Only 10% of Global Crypto Users Self-Custody Private Keys, Trezor Data Shows

Trezor estimates 10% of 600M users hold private keys, with 12-13M using hardware wallets. EU regulatory shifts push users toward self-custody as exchanges restrict services.

Woofun AI data shows that Trezor estimates approximately 10% of the global crypto user base, totaling around 600 million individuals, currently self-custody their private keys. The company reports that between 12 and 13 million people utilize hardware wallets for secure asset storage.

Trezor highlights that storing assets on exchanges relies on third-party ledger records rather than true ownership. With new EU crypto regulations implemented, some unlicensed exchanges have ceased regulated services for EU users. Trezor founders Marek Palatinus and Pavol Rusnák launched the first hardware wallet 12 years ago to keep private keys offline. CCO Danny Sanders warned that equating Bitcoin ETF holdings with ownership represents a negative outcome for the industry.