Bitcoin Ownership: Self-Custody Is the Fundamental Principle, Says Trezor CEO

Matej Žák, CEO of Trezor, delivered a compelling message during an interview with The Block Media following Trezor's showcase at its product launch event, "TBD." Central to his commentary was the idea that true Bitcoin ownership is rooted in self-custody. Žák stated emphatically, “If you're keeping your Bitcoin on an exchange, it's not truly yours. Self-custody is the essence of Bitcoin and aligns perfectly with its decentralized foundation.”

Czech Republic: Birthplace of Digital Asset Innovation

Founded in 2013 in Prague, Czech Republic, Trezor pioneered the world’s first hardware wallet, cementing its position as a leader in cryptocurrency security. Its parent company, SatoshiLabs, holds a significant role within the Czech Republic’s flourishing crypto ecosystem. Žák attributed this success to the country’s historical quest for freedom and asset sovereignty, shaped by decades under communist control. “The experience of losing personal freedoms created a deep appreciation for individual rights and privacy,” Žák explained. This historical perspective resonates strongly with Bitcoin's principle of decentralization.

Despite its modest population of roughly 10.6 million, the Czech Republic stands out in Europe with over 600 registered digital asset firms as of 2025—1.7 times the European average per capita. A favorable blend of competitive corporate tax rates and progressive regulations provides the foundation for its robust crypto industry, fostering innovation among startups and established corporations alike. Prague, the nation’s capital, has emerged as a hub for key institutions such as Trezor, General Bytes, and SimpleCoin.

Trezor’s Latest Innovation: The Revolutionary 'Safe 7' Hardware Wallet

At the "TBD" event, Trezor unveiled its newest addition to the hardware wallet market—the groundbreaking "Safe 7." This advanced device boasts the world’s first auditable secure element, representing a paradigm shift in security chip design by addressing the limitations of closed, proprietary elements. Transparency and robustness define this innovation, providing users confidence in the integrity of their devices.

Key features of the Safe 7 include Bluetooth connectivity, a user-friendly large display, and "Quantum Ready" architecture engineered to withstand threats looming from quantum computing advancements. Žák emphasized the proactive steps Trezor has taken to prepare for the rise of quantum technologies: “Quantum computers have the theoretical potential to disrupt conventional cryptographic systems. With Safe 7, we’ve safeguarded against such risks to ensure user assets remain secure, now and in the future.”

Additionally, Žák countered common misconceptions about self-custody being overly technical or inaccessible for everyday users. “The Safe 7 democratizes self-custody," he explained. "Freedom shouldn’t come with unnecessary complexity. With this device, anyone can manage their assets securely in just a few clicks.”

Expanding Reach Into Global Markets: A Focus on South Korea and Beyond

Trezor has established a growing presence in international markets, including Latin America and Asia, as it continues to drive adoption of self-custody solutions worldwide. Special focus has been placed on South Korea, a country renowned for its rapid technological adaptation and burgeoning Bitcoin community. Žák praised South Korea's keen enthusiasm for cryptocurrency, revealing Trezor’s active efforts to enhance localization and forge new partnerships in the region.

In alignment with its mission, Trezor maintains a critical stance on centralized exchanges and Bitcoin ETFs. Žák explained, “ETFs and dependencies on exchanges undermine Bitcoin's decentralized ethos. True ownership belongs to the individual who controls their private keys.” He expressed an ambitious vision for Trezor, stating, “Our goal is to enable millions of people to embrace self-custody within the next five years.”

Empowering Freedom Through Technology

At the heart of its operations, Trezor believes in advancing freedom through technological innovation. Žák summarized this guiding philosophy by stating, “Freedom only matters if you take an active role in defending it. At Trezor, we advocate for empowering individuals to secure their autonomy through self-custody solutions.”

With its unwavering commitment to decentralization, cutting-edge security technology, and proactive expansion into global markets, Trezor continues to lead the way in the evolution of Bitcoin ownership—reminding users that true freedom lies in controlling their own assets.