Key Takeaways
- Key regulations increased enforcement on centralized exchanges, pushing users toward self-custody solutions.
- Self-custody wallets hold over 35% of the crypto market.
- The growing adoption of self-custody solutions is making decentralized systems more accessible.
Several key regulatory changes have contributed to reshaping how crypto traders hold their digital assets, with more individuals turning to decentralized platforms to gain control and security over their digital assets.
In this scenario, self-custody solutions are gaining traction as optimism among crypto users grows, fueled by improved adoption and a desire for greater control over crypto assets.
Regulatory Changes That Boost Self-custody Interest
Among regulatory changes, notably, the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MICA) regulation, set to be fully implemented this year , aims to provide clearer frameworks for crypto asset management and safeguard investor interests, making self-custody more attractive.
In the U.S., the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ramped up its enforcement on centralized exchanges, pushing users to explore decentralized platforms for greater control over their assets.
The FATF’s Travel Rule now requires crypto firms to collect and share transaction information, spurring concerns about privacy and driving the shift toward self-custody wallets to maintain autonomy.
Additionally, several countries, including Singapore and Switzerland, have been implementing pro-crypto regulatory measures , which give users more confidence in managing their own holdings.
A Coinbase survey found that 56% of crypto users in the U.S. are increasingly aware of self-custody options. The study noted a 22% rise in non-custodial wallets since 2023.
According to University of Illinois researchers, self-custody wallets hold over 35% of the total market supply, up from 25% in 2022.
Trust in Centralized Platforms Erodes
The rising popularity of self-custody solutions in crypto reflects a growing desire for greater control and security over digital assets.
For instance, crypto wallet Exodus has seen a 107% revenue increase year-over-year and, according to the CEO, JP Richardson, it is a direct result of increasing demand for self-custody solutions.
“Self-custody is the future. As trust in centralized platforms continues to erode, more people are realizing the importance of owning their keys,” Richardson said. “Recent changes in the USA have certainly been gratifying. We actively engage with regulators—and have for years—to advocate for self-custody as a fundamental right.”
His remarks seem to be confirmed by the rise of self-custodial payments, driven by growing distrust in traditional financial systems, security concerns over hacks and a desire for financial independence.
NAKA analysts said users are increasingly seeking decentralized systems where they can control their private keys, and blockchain adoption is fueling this shift.
According to their research, the self-custodial wallet market may reach $3.5 billion by 2031.
Long-term Impact of Self-custody Adoption
According to Mykhailo Adzhoiev, founder and CEO of crypto wallet Cowchain, the increasing self-custody solutions adoption has highlighted a key lesson: If it’s not in your wallet, it’s not truly yours.
“Self-custody is no longer just for the hardcore crypto nerds. It’s becoming the gateway for onboarding the next wave of users,” Adzhoiev opined.
As a result, more people are beginning to understand the value of self-custody, and this approach is now appealing to a broader audience beyond crypto enthusiasts.
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