Google Requires Licenses for Crypto Apps on Play Store

• Lyla Velez
• August 13, 2025
• Policy
• 0 Comments

Google Play Store will require cryptocurrency exchange and wallet apps to have local licenses in 15 key markets by the end of 2025, potentially affecting numerous DeFi and independent wallet applications.

The policy’s impact includes blocking unlicensed apps, potentially reducing DeFi accessibility in major jurisdictions, impacting user engagement and app listings.

Google’s decision impacts over 15 major markets, including the U.S., EU, and Japan. The requirement would block unlicensed DeFi apps and non-custodial wallets from the platform, focusing on compliance and legality.

Google’s Play Store team leads this initiative, without direct commentary from top executives or DeFi project founders. The policy aims to align crypto app operations with local regulations and standards.

Immediate effects include potential delisting of unlicensed apps affecting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other assets accessible via these platforms. Google’s policy could limit internal market growth due to restricted user access to mobile DeFi services.

“These requirements go far beyond what is legally mandated for non-custodial wallets and risk pushing most independent wallet developers out of the Play Store, narrowing distribution to only licensed financial institutions and exchanges.” — Community Developer, Anonymous

Financial implications could be broad, with industry concerns over shrinking distribution to only licensed entities. The crypto industry sees parallels with Apple’s past app store restrictions, signaling tightened regulatory standards.

Policies specify that EU operations require MiCA licenses by end-2025, while U.S. requirements include FinCEN registration and state licenses. Compliance challenges highlight Google’s focus on enhancing legal clarity for crypto apps.

Google’s decision comes amid increasing regulatory scrutiny, with possible shifts in app distribution influencing market behavior and app usage trends. Analysts speculate limited access for Android users to unlicensed crypto services.