The crypto industry keeps soaring higher. This also made the demand for trustworthy crypto custodians high. The responsibilities of a crypto custodian are not too different from those of traditional asset custodians. However, the space of the crypto sector is large and unique. It has a consistent influx where new players and tech keep popping up daily.
Today, there are loads of crypto custodians. They are in several categories. Knowing the right one to do business with should be a top priority of yours.
Are you a corporate, an institution, a crypto exchange, a fund, a family, an individual investor, or a fund? You need to be well-informed before deciding to deal with a crypto custodian.
That’s what this guide is all about. Giving you everything you need to know about crypto custody and how to choose the right one. Read on.
Crypto Custody: What is it?
The term crypto custody is used to explain the process of safeguarding assets from all kinds of theft. Custodians are referred to third parties hired to protect crypto for owners. These professionals also secure gold bars, cash, virtual assets, or securities for individuals and businesses.
General custodians have been in operation since the 1960s. They are among the great pillars when it comes to the traditional way of banking.
On the other hand, crypto custody works in a way quite differently. Custodians of digital assets won’t technically store the assets as every transaction and data is on the public ledger, known as the blockchain. What’s used to safeguard your digital assets is your private key. This is a vital aspect of any crypto wallet. It gives you access to your funds.
How Does Crypto Custody Function?
Crypto custody implies getting the private key demonstrating you own the digital assets inside your crypto wallet.
In traditional banking, custodians are referred to as financial institutions as legally required. On the other hand, with crypto, holders are entitled to become their custodians. For example, you can store gold bars under your bed to guard them yourself or pay an outsider custodian to secure them in a vault safeguarded by safety officers.
Importance of Custody in the Crypto Market
Security of assets and transaction proficiency are essential prerequisites for many investors. Irrespective of if they are single investors, family workplaces, or big establishments. Custodians of crypto assume an imperative part in accomplishing both of these targets.
Regarding the amount of value accumulated across the digital space, it’s now a top priority for investors to safeguard their digital wealth.
It should be likewise essential to remember that the nature of digital assets is very vulnerable. Meaning that custodians of crypto assume a critical part in restricting the related risks.
For a few years now, cybercriminals have progressively targeted family offices. Therefore, they will need to use the service of a third-party custodian to properly explore more crypto investments.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Crypto Custodian
Below are some important details to consider while selecting crypto custody to work with.
Table of Contents
Supported assets
Custodians of crypto offer help for different crypto resources. Each extra asset that is upheld accompanies critical work for the service provider.
This can cause distraction from meeting the general experience for the client. There should be a good balance in this kind of business.
Regulation
There is an imperative contrast between a regulated custodian and one that’s not regulated. Regulated assets can be held by a regulated custodian.
This custodian would always have more licenses and regulatory necessities. Regulated custodians also have more responsibilities regarding the assets in their custody.
Cost
Custodians of crypto have various pricing structures. The value of the asset you want to store determines the price. Charges can have a major effect on profitability, particularly for small assets. A bunch of crypto custodians will charge a setup fee and ongoing expenses charged by monthly fixed rate or transaction activity.
Setup fees do vary, as well as the fixed monthly fees, if that’s what you want. Simply compare and contrast with different custodians to find a deal that meets your budget.
History in the industry
There are crypto custodians that have been doing business for years. These establishments would have proved capable of securing and transferring big funds with little or no error.
These are the custodians you should do business with. Pay attention to every track record in the industry. How do they handle complaints from customers? How do they resolve conflicts? Find out every information you need.
Separation of assets
It is a typical requirement for investors who are institutional to hold their funds and assets in a different wallet from other clients. Look out for this feature if you will need it.
Conclusion
As the crypto industry keeps growing and attracting more investors, the need for the safety of these digital assets keeps increasing. This is where the service of crypto custodians comes in. These custodians help holders of digital assets to protect their funds from theft.
When searching for a good crypto custodian, ensure they have a good track record in the industry. Also, pay attention that they are regulated and the assets supported. Finally, consider the pricing, and go for what suits your budget.