Beginning January 28, 2026, Google Play will cease permitting downloads and updates of abroad crypto trade and pockets apps in South Korea except these platforms show they’re registered with the nation’s Monetary Intelligence Unit (FIU).
Registration Proof Should Be Uploaded
In keeping with Google’s new rule, builders itemizing crypto trade or custodial pockets apps should add proof that their VASP registration has been accepted by the FIU by means of the developer console. This isn’t a technical tweak — it ties app distribution on to native regulatory approval.
The result’s instant and sensible. For Android customers in Korea, apps from main abroad platforms will now not be accessible for brand new installs or for updates by means of Google Play. Present installations may hold working for some time, however they won’t obtain app updates or safety fixes by way of the official retailer.
Native Crypto Platforms Lead Compliance
Based mostly on reviews, 27 home platforms have accomplished FIU registration, together with well-known names akin to Upbit and Bithumb. That leaves a number of main worldwide exchanges with out the wanted paperwork, pushing them outdoors Google Play’s Korean market.
For a lot of customers, this modification shall be felt shortly. In case you depend on an abroad app to handle positions or transfer funds, the shortcoming to obtain updates could make routine duties tougher and lift safety dangers. Net entry to exchanges will stay an possibility, but it surely’s much less handy and generally much less safe than utilizing an official app.
International exchanges face a number of calls for to realize FIU acceptance. They typically should arrange a neighborhood authorized entity, put in place anti-money-laundering methods, and procure nationwide data safety certifications earlier than their VASP filings are accepted. These steps could be expensive and time consuming.
How The Market May Shift
Some analysts say the transfer will push extra buying and selling quantity towards Korea-registered companies. Others warn that it may encourage dangerous workarounds — akin to downloading APKs from third-party websites or utilizing VPNs — which expose customers to fraud and malware. Reviews say that upgrades to app-store guidelines comply with earlier enforcement strikes and intention to shut gaps in oversight.
App availability shall be tied to regulatory paperwork. If a platform exhibits FIU acceptance in Google’s console, its app can keep listed and up to date. If not, the app shall be eliminated or blocked from being up to date in Korea’s Play Retailer.
Featured picture from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
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