PROVIDERS 137 15 NEW CATEGORIES 28 27 ACTIVE SERVICES 288 57 NEW ODD 2 1.5% USERS 561 14 NEW AVG:RATING 3.7 1 RECENT VIEWS:TODAY 21 2 LAST HR INTROS 4 0 7D TOP:CATEGORY OTC DESK 67 ACTIVE:NOW 1 USERS

Digital Asset Custody

11 CUSTODY PROVIDERS COMPARED (2025)

This table provides a comprehensive comparison of digital asset custody providers. These custodians maintain full control of clients' private keys/shares and assets, with clients initiating transactions that are signed and executed by the custodian. Many operate under specific regulatory frameworks and licenses, offering institutional-grade custody services with added controls around transaction authorization and key security, and enhanced compliance and oversight. Use this resource to evaluate custody solutions for institutional requirements.

Why Choose a Digital Asset Custodian?

Custodians offer institutional investors with secure infrastructure by taking full control of clients' private keys and assets, enabling controlled transaction workflows and key management. These providers hold licenses from regulatory bodies like the OCC (Office of the Comptroller of the Currency), NYDFS (New York Department of Financial Services), and international regulators, adding protection to your digital assets under established financial frameworks.

Key Regulatory Licenses Compared:

  • BitLicense (New York): BitGo, Anchorage Digital, Coinbase Custody
  • MiCA Compliance (EU): BitGo, Crypto.com
  • OCC Charter: Anchorage Digital (first federally chartered digital asset bank)
  • VASP Licenses: BitGo, Crypto.com, Hex Trust, Zodia Custody
Company Founded Key Type M of N Signing Policy Policy Management Features Blockchain Networks Supported Tokens DeFi Access Exchange Integrations Disaster Recovery Off-Exchange Settlement API Access Certifications* Licenses* Insurance Restricted Jurisdictions Price Based On
Anchorage Digital 2017 HSM Flexible (2/3 minimum) Flexible Admin Quorums, Time- or amount-locks Most Networks Most Tokens No Internal, External SOC 1 Type 2, SOC 2 Type 2 MPI, OCC Charter, BitLicense ? AUC
Aplo 2019 MPC Flexible Flexible Admin Quorums, Time- or amount-locks Most Networks Most Tokens 12 Exchanges Internal No SOC 1 Type 2 DASP USA, FATF AUC/Volume
BitGo 2013 Multi-Sig Flexible (2/3) Flexible Admin Quorums, Time- or amount-locks Most Networks Most Tokens INX, Bitstamp, Finery Markets Internal, External SOC 1 Type 2, SOC 2 Type 2 MiCA, VQF, VASP, BitLicense, SD Custodian Sanctioned countries AUC
Cactus Custody 2019 HSM Flexible Flexible Admin Quorums, Time- or amount-locks Most Networks Most Tokens Bitget Internal SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, ISO 9001 ? Iran, N. Korea, Russia, USA, Cuba, Syria AUC
Coinbase Custody 2018 MPC ? ? Most Networks Most Tokens ? ? SOC 1 Type 2, SOC 2 Type 2 BitLicense ? ?
Crypto.com 2016 MPC ? ? Most Networks Most Tokens ? ? SOC 1 Type 1, SOC 2 Type 1 MPI, MiCA, VASP, DCM, EMI, PSP ? ?
Hex Trust 2018 HSM ? ? ? ? ? ? SOC 1 Type 2, SOC 2 Type 1, SOC 2 Type 2 MPI, VASP, DASP, TCSP ? ?
Liminal 2021 MPC, Multi-sig 3/5 Flexible Admin Quorums, Time- or amount-locks Most Networks Most Tokens No Internal No SOC 2 Type 2 ? Sanctioned countries AUC/Volume
Prometheum 2017 Multi-sig, Multi-layer + HSM Flexible (3/5 minimum) Flexible Admin Quorums, Time- or amount-locks ETH (More coming) ETH, ARB, GRT, UNI No No Internal, External No SOC 2 Type 1 & 2 SPBD ? AUC/Volume (Free with ATS)
Tungsten 2023 MPC, HSM Flexible Flexible Admin Quorums, Time- or amount-locks Most Networks Most Tokens On Request Internal, External On Request SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001 FSP ? AUC/Volume
Zodia Custody 2018 HSM, MPC Flexible Flexible Admin Quorums, Time- or amount-locks Most Networks Most Tokens Deribit, Bitfinex, BYBIT, LMAX Digital Internal, External SOC 1 Type 1, SOC 1 Type 2, ISO 27001 TCSP, VASP ? AUC/Volume
*All Licenses & ISO Certifications have been verified by DigOpp where possible
? indicates information not yet available or confirmed

Note: This comparison focuses on custody providers operating under specific regulatory frameworks and is based on publicly available information, direct provider communications, and information provided by the service providers themselves. Regulatory status and licenses are subject to change. Always verify current regulatory standing directly with providers and relevant authorities. This information should not be relied upon as the sole basis for custody provider selection. Last updated: June 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a digital asset custodian?

Digital asset custody refers to cryptocurrency storage services provided by companies that store and manage client's private keys and digital assets on their behalf, usually under specific financial regulatory frameworks. These custodians hold licenses from banking regulators, securities commissions, or specialized digital asset regulatory bodies, offering institutional-grade security and compliance.

Which custody providers have BitLicense?

BitGo, Anchorage Digital, and Coinbase Custody hold New York's BitLicense, the most stringent digital asset license in the United States. This license allows them to operate as trust companies for digital assets in New York.

What is MiCA compliance for custody providers?

MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) is the EU's comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets. Custody providers like BitGo and Crypto.com with MiCA compliance can offer services across all EU member states under a single regulatory framework.

How do licensed custodians differ from non-licensed ones?

Licensed custodians operate under banking or financial services regulations, require regular audits, maintain specific capital requirements, and often provide insurance coverage. They're subject to oversight by government regulators, making them suitable for institutional investors with compliance requirements.

Regulatory Licenses Explained

MPI: Money Services Business (MSB) license from various states
OCC Charter: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency national banking charter (US)
BitLicense: New York State Department of Financial Services virtual currency license
SPBD: Special Purpose Depository Institution (various US states)
ATS: Alternative Trading System license
FSP: Financial Services Provider license
TCSP: Trust or Company Service Provider license
VASP: Virtual Asset Service Provider license
MiCA: Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation compliance (EU)
VQF: Self-Regulatory Organization for Financial Services license (Switzerland)
SD Custodian: South Dakota Custodial Trust Company charter
DASP: Digital Asset Service Provider license
DCM: Derivatives Clearing Member license
EMI: Electronic Money Institution license
PSP: Payment Service Provider license