Definition ∞ Custody Procedures are the established protocols and security measures for holding and managing digital assets on behalf of an individual or entity. These procedures address the storage, access, and transfer of cryptocurrencies and other digital tokens. They are essential for protecting assets from theft, loss, or unauthorized access. Effective custody practices build trust in digital asset services.
Context ∞ The security and regulatory compliance of Custody Procedures are paramount in the digital asset industry, particularly for institutional investors and regulated service providers. Ongoing debates involve the merits of various approaches, such as cold storage, multi-signature wallets, and hardware security modules. Regulators are increasingly scrutinizing these procedures to establish standards for asset protection and operational integrity.