Ledger Executive Touts Brazil's Crypto Self-Custody Growth Amid Rising Demand

Ledger Executive Vice President Michael Lado emphasized Brazil’s strategic significance in the global rise of cryptocurrency self-custody during his remarks at Blockchain Rio 2025. Lado, who oversees Strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions for Ledger, highlighted that Brazilian users’ traditional preference for financial independence aligns closely with the principles of self-custody, which allows individuals to maintain full control over their private keys without relying on third-party intermediaries [1]. He described self-custody as offering privacy and transactional freedom, features that resonate with the country’s cultural attitudes toward personal financial management [1].

Lado explained that many Brazilians have long managed their money independently, a behavior that may facilitate a smoother transition toward self-custody solutions. This method ensures that users remain in direct control of their assets, a critical factor in a market that is still navigating evolving regulatory landscapes. While Brazil does not yet have a fully developed legal framework for cryptocurrencies, Lado noted that the absence of centralized control has encouraged users to seek out secure methods of asset management, such as hardware wallets [1].

Regulation, he said, is a key factor shaping the adoption of self-custody globally, and Brazil is no exception. Lado stressed that regulatory frameworks must strike a balance between fostering innovation and integrating with traditional financial systems. He argued that global consistency in regulation is essential to prevent unnecessary restrictions on market growth and to allow countries to evolve at their own pace [1].

Ledger, which specializes in hardware wallets designed to protect digital assets, has been closely monitoring the regulatory developments in Brazil. The company supports frameworks that encourage continued adoption of cryptocurrency while ensuring user security. Lado described the evolution of policy as a “gradual calibration” that varies from country to country, with Brazil currently following this broader trend [1].

The executive also noted that as awareness of cryptocurrency continues to grow, so too does the demand for solutions that provide users with direct control over their assets. This shift is being driven by a growing number of investors who seek to protect their holdings from market volatility and potential institutional risks. In Brazil, online platforms and fintech companies are increasingly providing educational resources on how to use self-custody wallets, further supporting the transition away from custodial models [1].

Ledger’s focus on expanding its presence in Brazil underscores its long-term vision for a decentralized financial ecosystem. With the country’s large market size and increasing engagement with blockchain technology, Lado sees Brazil as a critical player in the global adoption of self-custody. As the regulatory environment continues to develop, the company remains committed to supporting a landscape that prioritizes user privacy, security, and financial autonomy [1].

Source: [1] title: Ledger Executive Highlights Brazil’s Role in Crypto Self-Custody Adoption (https://ledger.com/insights/brazil-crypto-self-custody)