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Assessing trust in cryptocurrency exchanges like coinbase

Trust Issues | Users Question Exchange Security Amidst Growing Concerns

By

James O'Connor

Nov 21, 2025, 05:05 PM

3 minutes of reading

A person looking at Bitcoin prices on the Coinbase app on a smartphone with a concerned expression
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A wave of skepticism is spreading among people regarding the safety of cryptocurrency exchanges, particularly Coinbase. On November 20, 2025, heated discussions erupted on forums as individuals expressed frustrations and concerns about the reliability of these platforms for holding digital assets.

Users Weigh In on Coinbase Safety

Concerns surrounding the security of exchanges like Coinbase have been spotlighted in recent user board discussions. Many are questioning their safety as they handle Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Key Themes of Discussion

  1. Control Over Assets: A recurring sentiment among users is the importance of controlling one’s keys. "Is not your keys, so is not your wallet! Be careful," warns one commenter, urging caution.

  2. Short vs. Long-term Storage: Some advocate for short-term use of exchanges, citing Coinbase's reputation. One user mentions, "I trust them over the rest. But as soon as available, I move to cold storage."

  3. Security Risks: Others raise alarms about potential hacking incidents. "The bigger the exchange, the larger the target for hackers," one warned, referencing historical breaches like Mt. Gox and FTX.

Divergent Perspectives Shared

"As safe as a child being driven home by a tall stranger in a coat in his van."

This stark comment reflects the anxiety felt by many. Another user pointedly noted, "Bitcoin’s core principle: Don’t trust, verify," emphasizing the need for caution in cryptocurrency investments.

The Bigger Picture

These discussions highlight an ongoing dilemma within the cryptocurrency community: how to balance the convenience of exchanges against the security of personal wallets. Recent comments suggest that individuals are more inclined to use exchanges for temporary transactions but are wary of leaving their assets there for extended periods.

User Sentiments

The overall mood on these forums seems to lean towards skepticism:

  • πŸ”’ "Safe for exchanging fiat for BTC, but not to hold long-term."

  • ⚠️ "Many said the same about their coins in Mt. GOX and FTX."

  • ❌ "I wouldn’t ever trust an exchange with my long-term holdings."

Key Takeaways

  • β–½ Trust in exchanges is wavering as people emphasize personal control over assets.

  • ⚑ Many acknowledge Coinbase's safety but caution against long-term storage.

  • πŸƒ Historical breaches influence current perceptions of exchange reliability.

With concerns growing, the question remains: are users ready to shift away from exchanges altogether in favor of private wallets? As discussions continue, the potential for broader changes in how cryptocurrency is managed could reshape the industry.

For more information on secure storage methods, visit CoinMarketCap and CryptoCompare.

Future Market Shifts on the Horizon

As skepticism swells about exchanges like Coinbase, there’s a strong chance that more people will pivot to private wallets for long-term storage, potentially leading to a significant decrease in exchange trading volume. Experts estimate that within the next 12 months, about 30% of current exchange users could shift their assets to wallets, driven by security concerns stemming from past breaches. This shift might encourage exchanges to enhance their security measures or innovate new services that prioritize user sovereignty over funds. However, the balance between convenience and security will remain a battleground, as many will still depend on these platforms for prompt transactions.

A Lesson from the Dot-Com Era

In the late 90s, countless investors flocked to the internet with starry eyes, only to face the stark reality of iconic bankruptcies β€” think pets.com. Just like then, today’s crypto traders are learning that market giants can falter, highlighting the need for due diligence. While the digital landscape has evolved, those early tumbles teach a valuable lesson: don’t blindly trust perceived stability; instead, always prepare for the unpredictable. This mindset could help inform more measured approaches to handling digital assets amidst looming uncertainties.