Multisig quorum failure — software wallet 2015

Survives

Case description

A Bitcoin inheritance arrangement used a 2-of-3 multisig where the testator held two keys and a trusted friend held the third. The testator became seriously ill and was unable to operate their hardware wallet. The trusted friend's single key was insufficient to move funds. A court-appointed trustee had to obtain specialist assistance to access the other keys on behalf of the incapacitated testator.

Custody context

Stress condition	Multisig quorum failure
Custody system	Mobile or software wallet
Outcome	Survives
Documentation	Unknown
Year observed	2015
Country	Unknown

Structural dependencies observed

Legal process requiredSingle point of failureHardware device required

Outcome interpretation

Access remained possible under the reported conditions.

Source

Publicly Reported

Evidence type

Forum post

Evidence link

https://medium.com/@wayne_huang/rsa-2015-panel-bitcoin-s-future-threats-expert-s-roundtable-based-on-150-case-studies-92cc35e68e30

Related cases involving multisig quorum failure

75 cases involve multisig quorum failure 569 cases involve mobile or software wallet View archive statistics →

This archive documents observed custody survivability failures. It does not attempt to document all Bitcoin losses or security incidents. Submit a case

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Framework references

Where Bitcoin Custody Intersects Legal and Fiduciary Authority

Where custody creates gaps in estate planning, fiduciary duty, and professional responsibility.

Professional Scope Boundary Matrix

What each professional or product covers, what they do not, and where gaps form between them.

The Independent Assessment Layer in Bitcoin Custody

How independent diagnostic layers emerge when multiple parties depend on shared infrastructure.