Paper Number
ECIS2026-1665
Paper Type
CRP
Abstract
Cryptocurrencies have become an integral part of digital finance, yet investors face complex sociotechnical decisions when acquiring and safeguarding assets. Prior research has largely focused on initial adoption, offering less guidance on subsequent decisions regarding acquisition (e.g., centralized vs. decentralized exchanges) and custody (e.g., custodial vs. non-custodial wallets). Although many factors examined in prior work resemble constructs from the Technology Acceptance Model or the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, these theoretical links remain mostly implicit. Therefore, we conduct a systematic literature review investigating which factors shape investor preferences regarding cryptocurrency acquisition and custody. By analyzing 40 peer-reviewed studies and using an inductive–abductive synthesis, we develop a concept matrix that consolidates findings into five core concepts: trust, risk, ease of use, perceived usefulness, and social influence. The review concludes with a research agenda that builds on these concepts to outline questions for future research.
Recommended Citation
Milosevic, Lazar; Ockenga, Tim Alvaro; Celig, Tom; and Schoder, Detlef, "CRYPTO ACQUISITION AND CUSTODY: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW AND RESEARCH AGENDA" (2026). ECIS 2026 Proceedings. 4.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2026/blockfintech/blockfintech/4
CRYPTO ACQUISITION AND CUSTODY: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW AND RESEARCH AGENDA
Cryptocurrencies have become an integral part of digital finance, yet investors face complex sociotechnical decisions when acquiring and safeguarding assets. Prior research has largely focused on initial adoption, offering less guidance on subsequent decisions regarding acquisition (e.g., centralized vs. decentralized exchanges) and custody (e.g., custodial vs. non-custodial wallets). Although many factors examined in prior work resemble constructs from the Technology Acceptance Model or the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, these theoretical links remain mostly implicit. Therefore, we conduct a systematic literature review investigating which factors shape investor preferences regarding cryptocurrency acquisition and custody. By analyzing 40 peer-reviewed studies and using an inductive–abductive synthesis, we develop a concept matrix that consolidates findings into five core concepts: trust, risk, ease of use, perceived usefulness, and social influence. The review concludes with a research agenda that builds on these concepts to outline questions for future research.
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