Evidence for what’s next. 💡 Strategic human insight and market intelligence for the future of money, technology, and digital markets.
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Joined March 2019
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Self custody is valued. Usage still lags. Why? 👇
@protocoltheory is proud to launch a new report with @Tangem :
‘From Storage to Participation: The Rise of Active Self Custody’
📊 Based on data from 3,100+ U.S. crypto users, we found:
• 72% believe self custody is core to crypto’s purpose
• Yet only 29% actively use cold wallets
• And 61% still associate self custody with passive storage only
That gap isn’t awareness. It’s confidence, perception, and experience.
💡 Our key insight:
Self custody is shifting from storage → participation
Users are starting to expect more:
• Manage assets
• Grow holdings
• Spend seamlessly
• Stay in control
We call this shift: Active Self Custody
It’s how the category expands beyond early adopters—and where the next wave of growth will come from.
🤝 Big thanks to Tangem for partnering with us on this research.
👉 Read the full report: tangem.com/en/active-self-cu…
#Crypto #Web3 #DigitalAssets #ConsumerResearch #Wallets #Fintech
Thank you to @StandWCrypto_AU for sharing Protocol Theory’s 2026 research. 🫡
One broader lesson from the data is clear: when people experience friction with #banking access, #payments, account services, or institutional decision-making, the impact can extend well beyond the immediate issue.
It can weaken confidence in the financial system itself.
That matters for any market where consumers and businesses depend on trusted, reliable, and transparent financial infrastructure. Whether the issue is debanking, account restrictions, payment failures, opaque fees, or poor dispute resolution, banking friction can become a signal of something larger: whether institutions are serving people fairly and predictably.
For the digital asset sector, this is especially important. #Innovation needs access to basic financial rails, and consumers need confidence that financial services are open, accountable, and fit for purpose.
Evidence should play a central role in that conversation. ◼️
New research from @protocoltheory:
77% of Australian crypto owners have experienced a banking issue.
vs. 68% of the general population.
That's a 9pp gap — and it's not random.
Owning crypto statistically increases your likelihood of banking friction.
Weighted national survey, n=2,405 Australian adults.
Sign the petition:
aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petit…
#StandWithCryptoAU #Debanking
ALT Chart shows 68% general population vs 77% crypto owners affected by banking issues.
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Crypto-backed lending does not have a demand problem. It has a confidence problem.
Our latest research with @hodlwithLedn found that 88% of #crypto holders in the US and Australia would consider using a loan or credit product, yet only 14% currently use a crypto-backed loan.
Stablecoins are often framed as faster and cheaper #money.
But faster and cheaper may not be enough to drive mainstream consumer adoption.
At @consensus2026 , Protocol Theory’s Head of Global Thought Leadership, @alistairrennieX , argued that the next phase of #stablecoin adoption will depend on real-world utility: use cases that help people protect, optimise, and control their money.
His point was grounded in a simple example: cards and digital #wallets overtook cash even though cash offers instant settlement and no direct card fees.
As Alistair put it:
“Historically, at least, it is not fees and settlement time that has been driving behaviour. Cheaper and faster is now just table stakes. For stablecoins, we have to give people a reason to use them.”
Watch the keynote and read the full article (link in comments): 👇
#Stablecoins #DigitalAssets #Fintech #Payments #ConsumerResearch #ConsensusMiami #Consensus2026
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Self-custody is shifting from passive storage to active participation. 🌍
Our latest research with @Tangem , featured in @theblockupdates , draws on data from 3,100+ U.S. crypto users:
▪️ 66% say self-custody is important
▪️ Only 15% use cold wallets
▪️ Just 9% of cold wallet users are passive holders vs. 25% of CEX users
Many self-custody users are already trading, using stablecoins, sending crypto, and connecting to apps directly from their wallets.
We call this Active Self-Custody.
Read more 👇
theblock.co/post/394087/wall…
Full report:
tangem.com/en/active-self-cu…
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🤔Crypto users believe in self-custody. But many still struggle to see where it fits into how they use crypto today.
Drawing on our latest research with @Tangem , our new article explores why operators need to move beyond secure storage and position self-custody as a layer for everyday participation. 👈👈👈
Read more: protocoltheory.com/articles/…
We’re pleased to support the Spring ’26 Cohort of the @Cardano_CF Accelerator Program, as part of its curated group of service providers. 🙌
Early-stage teams are often navigating complex decisions across product, positioning, and growth with limited user or market insight. Our role is to bring structured, evidence-led clarity to those decisions.
Looking forward to working closely with this cohort and helping translate ambition into commercially grounded progress. 🫡
No founder builds alone.
The Spring '26 Cohort of the Cardano Accelerator Program is backed by a network of legal, technical, and strategic Service Providers helping founders move faster.
Meet the partners shaping this cohort.
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@protocoltheory is back at @consensus2026 for the third year running.
But this time, we’re on stage.
🎤 @alistairrennieX
🗓 May 5 | 11:45am (Spotlight Stage)
Programmable Utility:
How stablecoins shift from back-office efficiency → real revenue growth.
This isn’t about infrastructure anymore.
It’s about product, monetisation, and GTM.
🔪Expect sharp takes on:
• Business models
• Product strategy
• Go-to-market
Also in Miami: Niko Klacar.
✈️If you’re at Consensus, let’s connect.
protocoltheory.com/articles/…
☝️The hardest problem in crypto isn’t building the technology.
It’s getting people to actually use it.
🚀We’re working with founders in the @Cardano Accelerator Program (CAP) to close that gap through strategy, positioning, and user insight.
👉Read more: protocoltheory.com/articles/…
Stablecoins face a major remittance accessibility gap.
@Mastercard Global Crypto Partner Program (85+ partners) aims to close it through the Multi-Token Network. 🌏
📊 Protocol Theory research with @consensus2026 shows:
• 31% of adults use remittance services
• 61% say traditional tools are easy to use, yet only 15% say the same about stablecoins
A 46-point usability gap still exists.
Improving accessibility could have major impact.
@protocoltheory estimates reducing APAC remittance fees by 2 percentage points could generate ~$9B in annual household savings.
Read the full article 👇
protocoltheory.com/articles/…
👉A structural shift in digital asset infrastructure.
Kraken Financial has secured a Federal Reserve Master Account, connecting crypto directly to the Fed’s payment rails.
Our research with @CoinDesk shows a major adoption gap:
• 95% awareness
• 63% intent to use
• Only ~1/3 active users
The barrier isn’t belief.
💡It’s integration.
🧠Users want coherence between digital assets and everyday finance.
Full analysis ↓
protocoltheory.com/articles/…
#Crypto #Fintech #DigitalAssets
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We’re absolutely thrilled to join @StandWCrypto_AU as an official partner to help advance a safer and more consumer-focused future for #crypto in Australia 🇦🇺
🚀 Partnership Announcement
We’re excited to welcome @protocoltheory as an official partner in our mission to secure a safer, smarter future for crypto in Australia.
Protocol Theory brings deep expertise in market research, data insights, and ecosystem intelligence — helping founders, policymakers, and industry leaders understand where Web3 is heading and why Australia must keep pace.
Together, we're working towards:
✅ Supporting safer innovation
✅ Protecting users and builders
✅ Elevating security standards across the ecosystem
✅ Advocating for clear, sensible crypto regulation
Join the movement and help shape the future of crypto in Australia:
👉 standwithcrypto.org/au
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Our role is to bring evidence, user insight, and clarity to the conversations shaping the country’s digital asset economy. This partnership strengthens that mission and supports efforts to:
▪️ Elevate the voice of the consumer
▪️ Support safer innovation
▪️ Protect users, builders, and industry participants
▪️ Advocate for clear and sensible regulation
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🚨 New Research Release 🚨
Our latest report, 𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗖 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀, 𝗧𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, is now live — produced in partnership with @CoinDesk and @consensus_hk! 🤝
📊 Based on a survey of 4,000+ adults across 10 markets, the findings reveal:
▪️ 535M adults in APAC now own or use crypto (3 in 4 global users)
▪️ 95% awareness but adoption held back by access barriers
▪️ 17% already use stablecoins, yet nearly half find them difficult to access
▪️ 63% of non-users in emerging markets would participate if access improved
▪️ 71% of adults want tighter cooperation between banks, regulators, and crypto platforms
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We’re proud to share that our Founder & CEO, @jonathaninglisX, has been selected as a judge for the @StandWCrypto_AU Pitch Fest 2025 🙌
This initiative celebrates the builders, thinkers, and innovators shaping the future of #Web3 in Australia — those creating products and ideas with real-world impact and enduring value.
We believe progress happens when innovation is grounded in insight, substance, and purpose, so it’s an honour to help recognise projects that reflect those principles. 🙏
#StandWithCrypto #Web3Insights #Crypto #Onchain #ProtocolTheory
We’re proud to introduce the judges for the Stand With Crypto Australia Pitch Fest 2025 🇦🇺.
A member from each of the partners has been selected to evaluate Australia’s most exciting Web3 businesses as they pitch for prizes and recognition.
Meet the judging panel:
👤 Jonathon Inglis - @protocoltheory
👤 Jock Haslam - @Hashlock_
👤 Josh Roy - @Labrys_io
👤 Renee Francis - @take3io
👤 Mark Monfort - @AusDeFi
👤 David Menz - @CoinbaseAU
Their combined expertise will ensure the very best ideas are recognised, and that we highlight just how much innovation is happening here in Australia.
It's your last chanceEntries close 22nd of October. Signup here 👉 standwithcrypto.org/au/conte…
#StandWithCryptoAU #Web3Australia #BlockchainInnovation
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🫡 We’re proud to announce our renewed partnership with @CoinDesk for the 2025 APAC State of Crypto Report — the region’s most comprehensive study on crypto adoption, behavior, and belief. 👇
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New @protocoltheory research, based on a nationally representative study of more than 4,000 adults across 11 developed markets, finds that accessibility is now the strongest predictor of #stablecoin adoption intent.
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Everyone thinks adoption is a UX problem. Our new research with @Mercuryo_io shows otherwise 📊
🤔 Only 11% of wallet adoption is explained by complexity.
💡 The real drivers are (perceived) relative advantages and lifestyle fit—wallets must feel clearly better than exchanges or Apple Pay/Venmo.
👉 Full report: mercuryo.io/explore/learn/us…
#Crypto #CryptoWallets #Web3 #Web3Research #ProtocolTheory #Onchain #Stablecoins
76% find digital wallets easy to use. Only 13% say the same about Web3 wallets.
Together with @protocoltheory, we surveyed 3,428 Americans and spoke to experts to understand why this gap exists and what can be done to close it.
📑 Read the full research: mercuryo.io/explore/learn/us…
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✈️ 🇸🇬 @protocoltheory is heading to Singapore for @token2049!
Our Global Head of Thought Leadership & Innovation, @alistairrennieX, will be meeting industry leaders shaping the future of Web3 + finance.
📅 Oct 1–2, 2025
📍 Singapore
🎟 Code MEETME15 for discount
#ProtocolTheory #Web3 #Crypto #DigitalAssets #Stablecoins #Web3Research #Onchain #Token2049
🚀 Excited to be part of the @StandWCrypto_AU Pitch Fest! 🇦🇺
@protocoltheory ◼️ is proud to support the next generation of Aussie Web3 builders with strategic market research and consumer insight expertise as one of the prizes. Using our Evidence-Led Adoption™ approach, we’ll help founders ground their strategies in real consumer insight so their products truly connect with people.
Together with @Labrys_io, @Hashlock_,
@take3io and the @coinbase_au team, this initiative highlights Australia’s talent in blockchain and helps founders take their ideas further 🤝
Applications are now open—if you’re building in Web3, this is your chance to gain visibility, sharpen your vision, and unlock real support.
👉 Learn more and apply here: standwithcrypto.org/au/conte…
#Web3 #Web3Research #Crypto #DigitalAssets #ProtocolTheory #Web3Insights
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