DAG Wealth
Digital asset custody with institutional controls
DAG Wealth coordinates access to independent qualified custody through institutional custodians. The structure includes segregated accounts in your name, cold storage with multi-sig governance, custody documentation, and insurance coverage subject to policy terms.
Section 01
Three ways crypto custody fails
Most clients arrive holding crypto in one of three ways, each with a different failure mode. Understanding them clarifies why independent qualified custody exists.
Exchange custody
When your assets sit on an exchange, you don't own coins; you own a claim against the exchange's database. In a bankruptcy, that claim sits behind other creditors.
Self-custody
Hardware wallets get lost, seed phrases get lost, and heirs frequently can't recover. Doing this correctly is a part-time job most clients don't want.
Pooled custody
Some platforms commingle client assets. If something goes wrong, individual ownership becomes hard to establish during recovery proceedings.
Section 02
How independent qualified custody is structured
Segregated accounts. Held in your name on the custodian's books. Not pooled with other clients. Not on the custodian's balance sheet.
Cold storage with multi-sig. Private keys held offline in geographically distributed hardware security modules. No single point of compromise.
Bankruptcy-remote structure. Assets are property of the client, not the custodian. In a hypothetical custodian failure, segregated assets would be identifiable and recoverable.
Withdrawal governance. Whitelisted addresses, dual-control approvals, and time-delays on outbound transfers. Designed to prevent both insider risk and key compromise.
Insurance coverage. Crime and specie coverage carried by the custodian, subject to policy terms, limits, and exclusions disclosed in custody documentation.
Audit and attestation. SOC 1 / SOC 2 reporting and proof-of-reserves attestations available for review during onboarding.
Not on our books
DAG Wealth holds investment authority on the account. We never hold private keys, never custody assets on our balance sheet, and never pool client assets.
Section 03
Exchange vs self-custody vs independent qualified custody
| Dimension | Exchange | Self-custody | Independent qualified custody |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asset ownership | Claim against exchange | Direct (you hold keys) | Direct (held in your name) |
| Bankruptcy treatment | General unsecured creditor | Outside bankruptcy | Segregated, bankruptcy-remote |
| Key management | Exchange controls | You control | Custodian cold storage + multi-sig |
| Inheritance / succession | Account access only | Heirs need the seed | Documented, fiduciary transfer |
| Insurance | Varies, often none | None | Crime / specie, subject to policy |
| Audit & attestation | Varies | None | SOC 1 / SOC 2 + proof of reserves |
Section 04
Moving into independent qualified custody
01
Custody review
We map where your assets sit today (exchanges, wallets, lending platforms) and the risk each carries.
02
Account setup
Open accounts at the appropriate independent qualified custodian in your name or in your entity / trust name.
03
In-kind transfer
Move assets from exchanges and wallets into independent qualified custody. Coordinated to avoid taxable events where possible.
04
Governance
Whitelist addresses, set approval thresholds, document successor authority, and put audit trails in place.
Questions
Frequently asked
Next step
Your assets. Your name. Off our balance sheet.
Most engagements start with a custody review: where the assets sit today, the risk each location carries, and what a move into independent qualified custody would look like.
DAG Wealth is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. DAG Wealth acts as a fiduciary with respect to its advisory clients and does not act as a qualified custodian.
Independent qualified custody is provided by third-party institutional custodians. Custody documentation, fee schedules, insurance terms, and conflicts of interest are disclosed in writing before any engagement. Investing in digital assets involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.
Compliance
DAG Private Client services involve estate matters that require qualified independent counsel in the applicable jurisdiction. LLC formation, trust drafting, and estate planning services are provided in coordination with or by qualified independent legal counsel licensed in the applicable jurisdiction. DAG is not a law firm, does not provide legal or tax advice, and does not provide tax preparation services; tax matters are handled through referrals to qualified tax professionals. DAG is not a financial advisor and does not provide financial advice. Investment advisory services are offered through Digital Wealth Partners LLC (CRD No. 328627), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Digital Wealth Partners LLC is doing business as Digital Ascension Group – Wealth (“DAG Wealth”). Registration with the SEC does not imply a particular level of skill or training. Form ADV and Form CRS are available upon request or at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Registration does not imply a particular level of skill or training.
Asset protection structures, including Wyoming LLCs and trusts, do not guarantee protection against all claims, creditors, or losses. Outcomes depend on specific facts, jurisdiction, and applicable law. The information on this page is for general educational purposes and is not legal or tax advice.