Nikolas Sargeant
Google has issued a clarification regarding its controversial new cryptocurrency wallet policy, confirming that non-custodial wallets are exempt from the licensing requirements that initially appeared to affect all crypto wallet applications. The tech giant's updated guidance comes after widespread confusion and concern from the cryptocurrency community about potential restrictions on self-custody wallet apps.
Thanks for flagging this. Non-custodial wallets are not in scope of Google Play’s Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Software Wallets Policy. We are updating the Help Center to make this clear.
— News from Google (@NewsFromGoogle) August 13, 2025
Google Play released a policy statement on Wednesday, requiring crypto exchange and wallet developers to register with regulatory agencies before it will list their apps on its platform. The company added that non-custodial wallets do not fall under the new policy. The updated policy now clearly distinguishes between custodial and non-custodial wallets, exempting the latter from the compliance framework.
The clarification addresses initial reports that suggested all cryptocurrency wallets would need to obtain banking licenses or face removal from the Play Store by August 2025. This distinction is critical, as non-custodial wallets allow users to maintain full control over their private keys and digital assets without third-party intermediaries. The licensing requirements now apply specifically to custodial wallet services that hold user funds, which must comply with local financial regulations including FinCEN registration in the US or Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation compliance in the European Union.
Developers have welcomed the clarification, noting that it reduces regulatory burdens and supports innovation in the self-custody space. The revised policy ensures that users can continue accessing non-custodial wallets like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and other self-custody solutions through Google Play Store without developers needing to navigate complex banking licensing requirements. Google maintains that the policy aims to create a safe and compliant ecosystem while preserving access to decentralized finance tools that don't involve third-party custody of user assets.
