b9_1155what is self-custody?
holding the keys to your crypto yourself, instead of a company holding them for you.
no exchange can freeze or lose your coins (though some token issuers, including many stablecoin issuers, can freeze their tokens anywhere), but no company can help if you lose the backup either. the risk moves from the company to you.
related words
- passphrase ("25th word") an optional extra word or phrase added on top of a seed phrase.
- custodial a setup where a company, usually an exchange, holds the keys and you hold an account.
- seed phrase a list of words, usually 12 or 24, that can recreate all the keys of a wallet.
part of the topic after death: free articles, more words and the guide.
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