CryptoFi Blog

Why Custody Matters

Written by Skyler Perry | Nov 30, 2023 5:06:32 PM

In the world of cryptocurrency and decentralized finance, the security and protection of digital is incredibly important. With the rise in popularity of cryptocurrencies, the need for reliable custodians that can safeguard these assets has become paramount. 

What is a custodian? 

A custodian refers to a trusted third-party entity that assumes the responsibility of safeguarding and managing digital assets on behalf of individuals or institutions. Custodians play a crucial role in ensuring the security and protection of cryptocurrencies, as they are responsible for the safekeeping, storage, and management of the private keys associated with these assets.

Custodians typically offer services such as secure storage of private keys, multi-signature wallets, offline or cold storage solutions, and risk management protocols. They employ various security measures, including physical vaults, encryption techniques, and robust authentication processes, to protect against theft, hacking, or unauthorized access.

In addition to security, custodians also offer services that facilitate institutional-level compliance and regulatory requirements. This includes supporting Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, and reporting obligations to regulatory authorities.

Regulated custodians are the safest, most secure, and most reliable way to hold digital assets. As credit unions increasingly consider adopting cryptocurrency solutions, finding the right custodian becomes critical. It is important to understand the role of custodians and assess the associated risks.

Credit unions, companies, and custodians should be seen as separate entities, each with their own operating structures and risks. While task delegation is possible, credit unions cannot outsource their responsibilities to a third party. They must have a comprehensive understanding of how their custodian operates, which can be effectively communicated to staff, board members, management teams, examiners, auditors, and members. This understanding allows credit unions to identify and mitigate risks effectively.

Proof of Reserves

At Cryptofi custodians such as Etana play a vital role in ensuring the safety of your digital assets by providing proof of reserves. Proof of reserves helps demonstrate transparency and assure that custodians hold enough assets to cover all deposits. This verification process is essential in preventing fraudulent practices such as fractional reserve banking or mismanagement of funds.

The concept of proof of reserves acts as a safeguard against the risk of insolvency or loss of funds due to internal mishandling. It provides investors with peace of mind, knowing that their assets are secure and backed by real, verified reserves. This instills trust and confidence in the custodian and minimizes the risk of asset loss.

When selecting a cryptocurrency custodian for your institution, it is crucial to prioritize those who offer proof of reserves. This commitment is a clear indication that the custodian takes the protection of your valuable assets seriously. By choosing a custodian like Etana, who provides proof of reserves, you can have confidence in the security and trustworthiness of your digital assets.

However, proof of reserves is not the only factor to consider when selecting a custodian. It is essential to evaluate other aspects, such as the custodian's track record, security technologies, and industry reputation. Additionally, understanding different wallet types, such as hot wallets and cold wallets, and the management of keys is crucial to ensuring the safety of your digital assets.

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The importance of custody and proof of reserves cannot be overstated. Selecting a cryptocurrency custodian who provides proof of reserves is a critical step in securing and protecting your digital assets. Proof of reserves not only guarantees the transparency and trustworthiness of the custodian but also provides a safeguard against insolvency or loss of funds

CryptoFi provides solutions that allow your members to access cryptocurrency in a trusted and safe environment and utilizes custodians who provide proof of reserves. Stay ahead of your competition and drive new member acquisitions by adding digital asset services. Deliver in-depth cryptocurrency and financial literacy content to your members. Contact us today to incorporate a solution that fits your institution's demands and keeps your members digital assets safe. By doing so, you can ensure that your valuable assets are in safe hands.