Nasdaq has selected Komainu, a joint venture between Japanese custodian Nomura, blockchain experts Ledger, and digital asset investment manager CoinShares, as a core custodian for its suite of crypto indices.
This partnership underscores the commitment of both organisations to standardise the digital asset markets, with Komainu’s practices aligning closely with Nasdaq’s stringent criteria for custodianship.
Nasdaq’s core custodian requirements include legal protection through bankruptcy remoteness, ensuring client assets remain segregated and protected in the event of custodian insolvency. Custodians must also adhere to strict regulatory compliance, obtaining licenses from reputable regulatory bodies. Advanced security measures are essential, including the segregation of private keys and the use of cold storage to keep private keys offline with multi-layered security protocols.
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Additionally, comprehensive risk management frameworks are required to mitigate operational and custody risks, alongside robust disaster recovery and operational continuity plans to safeguard against unforeseen events. Regular third-party audits of operational and security processes are mandated, along with extensive insurance protection to cover various potential risks, ensuring a secure and reliable environment for digital asset management.
Komainu stated: “This partnership validates our approach to digital asset custody and aligns perfectly with our mission to become the preferred gateway to digital assets for institutional investors.”
