Cryptocurrency
Understanding crypto custody: What different solutions entail for investors and businesses
As crypto continues to cement itself into our financial system, the question of custody, or how individuals and entities should hold their assets, is becoming increasingly important. This is especially true following the fallout of multiple centralized platforms last year, such as FTX and Gemini, which caused many investors to lose their crypto holdings.
The ethos of crypto is decentralization and ownership. Because third parties are effectively cut out, individuals have direct control over their funds. They don’t need to trust middlemen, such as banks or other centralized financial entities, to properly manage their assets.
However, this complete control is often somewhat sacrificed when the question of storage comes into play. There are two types of digital wallets for storing cryptocurrency, custodial and non-custodial wallets, and each have their unique advantages and disadvantages. The primary difference between the two lies in the control and custody of the private keys, which are the cryptographic codes that enable cryptocurrency transactions. Generally, custodial wallets are less safe but more convenient, while non-custodial wallets are more secure but less convenient.
Selecting between the two is a tricky tradeoff, but it is important that users, investors and institutions have a fundamental understanding of how each option works and the associated risks before deciding how they want to store their assets.
When investors choose to use non-custodial wallets, also referred to as self-custody, they have total control over their private keys and by extension, total control over their assets. Self-custodying is in essence the ethos of crypto — there is no counterparty risk. Full ownership gives investors the flexibility to exchange their assets wherever and however they choose.
By self-custodying, there is no risk of a third-party provider getting hacked, going bankrupt or disappearing, which provides a level of security by removing external dependencies. Furthermore, since there is no third-party involvement, transactions can be more private (depending on the blockchain used).
With custodial wallets, users put their assets in complete control of a middleman or service provider who has complete control over the private keys. This poses many security risks and increases the likelihood of loss of funds. It can also result in access limitations, as exchanges may freeze access to funds due to legal issues, policy violations or technical problems.
Even the most high-profile cryptocurrency exchanges have not been shielded from these issues. Many have been targeted and successfully hacked in the past. And if recent collapses like that of FTX have shown us anything, it’s that some firms have also been both reckless in managing customer funds or susceptible to full-blown bankruptcies. Users who custodied their assets on FTX lost tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.
So then, why do investors still choose custodial over non-custodial wallets? Custodial wallets are typically easier to use, especially for newcomers, as they often come with a user-friendly interface. Those offered by exchanges often provide more services, such as trading, borrowing, staking or rewards services. Additionally, many custodial providers have recovery options so if you forget your password or lose access to your account, there is usually a way to recover it because the service provider maintains control of the keys.
Whereas with self-custody, individuals are responsible for maintaining their private key. There is no password reset. Misplaced private keys may mean total irrecoverable loss of funds. Lastly, certain custodial providers offer insurance solutions to mitigate certain counterparty risk.
As users assess the pros and cons between both solutions, there are additional factors that have become increasingly relevant given recent market investors. When users deposit their crypto on a centralized exchange, they are essentially “loaning” their crypto coins to the exchange, in turn making them unsecured creditors. In doing so, they give the exchange the power to use those funds at its discretion, meaning the funds may be used as collateral for large loans, trades, etc.
Assuming these exchanges use the funds as intended, implement risk management strategies and keep careful records to inform next steps, they offer a convenient and theoretically safe avenue for investors to hold their crypto. Unfortunately, FTX has proven that firms don’t necessarily abide by responsible standards, calling into question the integrity of centralized exchanges and the safety of custodial wallets more broadly.
Businesses can, in part, avoid some of these third-party risks by ensuring they select exchanges that are regulatory compliant, employ high-security standards and are transparent with regard to their funds and ability to collateralize assets. As greater regulation is introduced, there should be tighter safeguards in place to protect investors and their funds when they choose to trust custodians with their crypto.
Overall, businesses and individuals should constantly scrutinize their custodial strategies to ensure their funds are properly managed. One avenue could be to employ both types of custodial solutions for funds, keeping a very close eye on those that are held by custodians and ensuring they are properly diversified.
The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation.
Anthony Georgiades is the co-founder of Pastel Network.
This article was published through Cointelegraph Innovation Circle, a vetted organization of senior executives and experts in the blockchain technology industry who are building the future through the power of connections, collaboration and thought leadership. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Cointelegraph.
[PRESS RELEASE – Los Angeles, United States, September 10th, 2024]
Ethernity, the leading entertainment-focused Layer 2 blockchain solution, proudly announces a $10 million grant program dedicated to revolutionizing the entertainment and creator economy through development of Ethernity’s Layer 2. This substantial investment aims to support developers, founders, and startups building the future of digital entertainment on the Ethernity Layer 2 ecosystem.
Fuelling Innovation in Entertainment and the Creator Economy
The Ethernity Grant Program is designed to fuel groundbreaking projects that elevate the entertainment landscape, offering financial support, strategic mentorship, and valuable business resources. By focusing on enhancing the creator economy, Ethernity empowers brands and founders to leverage blockchain technology for new levels of engagement, security, and monetization.
Program Focus Areas:
- Games and Entertainment Products: Innovative games and interactive experiences that push the boundaries of digital entertainment.
- Blockchain Infrastructure: Tools, protocols, and infrastructure enhancements that strengthen the Ethernity ecosystem for entertainment applications.
- Entertainment Infrastructure: Projects that integrate global entertainment brands with blockchain, enabling new business models and fan experiences.
- DeFi Tools: Financial applications tailored to the needs of the entertainment industry, providing new ways to monetize and secure digital assets.
- RWA’s and Collectibles: Cutting-edge digital assets and marketplaces that redefine ownership and engagement.
- Education and Outreach: Initiatives that promote blockchain adoption and educate the creator community.
How to Apply
The program is open globally to developers, startups, and organizations whose projects align with Ethernity’s mission to disrupt the entertainment industry through innovative products. Applicants are encouraged to submit detailed proposals outlining their project objectives, milestones, and potential impact.
What Grant Recipients Will Receive
Grant recipients will receive financial backing to accelerate project development, access to mentorship from entertainment and blockchain experts within Ethernity’s network, and support with marketing and PR to enhance visibility. They will also benefit from technical resources, including tools, SDKs, and dedicated technical support, as well as opportunities to connect with venture capitalists for further investment and growth.
“Ethernity is committed to fostering a dynamic ecosystem that supports the next generation of entertainment and creator-focused technologies,” said Nick Rose Ntertsas, CEO of Ethernity. “This $10 million grant program is a significant step in empowering innovators and creators to bring their visions to life on the blockchain.”
For More Information and Application Details
Developers, creators, and organizations are invited to apply for the Ethernity Grant Program and join a pioneering movement to transform entertainment and the creator economy through blockchain technology.
For more information and to apply, users can visit https://www.ethernity.io/grants
About Ethernity
Ethernity is a Layer 2 blockchain solution designed specifically for the entertainment industry and the creator economy. It offers AI-powered security and Digital Rights Management (DRM) to protect intellectual property on-chain. With a robust infrastructure and strong partnerships, Ethernity is poised to become the leading web3 platform for entertainment, providing a secure, scalable, and user-friendly environment for creators and brands.
Website: Ethernity.io
Twitter: @EthernityChain
Telegram: EthernityChain
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Pepe Unchained is in contention to become the top meme coin, potentially overtaking the industry titans like Pepe and Dogecoin.
These are the thoughts of popular crypto analyst ClayBro, who hailed Pepe Unchained’s ($PEPU) rapid momentum and utility-rooted use case as reasons it could outdo the current meme coin frontrunners.
ClayBro says $PEPU is Set Apart by its Presale Home Run
“The crypto market is going through a brutal period in terms of fear, yet Pepe Unchained is able to raise money, they’re able to sell out – they’re doing something no other presale can,” said ClayBro.
Pepe Unchained has raised over $12.5 million throughout its presale, making it one of the most successful campaigns of 2024.
Considering crypto prices have been crashing almost the entirety of the presale, ClayBro thinks the project has significant potential.
While most cryptocurrencies fold under bearish momentum, investors have accumulated Pepe Unchained without flinching.
According to ClayBro, Pepe Unchained is on track to “become the top meme coin.”
What’s driving this interest? It all comes down to its use case.
Pepe Unchained: the First Pepe-Themed Token With a L2 Blockchain
Layer 2 blockchains have changed the way users interact with Ethereum. They no longer bid for limited block space on the congested main network. Instead, they use connected offshoot chains (layer 2s) that are faster and cheaper.
Now, users can transact in the Ethereum ecosystem without worrying about the previously exorbitant gas fees – it’s a game changer.
But imagine packing that innovative utility behind the viral face of Pepe coin. That’s what Pepe Unchained will be.
It claims to offer lower fees and 100x faster speeds than Ethereum, and its focus on meme coins opens up a wide range of new potential use cases.
While meme coins like Dogecoin and Pepe rely purely on “vibes” and community spirit to boost their prices, Pepe Unchained is underpinned by tangible utility.
It’s a clear distinction from its peers and a narrative investors are getting behind.
$PEPU Staking Offers 162% APY, 20x Higher Than ETH Staking
More good news for Pepe Unchained holders – $PEPU staking is far more lucrative than the market average.
Currently, $PEPU staking offers returns as high as 162% APY. In comparison, ETH staking offers up to 7% APY.
And with ETH staking, users must host their own node or delegate to someone else. Either way, the take-home profits work out even less. But that’s not the case with Pepe Unchained.
However, the staking rewards are capped at 30% of the total $PEPU supply.
This means rewards will decrease over time, incentivizing prospective investors to act early.
Simultaneously, the Pepe Unchained presale price will gradually increase, with the next uptick in just over one day.
Bull Market is Back on – Expect an Uptick in $PEPU Presale Momentum
If Pepe Unchained could raise $12.5 million in bearish conditions, imagine what it would do in a bull market.
Traders have rallied behind its novel use case.
The crypto market cap has jumped 3.09% today as traders spot a higher low on the Bitcoin price chart. This typically indicates a trend reversal, shifting from bearish to bullish.
Causally putting in its first higher low in almost 200 days…
Potential rate cuts next week…
Fear & greed – extreme fear…
Bottom signals flying left and right….
Time to pray. pic.twitter.com/hvaMWYkb2h
— cousin crypto (@cousincrypt0) September 9, 2024
It comes amid expectations of a tailwind from favorable macroeconomic changes. Goldman Sachs anticipates three consecutive 0.25% interest rate cuts through 2024, which would drive more liquidity into risk-on asset classes like cryptocurrencies.
Goldman Sachs, $GS, expects the Federal Reserve to initiate a series of three consecutive 25 basis-point rate cuts in September, November and December.
— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) August 29, 2024
But its meme coins taking center stage – the sector’s total market cap has surged 7.5% today.
As the market regains strength, Pepe Unchained could be about to experience its first-ever bull market rally.
Investors can follow Pepe Unchained on X or join its Telegram for the latest updates. Otherwise, they can visit its website to buy and stake tokens.
Disclaimer: The above article is sponsored content; it’s written by a third party. CryptoPotato doesn’t endorse or assume responsibility for the content, advertising, products, quality, accuracy, or other materials on this page. Nothing in it should be construed as financial advice. Readers are strongly advised to verify the information independently and carefully before engaging with any company or project mentioned and do their own research. Investing in cryptocurrencies carries a risk of capital loss, and readers are also advised to consult a professional before making any decisions that may or may not be based on the above-sponsored content.
Readers are also advised to read CryptoPotato’s full disclaimer.
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Bitcoin recorded one of its most impressive daily performances in recent history yesterday when it pumped from a daily low of $53,600 to just over $58,000.
Here are some of the possible reasons behind this surge while the community speculates whether the worst has passed and BTC could resume its 2024 bull run.
ETF Flows
Ever since their inception in mid-January this year, the US spot Bitcoin ETFs have played a significant role in the underlying asset’s price movements. Trends of positive flows have led to price increases and vice versa.
As such, it wasn’t a big surprise that BTC tumbled hard in the past few weeks, from over $64,000 (on August 26) to under $52,500 (on September 6). Within this timeframe, the ETFs saw almost $900 million in net outflows.
However, the trend changed on Monday, and investors broke the longest negative streak in the history of ETFs. The net inflows for the day exceeded $28 million, and this could be among the most probable reasons behind BTC’s price resurgence.
Going Against the Crowd
The popular crypto analytics tool, Santiment, has repeatedly outlined a certain strategy that’s relatively unpopular among the community. After all, it advises traders to go against the crowd, which seemed to have worked in the past day.
The latest report informed by traders had ‘heavily’ shorted BTC on major exchanges like Binance and BitMEX since Saturday. According to Sentiment, “trader FUD and doubt in this rally will only fuel prices higher.”
Bitcoin’s market value is finally rallying, making it as high as $57.6K Monday and +4.8% in the past 24 hours. On major exchanges like Binance & Bitmex, Bitcoin has been heavily shorted since Saturday. Trader FUD and doubt in this rally will only fuel prices higher. pic.twitter.com/1uY1AaQBLx
— Santiment (@santimentfeed) September 9, 2024
Stablecoins Inflows
Another possible reason behind BTC’s impressive daily surge could be attributed to investors trying to take advantage of the price dip. This is supported by data from IntoTheBlock, which reads that $300 million worth of stablecoins were transferred into exchanges on Monday.
Stablecoins are the easiest gateway for investors to purchase digital assets on exchanges. Such large movements are typically executed to look for good buying opportunities, such as the recent price dips.
$300 million worth of stablecoins flowed into exchanges yesterday, signaling a potential move by investors to capitalize on the dip. pic.twitter.com/c7CTrqc8oT
— IntoTheBlock (@intotheblock) September 10, 2024
Back in early August, when BTC’s price tumbled even lower (under $50,000), the total stablecoin inflows skyrocketed to around $1 billion. Days later, the cryptocurrency, alongside most of the market, recovered its losses and even soared past $65,000 in weeks.
Something relatively similar on the matter came from Lookonchain. The on-chain resource informed that larger bitcoin investors had withdrawn more than $34 million worth of the asset in the past day alone. This could reaffirm the thesis that investors have used the opportunity to go on a buying spree.
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