In response to the growing maturity of the cryptocurrency industry and increasing governmental acceptance worldwide, Meta (formerly Facebook) has announced a significant relaxation of its advertising policies for cryptocurrency-related content. This shift marks a reversal from the company's 2018 blanket ban on such ads, allowing users to encounter more promotions for exchanges, wallets, and other crypto services across Meta's platforms.
Evolution of Meta's Cryptocurrency Ad Policies
- 2018 Ban: Initially, Meta imposed a complete prohibition on cryptocurrency ads due to concerns over scams and market volatility.
- Partial Lifting (2018): By mid-2018, Meta permitted approved advertisers to run crypto ads after undergoing a review process.
- Blockchain Tech Ads (2019): The policy expanded to include blockchain technology promotions, provided they didn’t directly promote cryptocurrencies.
Key Changes in the Updated Policy
Regulatory Scope: Previously, ads required approval from 3 global regulators; now, eligibility extends to 27 financial authorities, including:
- US (SEC/FINRA)
- EU (BaFin, AMF)
- Asia-Pacific (FSA Japan, MAS Singapore, SFC Hong Kong)
| Ad Type | Requires Approval? |
|---------------------------|-----------------------|
| Crypto Exchanges/Wallets | Yes |
| Mining Hardware/Software | Yes |
| NFT Platforms | No |
| Educational Content | No |
Implications for Advertisers
- Licensed Crypto Services: Must submit proof of regulatory compliance from one of the 27 designated authorities.
- Exempt Categories: News, educational materials, and non-trading NFTs face fewer restrictions.
Meta cited industry stability and clearer government frameworks as reasons for the policy update, shifting reliance from internal reviews to pre-established regulatory approvals.
FAQ Section
Q: Why did Meta reverse its crypto ad ban?
A: Increased regulatory clarity and industry maturation reduced risks associated with crypto advertising.
Q: Which countries’ regulators are now recognized?
A: The list includes the US, UK, Germany, Japan, Singapore, and others—covering major crypto markets.
Q: Can startups without licenses advertise?
A: No. Only projects with formal regulatory approvals qualify.
👉 Explore compliant crypto advertising strategies
For advertisers, this update represents a broader reach while maintaining safeguards against fraudulent promotions. Meta’s alignment with global regulators signals a new phase of legitimacy for cryptocurrency markets.
👉 Learn how to leverage Meta’s ad policies for crypto growth