BitGo’s New WBTC Custody Plan Draws Scrutiny Over Justin Sun’s Role

Source Beincrypto

BitGo, a leading crypto custodial platform, will shift its Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) to a new multi-jurisdictional and multi-institutional custody model. This decision has raised concerns in the crypto community, particularly because of the involvement of Justin Sun, founder of the TRON blockchain.

On August 9, BitGo revealed a 60-day transition period. The company plans to expand its custodial locations to include Hong Kong and Singapore.

Sun’s Role in WBTC Custody Sparks Concerns

In response to this development, prominent DeFi platform MakerDAO has begun assessing the potential risks associated with BitGo’s new WBTC custody strategy. The MakerDAO community is considering a proposal that could effectively reduce all active WBTC debts on the network to zero.

The proposal highlights fears that this new move might grant Sun significant influence over WBTC. Additionally, it references past issues with Sun’s interactions with other crypto projects, such as TUSD and Huobi’s USDT reserves, which were plagued by operational and transparency problems.

The broader crypto community has echoed these concerns. Some stakeholders worried that Sun could exploit his influence to mint excessive WBTC or manipulate Proof-of-Reserve data.

“BitGo partnering with Justin Sun for WBTC custody is up there with the most insane business decision I’ve ever seen,” Bitcoin Magazine writer Alex Bergeron stated.

Read more: What Is Bitcoin? A Guide to the Original Cryptocurrency

WBTC on EthereumWBTC Balance on Ethereum. Source: WBTC.Network

Meanwhile, BitGo CEO Mike Belshe has countered these concerns. He asserted that the platform’s security architecture prevents any form of manipulation. He also emphasized that BitGo will not authorize any minting without a corresponding BTC deposit.

“We recognize the community wants to know about JS involvement in anything, even though he doesn’t have the ability to move funds. That’s why we made sure to be very clear about his name,” Belshe stated.

The BitGO CEO further urged the community to conduct thorough due diligence before drawing conclusions. According to him, while Sun is involved in the project, he lacks the authority to move funds. Belshe also stated that the WBTC website will remain operational, providing near real-time proof of reserves.

Read more: Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) Price Prediction 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028

Sun, for his part, has clarified that his role with WBTC is purely strategic. He assured that he does not control the private keys to the WBTC reserves and cannot access the BTC reserves as rumored. Sun emphasized that his involvement aims to bolster decentralization, security protocols, and safety, reinforcing the critical role of the digital asset in the DeFi ecosystem.

“In simple terms, Bitglobal and Bitgo will not sign any unaudited transactions. The keys are still safeguarded using the same Bitgo cold wallet technology and offline keys, with backups in multiple countries and regions,” Sun added.

Disclaimer: For information purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
placeholder
Bitcoin To Anchor America Party—’Fiat Is Hopeless,’ Says Elon MuskMusk Pitches Bitcoin As Pillar Of America Party
Author  Bitcoinist
Jul 07, 2025
Musk Pitches Bitcoin As Pillar Of America Party
placeholder
Bitcoin briefly loses 2025 gains as crypto plunges over the weekend.Bitcoin experienced a sharp decline this weekend, briefly erasing its 2025 gains and dipping below its year-opening value of $93,507. The cryptocurrency fell to a low of $93,029 on Sunday, representing a 25% drop from its all-time high in October. Although it has rebounded slightly to around $94,209, the pressures on the market remain significant. The downturn occurred despite the reopening of the U.S. government on Thursday, which many had hoped would provide essential support for crypto markets. This year initially appeared promising for cryptocurrencies, particularly after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, who has established the most pro-crypto administration thus far. However, ongoing political tensions—including Trump's tariff strategies and the recent government shutdown, lasting a historic 43 days—have contributed to several rapid price pullbacks for Bitcoin throughout the year. Market dynamics are also being influenced by Bitcoin whales—investors holding large amounts of Bitcoin—who have been offloading portions of their assets, consequently stalling price rallies even as positive regulatory developments emerge. Despite these sell-offs, analysts from Glassnode argue that this behavior aligns with typical patterns seen among long-term investors during the concluding stages of bull markets, suggesting it is not indicative of a mass exodus. Notably, Bitcoin is not alone in its struggles, as Ethereum and Solana have also recorded declines of 7.95% and 28.3%, respectively, since the start of the year, while numerous altcoins have faced even steeper losses. Looking ahead, questions linger regarding the viability of the four-year cycle thesis, particularly given the increasing institutional support and regulatory frameworks now in place in the crypto landscape. Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise, remains optimistic, suggesting a potential Bitcoin resurgence in 2026 driven by the “debasement trade” thesis and a broader trend toward increased adoption of stablecoins, tokenization, and decentralized finance. Hougan emphasized the soundness of the underlying fundamentals, pointing to a positive outlook for the sector in the longer term.
Author  Mitrade
Nov 17, 2025
Bitcoin experienced a sharp decline this weekend, briefly erasing its 2025 gains and dipping below its year-opening value of $93,507. The cryptocurrency fell to a low of $93,029 on Sunday, representing a 25% drop from its all-time high in October. Although it has rebounded slightly to around $94,209, the pressures on the market remain significant. The downturn occurred despite the reopening of the U.S. government on Thursday, which many had hoped would provide essential support for crypto markets. This year initially appeared promising for cryptocurrencies, particularly after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, who has established the most pro-crypto administration thus far. However, ongoing political tensions—including Trump's tariff strategies and the recent government shutdown, lasting a historic 43 days—have contributed to several rapid price pullbacks for Bitcoin throughout the year. Market dynamics are also being influenced by Bitcoin whales—investors holding large amounts of Bitcoin—who have been offloading portions of their assets, consequently stalling price rallies even as positive regulatory developments emerge. Despite these sell-offs, analysts from Glassnode argue that this behavior aligns with typical patterns seen among long-term investors during the concluding stages of bull markets, suggesting it is not indicative of a mass exodus. Notably, Bitcoin is not alone in its struggles, as Ethereum and Solana have also recorded declines of 7.95% and 28.3%, respectively, since the start of the year, while numerous altcoins have faced even steeper losses. Looking ahead, questions linger regarding the viability of the four-year cycle thesis, particularly given the increasing institutional support and regulatory frameworks now in place in the crypto landscape. Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise, remains optimistic, suggesting a potential Bitcoin resurgence in 2026 driven by the “debasement trade” thesis and a broader trend toward increased adoption of stablecoins, tokenization, and decentralized finance. Hougan emphasized the soundness of the underlying fundamentals, pointing to a positive outlook for the sector in the longer term.
placeholder
Gold rises on softer US Dollar, traders await Trump's address on Iran warGold price (XAU/USD) extends the rally to near $4,775 during the early Asian session on Thursday. The precious metal surges amid a weakening US Dollar (USD) and cooling geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Author  FXStreet
Yesterday 01: 20
Gold price (XAU/USD) extends the rally to near $4,775 during the early Asian session on Thursday. The precious metal surges amid a weakening US Dollar (USD) and cooling geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
placeholder
Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD falls to near $72.00 amid fading safe-haven demandSilver price (XAG/USD) continues to lose ground after registering tiny losses in the previous day, trading around $72.90 during the Asian hours on Thursday. The safe-haven demand for the precious metal fades amid rising optimism over Middle East peace.
Author  FXStreet
22 hours ago
Silver price (XAG/USD) continues to lose ground after registering tiny losses in the previous day, trading around $72.90 during the Asian hours on Thursday. The safe-haven demand for the precious metal fades amid rising optimism over Middle East peace.
placeholder
Gold retreats sharply from two-week top/$4,800 as Trump’s Iran comments boost USDGold (XAU/USD) witnessed an intraday turnaround from the $4,800 mark, or a fresh two-week high set earlier this Thursday, and for now, seems to have snapped a four-day winning streak amid resurgent US Dollar (USD) demand.
Author  FXStreet
23 hours ago
Gold (XAU/USD) witnessed an intraday turnaround from the $4,800 mark, or a fresh two-week high set earlier this Thursday, and for now, seems to have snapped a four-day winning streak amid resurgent US Dollar (USD) demand.
goTop
quote