (FinCEN) as a money services operator and have a state license or be a banking institution.

For the EU — mandatory authorization as a service provider in the field of crypto assets (CASP) within the framework of the MiCA regulation.

If the application targets countries included in Google’s special list, local licensing requirements must be observed. For example:

Some countries have received a transitional period: in France, temporary rules are in effect until June 30, 2026, in Germany — until December 30, 2025, after which only MiCA licenses will be accepted.

If the target region is not on the list, the developer may continue to publish applications but must comply with local legal requirements and provide proof of compliance to Google upon request.

The new rules only apply to custodial wallets and cryptocurrency exchanges. Non-custodial wallets are not subject to these restrictions.

Google also promised to update the help center “to avoid confusion” regarding the new requirements.

Let us remind you that in March of this year, the South Korean regulator required Google to restrict access to 17 unregistered cryptocurrency exchanges in the country.