2026 Report Examines Crypto Self-Custody Security and Investor Trust

After FTX filed for bankruptcy in November 2022, the risks of centralized exchanges misusing or freezing customer assets drew heightened attention, returning the phrase “Not Your Keys, Not Your Coins” to the market spotlight. Self-custody gives investors direct control of their private keys, but also leaves them responsible for risks including lost keys, phishing and compromised devices.

Cointelegraph Research and hardware wallet provider Trezor released new research in 2026 examining the wallet architecture, backup systems and security practices required for genuine self-custody. The report also said FTX's collapse had eroded investor trust in centralized exchanges. Available information on the study did not disclose its sample size, respondent breakdown or the value of assets involved.