Anchorage Digital: Institutional Crypto Custody & Infrastructure
Anchorage Digital was founded in 2017 in the United States by Diogo Mónica and Nathan McCauley, former security experts at Square and Docker. Positioned as a pioneer in digital asset custody, the company’s mission is to protect institutions’ crypto assets through its federally chartered Anchorage Digital Bank—the first U.S. federal bank for digital assets. It proudly serves hundreds of institutional clients and secures billions of dollars in assets, including hedge funds, asset managers, and tech firms.
Key takeaways
Core Features / Services
Anchorage Digital offers:- Qualified custody for digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, and tokenized securities.
- A regulated infrastructure via its federally chartered Anchorage Digital Bank, approved by the OCC.
- Staking and governance services directly integrated for Ethereum, Solana, and other PoS blockchains.
- OTC trading execution in partnership with institutional market makers.
- A comprehensive API suite for seamless integration into existing workflows.
- Compliance-ready reporting, including audit logs, OFAC screening, and enhanced AML/KYC processes.
Security & Compliance
Anchorage Digital safeguards assets using:- MPC-based key management with private shares secured in hardware security modules (HSMs).
- Bank-grade encryption, strict role separation, and multi-factor authentication.
- SOC 2 Type II certification, frequent audits, and rigorous internal controls.
- Federal oversight from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), with compliance for FINRA and SEC regulations.
- Operational resilience via disaster recovery drills and third-party penetration testing.
Pricing & Fees
Anchorage’s pricing structure includes:- Custody fees based on assets under management (typically 0.02 %–0.05 %).
- Staking service fees, charged on performance in line with industry standards.
- OTC execution fees, generally included in bundled service packages.
- Custom-tailored pricing tiers for institutional clients with volume discounts.
- Add-on subscriptions for advanced API access and enhanced reporting tools.
Unique Value Proposition
Anchorage Digital distinguishes itself through its status as a federally chartered bank, offering enhanced security and regulatory oversight. The platform combines advanced MPC security, integrated staking, OTC execution, and institutional-grade APIs, delivering a robust and compliant custody solution tailored for professional clients. Its innovative features and uncompromising compliance make it a top choice for institutional-grade crypto infrastructure.Comparison with Major Competitors
| Feature | Anchorage Digital | Coinbase Custody | BitGo |
| Federal Bank Charter | Yes (OCC) | No | No |
| Security Architecture | MPC + HSM | Cold storage + multisig | Cold storage |
| Built-in Staking | Yes (Ethereum, Solana…) | Yes (selected chains) | Yes |
| Typical Custody Fees | 0.02 %–0.05 % + performance | ~0.04 %–0.05 % | ~0.04 % + flat fees |
| Regulatory Compliance | OCC, FINRA, SEC oversight | State-by-state licensing | U.S. regulated, non-banking |
| Target Audience | Institutions, enterprises | Institutions & retail | Institutions, exchanges |
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Conclusion
Conclusion
Anchorage Digital stands out as a secure, compliant, and feature-rich solution for institutional digital asset custody. Its combination of MPC-based security, federal charter, in-house staking, OTC execution, and API integrations defines it as a trusted partner for institutions. For organizations with high security and compliance requirements, Anchorage offers unmatched features—though smaller firms may find the fees relatively steep. Ultimately, Anchorage delivers exceptional value for institution-grade custody and infrastructure.
Disclaimer :
Trading is risky and you may lose all or part of your capital. The information provided does not constitute financial advice and/or an investment recommendation
Comparison of the Best Crypto Exchange Platforms
| Platform | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
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European user-friendly platform, ideal for beginners and those seeking portfolio diversification. |
Simple interface, competitive fees, European regulation, supports multiple assets. |
Not suitable for professional or high-frequency traders. |
|
|
Global leader in crypto trading, offering extensive features and asset variety. |
Advanced tools, low fees, high liquidity, wide range of cryptocurrencies. |
Can be overwhelming for beginners, regulatory scrutiny in some regions. |
|
|
Social trading-focused platform with strong derivatives offerings. |
Copy trading features, good for beginners, supports futures and spot trading. |
Limited fiat options, less recognized than top-tier exchanges. |
|
Bitpanda
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|
Austrian platform offering crypto and traditional assets in one place. |
Supports crypto, stocks, ETFs, precious metals, easy to use. |
Higher fees, limited advanced trading features. |
