Crypto & Alternative Assets Directory

What to look for

• 1.
  Custody model and key control — Centralized exchanges hold your assets on your behalf (custodial). Self-custody wallets give you direct control of your private keys, meaning no platform can freeze or restrict access to your funds — but there is no recovery if you lose your seed phrase. Understand which model you're using before depositing anything significant.
• 2.
  Fee structure: trading, withdrawal, and network fees — Most platforms charge a maker/taker spread on trades, plus a withdrawal fee to move assets off-platform. On top of those, blockchain network fees (gas fees) apply to on-chain transactions regardless of which platform you use. These can spike dramatically during periods of network congestion and are often invisible until you try to withdraw.
• 3.
  Regulatory compliance and geographic restrictions — Crypto platforms are regulated inconsistently across jurisdictions. Some exchanges are fully licensed in the US and comply with FinCEN requirements; others restrict US residents entirely or limit which assets they can offer. Verify that the platform operates legally in your state before completing KYC verification or depositing funds.
• 4.
  Security track record and insurance coverage — Check whether the platform has experienced a significant hack or insolvency event, and how it handled customer funds afterward. Reputable exchanges carry crime insurance covering hot wallet breaches and participate in proof-of-reserve audits. FDIC insurance applies only to US dollar cash balances held at partner banks — it does not cover crypto assets.