Why Coinbase Custody is the Trusted Custodian for Digital Assets

As crypto ETFs gain SEC approval, Coinbase Custody emerges as the trusted custodian for digital assets, leveraging advanced security and regulatory compliance.

Coinbase Custody, a vital arm of the leading cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, has been increasingly recognized as the custodian of choice for a number of recently approved spot bitcoin ETFs, setting a new standard in digital asset safety. With the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) green-lighting these ETFs, the focus on how digital assets are stored and protected has intensified, and institutional investors are taking note of Coinbase’s robust safety measures.

A Proven Track Record of Security

Coinbase’s custodial service boasts a zero-tolerance policy for errors, reflecting over a decade of secure asset management. As of the fourth quarter of 2023, Coinbase Custody securely held $193 billion in digital assets, highlighting its capacity to safeguard large-scale holdings. This level of security results from employing world-renowned applied researchers and investing substantially in cryptographic key-sharding techniques, physical security, and strict operational controls.

Strict Regulatory Compliance and Auditing

As a fiduciary under New York state law, Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC (CCTC) is subject to stringent regulations by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), bolstering its credibility. In addition, public company status mandates regular audits, ensuring client assets are managed with utmost integrity. These measures are complemented by SOC 1 Type II and SOC 2 Type II examinations, which affirm that Coinbase has appropriate controls to protect client assets and the security of the platform.

Insurance and Legal Segregation of Funds

Understanding the importance of financial protection, Coinbase maintains a robust commercial crime insurance policy, which is deemed to be one of the largest in the industry, covering theft from both hot and cold wallets. Client funds are legally segregated, which provides bankruptcy remoteness, ensuring that custodial assets are insulated from the financial status of Coinbase or any other client.

Integrating Custody with Efficient Trading

The institutional-grade custody service provided by Coinbase is designed to mesh seamlessly with the operational needs of ETF providers and institutional clients. With integrated trading and settlement capabilities, clients can efficiently manage their assets, benefit from advanced trading algorithms, and access customized execution strategies.

Commitment to the Crypto Economy

Emphasizing its dedication to the crypto space, Coinbase offers custody for over 400 assets across 38 blockchains. Their service extends beyond simple asset holding, enabling clients to engage fully with the cryptoeconomy, including earning rewards through staking and participating in governance decisions.

Expert Leadership

Coinbase Custody’s success is partly attributed to the expertise of Alan Leung, the current CISO, who has been leading the business since 2018. With a background in cybersecurity, Leung’s experience with reputable institutions such as Blue Cross Blue Shield and Citibank plays a crucial role in maintaining and advancing the platform’s security measures.

As the world of digital assets continues to evolve, Coinbase’s commitment to safety, compliance, and innovation makes it a key player in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, ensuring that as the market grows, the safety and security of digital assets remain in capable hands.

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