What is Wallet-as-a-Service?

WaaS providers, like Coinbase Custody and BitGo, offer businesses a cost-effective and secure way to integrate crypto functionality into their offerings without the hassle of in-house development.

Feb 23, 2025 at 05:06 am

Key Points

• Wallet-as-a-Service (WaaS) is a cloud-based platform that enables businesses to offer cryptocurrency wallet services to their users without the need for in-house development and maintenance.
• WaaS providers offer a range of features and services, including custody, transaction processing, regulatory compliance, and user support.
• Businesses can integrate WaaS into their existing platforms or build new crypto-enabled applications using WaaS' modular infrastructure.
• WaaS is particularly beneficial for businesses that require a quick and cost-effective way to add crypto functionality to their offerings.
• Reputable WaaS providers offer a high level of security, reliability, and compliance, making them a safe and efficient way for businesses to handle cryptocurrencies.

What is Wallet-as-a-Service (WaaS)?

Wallet-as-a-Service (WaaS) is a cloud-based platform that allows businesses to offer cryptocurrency wallet services to their users without having to develop and maintain their own infrastructure. WaaS providers handle all the technical aspects of crypto wallet management, including custody, transaction processing, regulatory compliance, and user support. This enables businesses to quickly and easily add crypto functionality to their offerings without incurring significant costs or risks.

Benefits of Using WaaS

There are several benefits to using WaaS for businesses that want to offer cryptocurrency services to their users. These benefits include:

• Reduced costs: Developing and maintaining a cryptocurrency wallet infrastructure can be expensive and time-consuming. WaaS providers offer a cost-effective solution that allows businesses to avoid these upfront costs.
• Increased security: WaaS providers invest heavily in security measures to protect their users' funds. This includes implementing multi-factor authentication, using cold storage for sensitive data, and adhering to industry best practices.
• Improved compliance: WaaS providers stay up-to-date on regulatory requirements and ensure that their platforms comply with all applicable laws. This gives businesses peace of mind knowing that they are operating in a compliant manner.
• Faster time to market: WaaS platforms are typically easy to integrate into existing systems, allowing businesses to quickly launch crypto-enabled products and services.

How to Choose a WaaS Provider

When choosing a WaaS provider, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Security: The provider should have a proven track record of security and implement robust measures to protect users' funds.
• Reliability: The provider should have a reliable platform with minimal downtime and a history of uptime.
• Compliance: The provider should be compliant with all applicable laws and regulations and should maintain a high standard of regulatory compliance.
• Features and services: The provider should offer a comprehensive range of features and services that meet the business's needs.
• Customer support: The provider should offer responsive and knowledgeable customer support that can assist with integration, troubleshooting, and other issues.

Top 5 WaaS Rankings

[Note: As per your instructions, FTX will not be included in the rankings.]

• Coinbase Custody
• BitGo
• Ledger Vault
• Fireblocks
• Gemini Custody

FAQs

Q: Is WaaS suitable for all types of businesses?
A: WaaS is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries that want to offer crypto-enabled products and services. WaaS providers offer solutions tailored to specific business needs, making it a flexible and scalable option.

Q: How do I integrate WaaS into my existing platform?
A: WaaS providers typically offer APIs and SDKs that allow businesses to seamlessly integrate their platforms with WaaS. The integration process is usually well-documented and can be completed by developers with basic programming skills.

Q: Can I use WaaS to custody my own crypto assets?
A: Yes, some WaaS providers offer custody services for businesses that want to hold their crypto assets securely. These services typically involve storing crypto assets in cold storage and providing insurance against loss.