thanks for the warnings.indeed, it is VERY easy to "buy" bitcoins and crypto currencies on BTC market or any other platform, but you do not have any key, you just buy and sell them, if anyone get into your account (finding your password or hacking into the platform, they can then transfer your crypto currencies (steal them) this has happened in other platforms in the past and what can you do then?
Same as banks, but cryptos are harder to track by law forces, and the crypto platform exchanges do not have the backbone of CBA or other banks: we can all reasonably assume that if NAB get hacked and your account is emptied, you will get your money back; not with BTC market or any of the others..
So I move some of my cryptos on a USB ledger.
Is it safer?
well it is at risk of thief, fire, physical loss, etc but that is my responsibility.
I would not keep sizeable amount of money under crypto form stored by a platform for too long;
Just my view, very open to discussion there
I would VERY MUCH like to be able to move my BTC in a safe repository: imagine, sending to UBS , against a yearly fee..I would jump on the opportunity, but would have to be a trusted bank in a trusted legislation (aka not Australia, EU or US of A)