Google's Play Store Banning Unregistered Non-Custodial Crypto Wallets
Google is set to implement a ban on unregistered non-custodial cryptocurrency wallets in several countries, including the U.S. and the UK, starting in October 2025. This move, detailed in a
blog post, mandates that cryptocurrency exchanges and software wallets published on the Play Store must comply with local laws and industry standards.
Specifically, developers targeting the United States must be registered with FinCEN as a Money Services Business (MSB) and a state as a money transmitter, or be a federally or state-chartered bank entity. For the United Kingdom, registration with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is required. In the European Union, developers must be authorized as a crypto-asset service provider (CASP) under the Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCA) regulation.
These new guidelines, officially taking effect on October 29, 2025, were initially announced last month. Google acknowledges the dynamic regulatory landscape and expects developers to secure any additional licenses required by local laws, also reserving the right to request further compliance information for jurisdictions not explicitly mentioned. Other countries with published guidelines include South Korea, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and Indonesia. This policy change is expected to impact popular non-custodial wallets like MetaMask and Phantom.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Google Play Store Policy Update
Q: What is Google Play Store changing regarding crypto wallets?
A: Google Play Store will ban unregistered non-custodial cryptocurrency wallets in several countries starting October 2025.
Q: Which countries will be affected by this ban?
A: The ban will initially affect countries including the U.S. and the UK, with guidelines also published for South Korea, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and Indonesia.
Q: What are the compliance requirements for crypto wallets in the U.S. to remain on the Play Store?
A: Developers must be registered with FinCEN as an MSB and a state money transmitter, or be a federally or state-chartered bank entity.
Q: What are the compliance requirements for crypto wallets in the UK?
A: Developers must be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Q: What are the compliance requirements for crypto wallets in the EU?
A: Developers must be authorized as a crypto-asset service provider (CASP) under the Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCA) regulation by a relevant national competent authority.
Q: When do these new guidelines take effect?
A: The new guidelines officially take effect on October 29, 2025.
Q: Will popular non-custodial wallets like MetaMask be affected?
A: Yes, popular non-custodial wallets such as MetaMask and Phantom will be affected by these new requirements.
Crypto Market AI's Take
This regulatory shift from Google signals a significant step towards greater oversight in the cryptocurrency space, particularly impacting non-custodial wallet providers. As the digital asset landscape matures, compliance with evolving global regulations becomes paramount. For users and developers alike, staying informed about these changes is crucial. Understanding the nuances of these requirements is key to navigating the increasingly regulated crypto environment.
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