Canada Introduces New Crypto Custody Rules to Protect Investors After QuadrigaCX Collapse

TheNewsCryptoPubblicato 2026-02-04Pubblicato ultima volta 2026-02-04

Introduzione

Following the QuadrigaCX collapse in 2019, which resulted in the loss of $123 million in customer funds, Canada’s Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) has introduced new crypto custody rules for exchanges. The regulations aim to protect investors by enforcing stronger custody arrangements, improved internal controls, and clear separation of client assets from company funds. The framework adopts a risk-based approach, requiring higher-risk firms to meet stricter standards while allowing flexibility for lower-risk platforms. CIRO will actively update the rules as new threats emerge and has the authority to investigate misconduct and impose penalties. The move reflects Canada’s protective regulatory stance, bringing crypto custody under existing securities laws.

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) has announced that Canada has introduced new crypto custody rules for the exchanges to reduce the risk of investor losses and prevent failures, as the QuadrigaCX collapse happened in 2019.

This move immediately takes effect after the direct response to the past crypto failure, like the QuadrigaCX collapse. QuadrigaCX was one of the canada’s largest crypto exchanges. After its CEO died, it has missed about $123 million of customer funds. Investigations later found that this was caused by its poor controls, weak governance, and serious custody failures.

What CIRO’S new crypto rules do

CIRO’S Digital Asset Custody Framework used a risk-based approach, which sets clear standards for protecting investors from hacking, fraud, weak controls, and poor governance. The firms which higher risk activities should meet the stronger custody standards, and the lower-risk firms get more flexibility but still need the protections.

After the new rules, crypto platforms in Canada should use stronger custody arrangements and improve the internal controls and oversight with clear separation of customer assets from the company funds. CIRO says many platforms are already following a similar structure, and any transitions to the new rules will be handled case by case without disrupting the firms suddenly.

Canada’s approach towards crypto custody

CIRO says that it will actively monitor the new risk, and the regulators will update the new rules if they seem to have any new custody threats and repeated problems across the firms. This shows that the framework still needs to be fixed and will evolve as per the crypto market changes.

Canada has taken a protective approach towards crypto regulations and is bringing crypto custody platforms under the existing securities laws. CIRO has the authority to investigate the misconduct, impose fines, and suspend the firms, which shows a strong focus on the custody and increased attention on stablecoins.

Highlighted Crypto News:

Ethereum Eyes Frame Transactions as Hegota Headliner

Domande pertinenti

QWhat event prompted Canada to introduce new crypto custody rules?

AThe collapse of QuadrigaCX in 2019, which resulted in the loss of approximately $123 million in customer funds due to poor controls, weak governance, and custody failures.

QWhich organization announced Canada's new crypto custody rules?

AThe Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) announced the new crypto custody rules.

QWhat is the main approach of CIRO's Digital Asset Custody Framework?

AIt uses a risk-based approach, setting clear standards for protecting investors from hacking, fraud, weak controls, and poor governance, with higher-risk firms facing stronger custody requirements.

QHow do the new rules require crypto platforms to handle customer assets?

APlatforms must use stronger custody arrangements with clear separation of customer assets from company funds and improve internal controls and oversight.

QWhat regulatory powers does CIRO have under the new framework?

ACIRO has the authority to investigate misconduct, impose fines, and suspend firms, showing a strong focus on custody and increased attention on stablecoins.

Letture associate

The Second Half of Macro Influencer Fu Peng's Career

Fu Peng, a prominent Chinese macroeconomist and former chief economist of Northeast Securities, has joined Hong Kong-based digital asset management firm Bitfire Group (formerly New Huo Group) as its chief economist. This move, announced in April 2026, triggered an 11% surge in Bitfire's stock price. Fu, known for his accessible macroeconomic commentary and large social media following, will focus on integrating digital assets into global asset allocation frameworks, particularly combining FICC (fixed income, currencies, and commodities) with cryptocurrencies for institutional clients. His career includes roles at Lehman Brothers and Solomon International, with significant influence gained through public communication. However, in late 2024, Fu faced temporary social media bans after a controversial private speech at HSBC on China's economic challenges, though he denied regulatory sanctions. He later left Northeast Securities citing health reasons. Bitfire, a licensed virtual asset manager serving high-net-worth clients, seeks to build trust and attract traditional capital through Fu’s expertise and credibility. The partnership represents a strategic shift for both: Fu enters the crypto sector after a traditional finance peak, while Bitfire aims to leverage his macro framework for institutional adoption. Outcomes remain uncertain regarding capital inflows and compatibility within corporate structure.

marsbit3 min fa

The Second Half of Macro Influencer Fu Peng's Career

marsbit3 min fa

Stablecoins Don’t Meet Core Requirements Of Money, BIS Says

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) General Manager, Pablo Hernández de Cos, stated that existing stablecoins fail to meet the core requirements of money, specifically "singleness" and "interoperability." Singleness refers to the need for different forms of money to be interchangeable at par value, which is ensured by central banks in traditional finance but not in decentralized stablecoins. Interoperability means seamless cross-platform transactions, which stablecoins currently lack due to fragmentation across multiple blockchains. These shortcomings limit stablecoins' network effects and widespread acceptance, keeping them a "niche" payment instrument. However, de Cos acknowledged their potential to improve cross-border payments, though he also warned of risks to financial stability and monetary policy. Despite a bearish crypto market, the stablecoin market cap has reached a new all-time high of over $320 billion.

bitcoinist4 min fa

Stablecoins Don’t Meet Core Requirements Of Money, BIS Says

bitcoinist4 min fa

What Does the Outcome of the Midterm Elections Mean for Trump and Crypto?

The article analyzes the potential impact of the upcoming US midterm elections on Trump and cryptocurrency policy. Historically, the president's party loses congressional seats in 90% of midterms since 1946, making a Republican loss in the House highly probable. Current predictions suggest Democrats may take the House while Republicans retain the Senate, resulting in a divided government. Despite potential losses, Trump could still advance crypto-friendly policies through executive orders, agency appointments (if the Senate is held), budget reconciliation, and veto power. However, major structural bills like the CLARITY Act or a comprehensive stablecoin law would likely stall without a Republican majority in both chambers. The crypto industry has invested heavily ($288 million) in the elections to push for favorable legislation before the midterm window closes in mid-2026. While Trump remains the most crypto-friendly US president to date, advancing key reforms may be delayed until after 2028 if the legislative window is missed. The overall pro-crypto shift in US politics is seen as irreversible, even if progress slows temporarily.

marsbit1 h fa

What Does the Outcome of the Midterm Elections Mean for Trump and Crypto?

marsbit1 h fa

Cardano Leadership Structure Comes Under Scrutiny, Clouding Its Future – See Why

Cardano is recognized as one of the most decentralized blockchains, yet recent criticism highlights its lack of clear leadership. Analyst Cardano Yoda argues that despite the introduction of on-chain governance—which involves DReps (governance decision-makers) and Pentad (leadership and execution)—the network remains centralized in practice. While DReps control treasury spending, they lack coordination and strategic direction, relying instead on founding entities like IOG, the Cardano Foundation, and EMURGO. This creates fragmented leadership and accountability issues. Yoda suggests that DReps should evolve into a more coordinated body, possibly through a board or DAOs, to define strategy and improve governance effectiveness. Enhanced cooperation between DReps, founding entities, and Intersect is essential for Cardano’s future leadership clarity and operational unity.

bitcoinist3 h fa

Cardano Leadership Structure Comes Under Scrutiny, Clouding Its Future – See Why

bitcoinist3 h fa

Bitcoin Must Do This To Continue The Rally, Or It Will Be Over

A crypto analyst known as "Swarmik" has identified 17 key price levels where Bitcoin (BTC) could find support if selling pressure increases. The analysis suggests that BTC's overall outlook remains bullish, and any successful bounce from these levels could drive it back to all-time highs or beyond. The first critical support is at $70,931, followed by levels such as $68,931 (an "Imbalance Zone"), $66,638 (a "Reversal Line"), and $64,491 (a "Psychological Level"). Further down, Fibonacci retracements and other technical zones like "Fair Value Gap" and "Order Block" are highlighted. If the decline continues, lower supports include $51,612 ("Demand Zone") and $49,466 ("Supply Zone"). The analyst warns that a drop below $34,732 would invalidate the bullish structure, potentially ending the rally.

bitcoinist4 h fa

Bitcoin Must Do This To Continue The Rally, Or It Will Be Over

bitcoinist4 h fa

Trading

Spot

Futures