David Morey 
Did you know private keys granting access to more than $100 billion worth of Bitcoin have been lost forever? While self-custody might be appropriate for retail investors, large-scale financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchanges simply can’t afford the risk. This is where crypto custody providers make a difference!
Crypto custody providers safeguard digital assets by implementing sophisticated security measures, ensuring regulatory compliance, and incorporating scalable features. Here are five tips you should follow to find the best crypto custody provider for your needs:
1. Analyze Security Measures
Security is the core of crypto custody. Therefore, consider the security measures a custodian is implementing to keep your assets secure while providing on-demand and quick access. Look for the following security measures:
Offline Storage: While hot wallets are critical for day-to-day trading, reputable crypto custody providers ensure offline storage. This is crucial for safeguarding your cryptocurrency assets against cyber threats and security breaches.
Multi-Signature Wallets: Reputable crypto custody providers like BitGo utilize multi-signature wallets. They ensure protection if a single point of authentication fails.
Hardware Security Modules (HSMs): These are critical for storing sensitive cryptographic keys. The hardware security module stores keys in a secure, offline environment, with access restricted to authorized personnel only.
Multi-Site Storage: Many crypto custody providers store private keys in multiple geographic locations. This helps prevent a single point of failure.
2. Ensure Regulatory Compliance
When it comes to choosing a crypto custody provider, regulatory compliance is of utmost importance. Ensure the provider is licensed and adheres to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols. Regulatory compliance provides peace of mind, knowing your assets will remain secure in case of a dispute or breach.
3. Consider Insurance Coverage
No matter how many security measures are in place, something can go wrong. A security breach, operational failure, and internal fraud can put all your crypto assets at risk. Therefore, pay close attention to the insurance coverage offered by the custody provider.
Some custodians only cover assets in cold storage, while others may not protect against cyberattacks. Look for institutional-grade insurance that covers:
- Management issues
- Fraud
- Theft
- Internal collusion
- Administrative errors
4. Analyze Trading Capabilities and Integration
The right custodian seamlessly integrates with cryptocurrency exchanges and trading platforms. Look for the trading services:
- Staking
- Over-the-counter (OTC) trading
- API integration
- Trade reconciliation
Many custodian platforms boost trading functionality and enable tools.
5. Don’t Overlook Fee Structure
Many retail investors and financial institutions overlook the pricing of crypto custodians. There are three types of fees you should expect:
Custody Fee: As the name suggests, a custody fee is a percentage charged depending on the value of cryptocurrency assets you’ve stored. It is generally less than 1%.
Setup Fee: It is a one-time fee charged when a retail investor or a financial institution opens an account with a custody provider. Many providers waive it to boost investor trust.
Withdrawal Fee: Every time a user withdraws crypto assets from their custodial account, a predetermined fee is charged.
Compare pricing models to make sure you get the best deal and save money.
