Centralized Holdings

Definition ∞ Centralized holdings refer to digital assets managed and controlled by a single entity or intermediary. This typically occurs when assets are held on a centralized exchange or by a custodian. Such arrangements confer convenience but introduce counterparty risk and reduce user autonomy over their assets.
Context ∞ News about centralized holdings often surfaces during discussions of exchange hacks, regulatory actions against custodians, or debates about self-custody versus third-party management of digital assets. Reports detailing the scale of assets held by major exchanges or the implications of regulatory oversight on these entities are common. Understanding centralized holdings is crucial for assessing the risks associated with holding digital assets through intermediaries.