BitGo and Silence Laboratories successfully simulated a post-quantum multiparty computation (MPC) transaction last Friday, integrating quantum-resistant signature capabilities into institutional digital asset custody workflows. The test took place at a private industry event hosted by both firms, with attendees from Google, Stanford, the Linux Foundation, and other organizations—including researchers, security leaders, financial institutions, and blockchain participants.
ML-DSA-Based Post-Quantum Protocol Preserves MPC Features
The wallet infrastructure used Silence Laboratories' post-quantum MPC protocol (PQ MPC), built on the ML-DSA algorithm—part of FIPS 204, a digital signature standard from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). BitGo said the demonstration proved that post-quantum signing can slot into existing institutional wallet operations without sacrificing MPC features such as distributed key control, policy enforcement, and role separation across teams.
BitGo CEO Mike Belshe noted, "Quantum computing has moved from theoretical discussion to an infrastructure planning priority." He emphasized that institutions want to prepare without compromising security, control, or operational resilience. Silence Labs CEO Jay Prakash added, "Digital assets are particularly at risk" because many current systems still rely on older signature schemes. He urged institutions to upgrade on their own timeline rather than face a rushed migration.
Broader Post-Quantum Push: Circle and Bitcoin Network
Circle has also moved to prepare its Arc network for post-quantum security, planning quantum-resistant wallets and signatures at mainnet launch in 2026, with deeper infrastructure upgrades in later phases. Meanwhile, Bitcoin faces a long-term quantum security debate. While no quantum computer can break Bitcoin today, researchers have warned that exposed public keys could become vulnerable. Proposed fixes include BIP-360 and BIP-361, which aim to enable quantum-resistant transactions and migrate away from older signature schemes.
BitGo’s Custody Role Expands with IPO Filing and Exchange Integration
The post-quantum test coincides with BitGo's broader push into institutional crypto custody. In January, BitGo filed for a $200 million U.S. IPO, with Goldman Sachs and Citigroup leading the planned New York Stock Exchange listing. Separately, OKX has integrated BitGo’s Off-Exchange Settlement platform for U.S. institutions, allowing firms to trade on OKX while keeping assets in BitGo cold custody—demonstrating how custody controls remain central to institutional crypto trading.