Research Paper: Securing the Future: Custody Best Practices for Web3, DAOs and Blockchain Foundations

This report is a collaborative effort between ADGM Registration Authority, Zodia Custody and the ADGM Academy Research Centre. It explores the evolving landscape of digital asset custody.

It outlines the major risks—from smart contract vulnerabilities and governance attacks to regulatory uncertainties—and underscores the growing importance of institutional-grade custodianship. The paper illustrates how best-in-class solutions such as cold storage, multi-party computation (MPC), and multi-signature wallets can safeguard assets and enable operational resilience.

In parallel, the paper details a pioneering regulatory framework, including the world’s first DLT Foundations regime, which provides DAOs and blockchain foundations with limited liability and legal personality—bridging the gap between decentralised models and traditional legal systems