Google Simplifies Crypto Ads with New Certification Process

• Crypto advertisers can now apply for ad certification directly via a Google Ads account.
• Googles goal is to simplify compliance and streamline the ad certification process.
• The company still requires crypto advertisers to have the correct local licenses.

Google has made it easier for crypto companies to apply for ad certification. Instead of going through the old manual Help Center process, eligible advertisers can now do it right from their Google Ads accounts. The update began rolling out in May 2026.

With the new system, crypto exchanges, software wallet providers, hardware wallet companies, and crypto investment products can now apply for certification right inside the Google Ads dashboard. Google says the goal is to make compliance easier to manage and streamline the certification process for advertisers.

However, despite the simplified application process, the companys actual crypto advertising rules remain very strict.

Google still requires crypto advertisers to have the correct local licenses and meet regulatory requirements before their ads can go live. In the EU, for instance, the tech titan requires that exchanges and wallet providers be authorized under the MiCA rules and register as CASPs (Crypto‑Asset Service Providers).

Not All Crypto Ads Are Permitted

Despite the change related to crypto ads, not everything is affected.

Google still bans several types of crypto ads, including those for DeFi trading protocols, ICOs (initial coin offering), and any crypto buying, selling, or trading promotions that arent in the allowed categories.

The company also limits sites that compare crypto issuers or related products, which covers investment advice pages, affiliate sites, aggregators, broker review pages, and crypto trading signals.

Related: Google Faces Major EU Antitrust Penalty Under DMA

Tougher Regulations Over the Years

In earlier cycles, crypto ads were often lightly regulated, which led to aggressive marketing and scams. However, regulators around the world are now pushing for stricter oversight of crypto promotions and marketing.

Earlier this year, a PwC report on global crypto regulation said 2026 is the year we move from just designing policies to actually implementing and enforcing rules for stablecoins, custody, disclosures, licensing, and others.

These tougher standards matter because, over the years, major jurisdictions have introduced and implemented comprehensive cryptocurrency frameworks. For example, the EU has MiCA, and the UK has tightened its FCA promotion rules. As for the US, there are still debates going on over stablecoin and market structure laws.