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Protect your holdings: the quadriga cx wake up call

Not Your Keys, Not Your Bitcoin | The QuadrigaCX Fallout Sparks a HODL Revolution

By

Fatima Zahra

Apr 15, 2025, 10:12 PM

Edited By

David Wong

2 minutes of reading

A conceptual illustration showcasing a locked vault filled with Bitcoin symbols, symbolizing the importance of self-custody in cryptocurrency, inspired by the lessons from QuadrigaCX.
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A significant anniversary is upon the crypto community as the notorious QuadrigaCX incident turns four years old today, reigniting conversations about secure cryptocurrency management. Following the tragic demise of its founder, Gerry Cotten, users are urged to reassess their self-custody practices amidst ongoing debates over centralized exchanges.

QuadrigaCX’s infamous collapse serves as a stark reminder about the importance of controlling your own keys. With questions lingering about Gerry Cotten’s fate and the whereabouts of millions in crypto assets, users are being prompted to take their wallets into their own hands.

Interestingly, sentiments from the crypto community suggest a blend of cynicism and hope. While some users call for continual reminders about self-custody, others express skepticism, arguing that lessons from mistakes are often forgotten. "Might be helpful to continually remind people so some will learn," notes one commenter. The struggle for autonomy in the crypto landscape remains a vibrant topic, as evident in heated discussions:

"The price action and new highs often stem from centralized exchanges, you dimwit."

This underscores a critical point: the market risks involved with relying on third parties for asset protection. Despite the tragedy, the conversation around ownership in cryptocurrency is becoming more urgent, especially as users face the risk of losing access to their investments.

Community Reflections

Three recurring themes arise from recent community discussions:

  • Distrust of Centralized Exchanges: Many view reliance on exchanges as a potential pathway to disaster, prompting calls for self-custody solutions.

  • Cynicism Over Past Events: The shadow of QuadrigaCX still looms large, with ongoing skepticism regarding the validity of Cotten's death and the fate of lost funds.

  • Interest in Resources: Users are increasingly turning to documentaries and literature, suggesting a community eager to learn from history.

Amidst these themes, community sentiment reveals a predominantly negative outlook, recognizing the risks of history repeating itself. As discussions continue, the lingering question remains: will the lessons learned lead to meaningful change?

Key Insights

- ⚑ 99.9% believe central exchange reliance is a major risk

  • 🧐 "Not saying it’s impossible but many seem to have lost faith" - common user sentiment

  • πŸ“š Increased interest in educational resources like Bitcoin Widow book and associated documentaries.

In a world rife with uncertainty, one thing stands clear: the importance of self-custody in cryptocurrency cannot be overstated. Stay informed, be proactive, and always hold your own keys.