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Custodial Failure

Definition

Custodial failure describes the inability of a third-party service to securely hold and return digital assets belonging to its users. This event can result from security breaches, operational mismanagement, insolvency, or fraudulent activities by the custodian. When a custodial failure occurs, users risk losing access to or ownership of their deposited cryptocurrencies. Such incidents underscore the inherent risks associated with entrusting digital assets to intermediaries.