BitGo and Silence Laboratories completed a post-quantum MPC transaction simulation for institutional digital asset custody.
Summary
- BitGo and Silence Labs tested post-quantum MPC signing inside an institutional custody workflow last Friday.
- The simulation used ML-DSA, a NIST-standard algorithm, to support quantum-safe institutional crypto transaction signing workflows.
- Wallet providers, blockchains, and custodians are preparing before quantum-capable attacks become a practical threat.
The companies said the test used BitGo’s custody platform and Silence Laboratories’ post-quantum MPC protocol to show how quantum-safe signing can work inside existing wallet workflows.
The transaction took place during a private industry event hosted by both firms. BitGo said the event included researchers, security leaders, financial institutions, and blockchain industry participants from groups linked to Google, Stanford, the Linux Foundation, and other organizations.
New wallet design uses NIST-standard ML-DSA
The wallet infrastructure uses Silence Laboratories’ PQ MPC protocol, based on ML-DSA. The algorithm is part of FIPS 204, a digital signature standard from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
BitGo said the test showed how post-quantum signing can fit into institutional wallet operations while keeping MPC features. These include distributed key control, policy checks, and separate duties across teams.
Moreover, BitGo CEO Mike Belshe said “Quantum computing has moved from theoretical discussion to an infrastructure planning priority.” He said institutions want to prepare without weakening security, control, or operational resilience.
Silence Laboratories CEO Jay Prakash said “Digital assets are particularly at risk” because many current systems still rely on older signature schemes. He said institutions should be able to upgrade on their own timeline instead of waiting for a rushed migration.
Broader post-quantum push
As previously reported by crypto.news, Circle has also moved to prepare Arc for post-quantum security. Its plan includes quantum-resistant wallets and signatures at mainnet launch in 2026, with deeper infrastructure upgrades set for later phases.
Additionally, Bitcoin faces a long-term quantum security debate. No quantum computer can break Bitcoin today, but researchers have warned that exposed public keys could become vulnerable in future conditions. Proposed fixes include BIP-360 and BIP-361, which seek quantum-resistant transactions and a migration away from older signatures.
BitGo’s custody role grows with institutional demand
The post-quantum test also comes as BitGo expands its role in institutional crypto custody. As reported by crypto.news, BitGo filed for a $200 million U.S. IPO in January, with Goldman Sachs and Citigroup leading the planned New York Stock Exchange listing.
Separately, OKX added BitGo’s Off-Exchange Settlement platform for U.S. institutions. The setup allows firms to trade on OKX while keeping assets in BitGo cold custody, showing how custody controls remain central to institutional crypto trading.
