Google Play Store bans crypto wallets in 15 jurisdictions, requires new licensing compliance

Play Store introduced licensing requirements for cryptocurrency wallet applications across 15 jurisdictions, including the US and the EU.

According to a report by the Rage, developers must obtain regulatory approvals before publishing apps on the platform.

Furthermore, the policy requires software wallet developers to comply with local financial regulations “to ensure a safe and compliant ecosystem for users.” 

The requirements apply to both custodial and non-custodial wallets, creating compliance burdens that many developers cannot meet.

In the US, developers must register with FinCEN as a Money Services Business (MSB) and obtain state money transmitter licenses, or operate as federally or state-chartered banking entities.

MSB registration requires adherence to strict Anti-Money Laundering, Counter Terrorist Financing, and Know Your Customer frameworks.

Policy exceeds legal requirements

The report noted that Google’s requirements extend beyond current legal obligations for non-custodial wallets. 

FinCEN’s 2019 guidance on Convertible Virtual Currencies distinguishes between “hosted” custodial and “unhosted” non-custodial wallets, explicitly stating that non-custodial wallets do not qualify as money transmitters under existing regulations.

The compliance programs required of MSBs represent the highest cost burden for financial institutions and would effectively exclude most non-custodial wallet developers from the Play Store. 

The policy forces AML and KYC requirements on all non-custodial wallets available through standard Google devices.

Industry criticism mounts

Consensys lawyer Bill Hughes highlighted the policy inconsistencies on August 1, noting that Google announced the updated policy on July 10 without clearly defining “software wallet” terminology. 

Hughes observed that registering as an MSB is “something FinCEN has specifically and clearly not required” for non-custodial wallets.

He added:

“They don’t define the term and do not acknowledge that registering as an MSB is something FinCEN has specifically and clearly not required.”

He noted Google’s broader statement that cryptocurrency activities “should be conducted through certified services in regulated jurisdictions,” despite certification not being legally required.

Hughes characterized the situation as “a bit of a mess” and warned that “the final boss for crypto is now more likely to be the Big Tech platforms that still dictate the major crypto app distribution channels.”

Justin Slaughter, vice president of regulatory affairs at Paradigm, criticized the policy as particularly problematic given Google’s ongoing antitrust litigation. 

He said:

“Surprising move here by Google, especially amid their antitrust litigation, to suddenly place draconian restrictions on persons making non-custodial wallets available on the App Store.”

Slaughter referenced pending congressional legislation, noting that “pure coding should not require a federal license” as outlined in draft bills addressing cryptocurrency regulation.

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