When you think about securing your crypto, you probably imagine a private key — a single string of letters and numbers that holds everything. But what if no one person ever holds that key? That’s where MPC custody, a security method that splits access to crypto keys across multiple parties using mathematical computation. Also known as multi-party computation, it removes the single point of failure that makes traditional wallets vulnerable to hacks, insider theft, or human error. Instead of one key sitting on one device, MPC divides it into pieces — like a safe with three locks, where you need two people to open it. This isn’t science fiction. It’s how major exchanges, institutional investors, and even some DeFi protocols now protect billions in assets.
MPC custody isn’t just about splitting keys. It’s about control. With traditional custodial wallets, you trust a company to hold your keys. With non-custodial wallets, you hold everything — and if you lose your seed phrase, you lose everything. MPC custody sits in the middle. You keep control, but you don’t carry the full risk. The system requires multiple authorized devices or people to sign off on any transaction. Even if one device gets hacked, the attacker can’t move your funds. If someone inside the company tries to steal, they need help. And if you lose your phone, you don’t panic — you just use another approved device to recover access.
This is why MPC custody is becoming the standard for serious users. It’s used by platforms like MPC custody in services from BitGo and Fireblocks, and even powers some of the most secure cold storage solutions today. It’s not just for big players — retail users are starting to see it in wallets that offer recovery without seed phrases. It works with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and most major chains. And unlike hardware wallets, which can be physically stolen or damaged, MPC lets you recover access remotely — as long as you have one of your other trusted devices.
But it’s not perfect. MPC still needs trusted participants — whether they’re your own devices or a third-party service. If all your authorized devices are compromised, you’re still at risk. And not every wallet supports it yet. But for anyone holding more than a few hundred dollars in crypto, it’s the smartest move available today. Below, you’ll find real-world examples of how MPC custody is being used, where it’s failing, and which platforms are getting it right — or wrong.
Institutional crypto custody solutions provide secure, regulated storage for hedge funds, pension funds, and asset managers holding digital assets. Learn how cold storage, multi-sig, and MPC protect billions in crypto.