Multisig quorum failure — software wallet 2021

Survives

Case description

A Bitcoin investment collective using a 3-of-5 multisig faced a quorum crisis in March 2021 when two key holders dissolved their partnership under acrimonious circumstances. Both refused to participate in any transactions pending a legal settlement. The remaining three key holders had a quorum but could not use it while the partners disputed ownership of one key holder's share.

Custody context

Stress condition	Multisig quorum failure
Custody system	Mobile or software wallet
Outcome	Survives
Documentation	Unknown
Year observed	2021
Country	Unknown

Structural dependencies observed

Legal process requiredInstitutional cooperation 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

77 cases involve multisig quorum failure 572 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.