In the fast-moving world of cryptocurrency, security remains one of the industry’s most pressing challenges. As digital assets grow in value and adoption, so does the incentive for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities. At Solana Breakpoint in Abu Dhabi, FintechTV’s Rachel Pether spoke with Ian Rogers, Chief Experience Officer of Ledger, to examine the evolving threat landscape, the rising risks faced by institutions, and how Ledger is adapting its security solutions to meet these demands.
Founded more than a decade ago, Ledger was built with a singular mission: protecting private keys, the foundation of secure cryptocurrency ownership. Rogers noted that 2023 has been one of the most damaging years on record for crypto security, with hacks and breaches resulting in unprecedented losses. As asset prices climb, attackers become more sophisticated, reinforcing the importance of self-custody, a core principle that underpins Ledger’s products.
Institutional scrutiny around digital security has intensified. Rogers highlighted a concerning trend in which smaller institutions and organizations rely on free or consumer-grade software to secure billions of dollars in digital assets. This approach, he warned, exposes firms to significant financial and operational risk. In response, Ledger has expanded its enterprise-grade solutions tailored for banks, governments, and exchanges, combining high-level security with usability designed for large-scale operations.
Ledger’s product evolution has played a central role in its growth. Rogers described how the company moved beyond its original USB-style hardware wallet to more advanced devices with improved interfaces and functionality. Through collaboration with renowned designer Tony Fadell, the inventor of the iPod, Ledger has focused on enhancing user experience without compromising security. These efforts culminated in products such as Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex, which offer intuitive interaction alongside robust protection.
The company’s scope has also broadened beyond secure storage. Today, Ledger users can manage multiple global currencies, swap assets, and spend crypto directly using a Ledger-issued credit card. This expansion allows users to earn yield on stablecoins while retaining the ability to transact seamlessly, mirroring traditional financial behavior within a secure self-custody framework. Ledger’s strategy positions it as a secure alternative to conventional banking rather than just a storage solution.
The conversation between Rogers and Pether underscored the delicate balance between innovation and security as the cryptocurrency industry matures. With threats continuing to evolve, the establishment of strong security standards and collaboration with experienced providers has become essential. Ledger’s focus on user-centric, enterprise-ready security solutions reflects its role as a leader in shaping best practices across the digital asset ecosystem.
As cryptocurrency adoption accelerates, the importance of security and effective self-custody will only increase. Ledger’s ongoing product development and proactive approach aim not only to protect assets but also to redefine how individuals and institutions interact with wealth in a blockchain-based economy. In a rapidly changing fintech landscape, solutions that combine security, usability, and innovation will be critical to building trust and enabling long-term adoption.