Citrea Has Acquired Self-Custodial Wallet Crest
The acquisition marks a strategic move to integrate privacy-focused mobile tools into the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Cybersecurity
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Citrea has acquired the self-custodial wallet Crest to serve as its new flagship privacy product. The company also announced that Meliksah Gurtemel has joined the team as product lead.
Why it matters
This move enables Citrea to expand its technical capabilities by integrating existing privacy infrastructure into its platform. By positioning Crest as a core asset, the firm aims to streamline private transaction management for its user base.
The wallet utilizes shielded Bitcoin addresses to facilitate private payments. It further enables cross-chain functionality, supporting transfers between the Bitcoin and Ethereum networks.
The players
Citrea
Citrea is a developer focused on building privacy-oriented infrastructure for the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Crest
Crest is a self-custodial wallet provider now operating as the flagship privacy product for Citrea.
Meliksah Gurtemel
Meliksah Gurtemel is a product lead who joined Citrea to oversee the development of their privacy solutions.
Chainway Labs
Chainway Labs is the organization responsible for developing the Proof of Innocence technology.
The details
The integration of Crest allows for advanced privacy features, including the use of shielded addresses for secure payments. Additionally, the platform supports cross-chain transfers, bridging the Bitcoin network and Ethereum to enhance asset portability.
Timeline
Citrea expects to launch its new mobile privacy wallet in the coming weeks.
The Tech Race
The acquisition of Crest integrates Chainway Labs' Proof of Innocence into a consumer-ready mobile interface to compete for privacy-conscious users. This move represents a shift toward consolidating advanced cryptographic features into accessible, self-custodial wallet products.
Users will gain access to a mobile interface capable of performing private, shielded Bitcoin transactions and cross-chain transfers. The tool is designed to simplify the management of self-custodial assets while maintaining user anonymity.
The takeaway
The integration of dedicated privacy wallets into broader ecosystems highlights a growing demand for user-controlled transaction security. Consumers should prioritize self-custodial options when managing assets to ensure they maintain full control over their private keys.
What happens next
Citrea has announced plans to release a mobile privacy wallet for Bitcoin transactions in the coming weeks.
Further reading
For more on the evolving landscape of digital asset protection, visit our Cybersecurity section.
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Do you trust privacy-focused cryptocurrency wallets to protect your personal financial data?
