Protocol Theory ◼️

Self custody is valued. Usage still lags. Why? 👇 @protocoltheory is proud to launch a new report with @Tangem : ‘From Storage to Participation: The Rise of Active Self Custody’ 📊 Based on data from 3,100+ U.S. crypto users, we found: • 72% believe self custody is core to crypto’s purpose • Yet only 29% actively use cold wallets • And 61% still associate self custody with passive storage only That gap isn’t awareness. It’s confidence, perception, and experience. 💡 Our key insight: Self custody is shifting from storage → participation Users are starting to expect more: • Manage assets • Grow holdings • Spend seamlessly • Stay in control We call this shift: Active Self Custody It’s how the category expands beyond early adopters—and where the next wave of growth will come from. 🤝 Big thanks to Tangem for partnering with us on this research. 👉 Read the full report: tangem.com/en/active-self-cu… #Crypto #Web3 #DigitalAssets #ConsumerResearch #Wallets #Fintech

Thank you to @StandWCrypto_AU for sharing Protocol Theory’s 2026 research. 🫡 One broader lesson from the data is clear: when people experience friction with #banking access, #payments, account services, or institutional decision-making, the impact can extend well beyond the immediate issue. It can weaken confidence in the financial system itself. That matters for any market where consumers and businesses depend on trusted, reliable, and transparent financial infrastructure. Whether the issue is debanking, account restrictions, payment failures, opaque fees, or poor dispute resolution, banking friction can become a signal of something larger: whether institutions are serving people fairly and predictably. For the digital asset sector, this is especially important. #Innovation needs access to basic financial rails, and consumers need confidence that financial services are open, accountable, and fit for purpose. Evidence should play a central role in that conversation. ◼️

Stablecoins are often framed as faster and cheaper #money. But faster and cheaper may not be enough to drive mainstream consumer adoption. At @consensus2026 , Protocol Theory’s Head of Global Thought Leadership, @alistairrennieX , argued that the next phase of #stablecoin adoption will depend on real-world utility: use cases that help people protect, optimise, and control their money. His point was grounded in a simple example: cards and digital #wallets overtook cash even though cash offers instant settlement and no direct card fees. As Alistair put it: “Historically, at least, it is not fees and settlement time that has been driving behaviour. Cheaper and faster is now just table stakes. For stablecoins, we have to give people a reason to use them.” Watch the keynote and read the full article (link in comments): 👇 #Stablecoins #DigitalAssets #Fintech #Payments #ConsumerResearch #ConsensusMiami #Consensus2026

Self-custody is shifting from passive storage to active participation. 🌍 Our latest research with @Tangem , featured in @theblockupdates , draws on data from 3,100+ U.S. crypto users: ▪️ 66% say self-custody is important ▪️ Only 15% use cold wallets ▪️ Just 9% of cold wallet users are passive holders vs. 25% of CEX users Many self-custody users are already trading, using stablecoins, sending crypto, and connecting to apps directly from their wallets. We call this Active Self-Custody. Read more 👇 theblock.co/post/394087/wall… Full report: tangem.com/en/active-self-cu…

🤔Crypto users believe in self-custody. But many still struggle to see where it fits into how they use crypto today. Drawing on our latest research with @Tangem , our new article explores why operators need to move beyond secure storage and position self-custody as a layer for everyday participation. 👈👈👈 Read more: protocoltheory.com/articles/…

We’re pleased to support the Spring ’26 Cohort of the @Cardano_CF Accelerator Program, as part of its curated group of service providers. 🙌 Early-stage teams are often navigating complex decisions across product, positioning, and growth with limited user or market insight. Our role is to bring structured, evidence-led clarity to those decisions. Looking forward to working closely with this cohort and helping translate ambition into commercially grounded progress. 🫡

@protocoltheory is back at @consensus2026 for the third year running. But this time, we’re on stage. 🎤 @alistairrennieX 🗓 May 5 | 11:45am (Spotlight Stage) Programmable Utility: How stablecoins shift from back-office efficiency → real revenue growth. This isn’t about infrastructure anymore. It’s about product, monetisation, and GTM. 🔪Expect sharp takes on: • Business models • Product strategy • Go-to-market Also in Miami: Niko Klacar. ✈️If you’re at Consensus, let’s connect. protocoltheory.com/articles/…

☝️The hardest problem in crypto isn’t building the technology. It’s getting people to actually use it. 🚀We’re working with founders in the @Cardano Accelerator Program (CAP) to close that gap through strategy, positioning, and user insight. 👉Read more: protocoltheory.com/articles/…

Stablecoins face a major remittance accessibility gap. @Mastercard Global Crypto Partner Program (85+ partners) aims to close it through the Multi-Token Network. 🌏 📊 Protocol Theory research with @consensus2026 shows: • 31% of adults use remittance services • 61% say traditional tools are easy to use, yet only 15% say the same about stablecoins A 46-point usability gap still exists. Improving accessibility could have major impact. @protocoltheory estimates reducing APAC remittance fees by 2 percentage points could generate ~$9B in annual household savings. Read the full article 👇 protocoltheory.com/articles/…

👉A structural shift in digital asset infrastructure. Kraken Financial has secured a Federal Reserve Master Account, connecting crypto directly to the Fed’s payment rails. Our research with @CoinDesk shows a major adoption gap: • 95% awareness • 63% intent to use • Only ~1/3 active users The barrier isn’t belief. 💡It’s integration. 🧠Users want coherence between digital assets and everyday finance. Full analysis ↓ protocoltheory.com/articles/… #Crypto #Fintech #DigitalAssets