Google has begun rolling out a procedural update that allows eligible cryptocurrency advertisers to apply for required certifications directly within their Google Ads accounts, starting from May 2026. The change covers certification applications for cryptocurrency exchanges, software wallets, hardware wallets, crypto coin trusts, and complex speculative financial products. Previously, advertisers had to use the Google Ads Help Center to submit such applications.
Certification moves inside the dashboard
Under the new system, crypto-focused businesses that already qualify under Google's existing policies can now complete the certification process alongside their regular campaign management. Existing certifications and pending applications are not affected by the update. Google states the goal is to streamline compliance and simplify the advertiser experience.
Restrictive ad policies remain unchanged
Despite the smoother application flow, Google's core policy for crypto advertisements remains highly restrictive. Promotions for initial coin offerings (ICOs), decentralized finance (DeFi) trading protocols, and agnostic crypto trading signals are still blocked. Aggregator sites, broker reviews, and destinations that compare crypto issuers also continue to be restricted. Advertisers must still hold the necessary local licenses and ensure landing pages comply with all rules before campaigns can run in approved markets.
For regulated crypto enterprises, the update represents a purely operational improvement, removing a step from the certification workflow. The broader message to the crypto marketing industry is that Google is making compliance easier to manage, not lowering any barriers to advertising.
