Proof of Reserves (PoR) is an approach in which a crypto exchange provides evidence that it controls specified assets in its reserves. The purpose is to improve transparency around the assets held by the exchange.

Implementations may include publishing blockchain wallet addresses, cryptographic proofs of customer balances, or independent verification. Some systems use cryptographic hashing to demonstrate that information was included in an aggregated dataset without publicly exposing every underlying detail.

Proof of Reserves is not automatically a complete assessment of an exchange’s financial condition. It may demonstrate the existence of certain assets without fully disclosing liabilities, debts, legal claims, or other balance-sheet elements. PoR should therefore be understood as a transparency mechanism rather than a universal guarantee of solvency.