- Google will let advertisers apply for several crypto-related ad certifications directly inside Google Ads starting in May 2026.
- The change affects crypto exchanges, software wallets, hardware wallets, crypto coin trusts and complex speculative financial products.
Google is changing how advertisers apply for several cryptocurrency-related advertising certifications, moving the process directly into Google Ads accounts.
As The Query Post reported, the update applies to certifications for cryptocurrency exchanges and software wallets, cryptocurrency hardware wallets, cryptocurrency coin trusts and complex speculative financial products.
According to Google’s advertising policy update, advertisers will be able to apply for these certifications from inside their Google Ads account starting in May 2026. Google says advertisers will no longer be able to apply for the listed certifications through the Google Ads Help Center.
Existing crypto certifications will not be affected
Google stated that existing certifications and pending applications will not be affected by the change. That means advertisers that are already certified do not need to reapply because of the new application process.
The update is mainly a process change. Instead of handling the application through the Help Center, eligible advertisers will manage the certification process from the same Google Ads account they use to run campaigns.
The affected categories include:
- cryptocurrency exchanges and software wallets
- cryptocurrency hardware wallets
- cryptocurrency coin trusts
- complex speculative financial products
Crypto ads remain restricted on Google
The change does not mean Google is opening crypto advertising more broadly.
Google’s crypto advertising policy still requires certain crypto businesses to meet local legal requirements and obtain certification before running ads. This applies to areas such as cryptocurrency exchanges, software wallets, hardware wallets and cryptocurrency coin trusts in approved markets.
Google also continues to prohibit several types of crypto-related advertising. Ads for initial coin offerings, DeFi trading protocols or promotions for the purchase, sale or trade of cryptocurrencies or related products are not allowed under the policy.
The company also prohibits ad destinations that aggregate or compare issuers of cryptocurrencies or related products. Google lists examples such as crypto trading signals, crypto investment advice, aggregators, affiliate sites and broker reviews.
What crypto advertisers should know
For regulated crypto companies, the update may make the certification process easier to manage because applications will be tied directly to the Google Ads account.
However, crypto advertisers will still need to check whether their product category is eligible, whether their target countries are approved and whether their landing pages comply with Google’s policy.
The key point is simple: Google is streamlining the application process, but crypto advertising on Google remains limited to approved businesses and compliant product categories.
