Our research, insights, & thought leadership.

Our latest research with Tangem has been featured in The Block, highlighting a broader shift in how self-custody is being understood, adopted, and used across the crypto ecosystem.

Drawing on new Protocol Theory research across Australia, the UK, and the US, Alistair Rennie argues that stablecoins’ “iPhone moment” will come when programmable money moves beyond infrastructure and solves real consumer problems through safer, smarter, and more useful financial experiences.

A data-backed summary of Protocol Theory’s latest research into stablecoins, programmable money, and the demand-side future of payments. Download the brief to explore where consumer demand is forming, which use cases create switching intent, and what it takes to turn better infrastructure into products people actually choose.

Crypto users believe in self-custody, but many still do not see it as relevant to how they use crypto today. Drawing on Protocol Theory’s latest research with Tangem, this piece explores why operators need to move beyond secure storage and position self-custody as a practical layer for everyday participation.

Protocol Theory will return to Consensus 2026 for the third consecutive year, joining global leaders across digital assets, finance, and emerging technology in one of the industry’s most important gatherings. This year marks a significant milestone for the firm, with Alistair Rennie taking the stage to deliver a keynote on the evolution of stablecoins and their growing commercial role.

Protocol Theory and Tangem have released a new study on how self-custody is evolving. Based on 3,100+ U.S. crypto users, it examines the gap between belief and behaviour and introduces Active Self-Custody as a framework for how users store, grow, and use assets while maintaining direct control.