Paul Atkins, a US Securities and Exchange Commission commissioner, has publicly backed the right to self-custody digital assets. Describing it as a core value, Atkins stressed that individual control over one's money aligns with foundational principles of freedom and property rights.

Self-custody allows crypto holders to store their private keys independently, without relying on exchanges or custodians. The practice gained traction after centralised platforms such as FTX collapsed in 2022, causing billions in losses.

Tools like Ledger, Trezor, and MetaMask have made it easier for everyday users to manage their keys securely.

Support for self-custody is growing among regulators and the wider crypto community. With more than 30 million Americans now owning cryptocurrency, Atkins' endorsement reflects a broader trend towards individual responsibility and decentralised finance.