what is exchange?

a company or platform where you buy, sell and trade crypto.

on a centralised exchange the company usually holds the keys for you (custodial). a decentralised exchange (DEX) is a set of smart contracts you trade with from your own wallet.

related words

dead man's switch service a service that releases keys or messages if you stop checking in.
lightning a payment network built on top of bitcoin for fast, small payments.
power of attorney a legal document that lets someone act for you while you are alive.

part of the topic after death: free articles, more words and the guide.

checked 2026-10-20. education, not advice. found a mistake? see corrections.