Take control of your crypto. Self-custody means you hold your own assets in your own wallet. Your crypto, your rules.
Learn more about Self-Custody, how it works and why it matters.
Answers to common self-custody questions.
Self custody means you hold your own private keys, which gives you full control over your digital assets. No exchange, platform, or third party manages your funds on your behalf. You are the direct owner and are responsible for securing your wallet.
Private keys act as the proof of ownership for your crypto. Anyone who has the private key can move the funds associated with that wallet. This is why secure storage, backups, and recovery planning are essential for all self custodial users.
Exchanges hold your private keys for you, which means they control the funds. With self custody, you hold the keys yourself. This protects you from risks like exchange hacks, withdrawal freezes, operational failures, or insolvency.
Self custody is supported by hardware wallets, mobile wallets, browser extension wallets, and smart contract wallets. Each type stores private keys locally on your device rather than on a centralized server.
Yes, as long as beginners follow basic security practices. Modern wallets offer clear onboarding, guided backups, and recovery tools. The key is to store your recovery phrase securely and avoid sharing it with anyone.
If you lose your recovery phrase and your device fails, you may permanently lose access to your assets. Some modern smart contract wallets offer advanced recovery features such as social recovery or passkey-based backups to reduce this risk.
Wallets do not require personal information to use, but transactions on public blockchains are transparent. This means anyone can see wallet activity, even if the wallet is not tied to your identity.
Yes. Self custodial wallets are the standard way to use decentralized applications. You connect your wallet directly to the app and complete actions on-chain without depositing funds into a platform.
No. Most wallets connect to public nodes or use their own infrastructure. Running a node is optional and not required for everyday users who want to control their private keys.
The phrase means that if a platform holds your private keys, you do not have final authority over your assets. Only self custody gives you full, direct ownership and ensures your funds cannot be restricted or accessed by third parties.
Elbaite Pty Ltd (“Elbaite”) is incorporated in Australia and registered with the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as a Money Services Business. We will never ask for the private keys to your personal digital currency wallet. Elbaite is not liable for any losses you may incur, and you are solely responsible for your investment decisions. Before deciding if our services are right for you, take into consideration your own financial situation & needs and/or obtain professional financial or taxation advice from a licensed provider. Elbaite does not provide financial advice and Elbaite does not have any affiliation with external traders, advisors or trading platforms. Please note: Be cautious of phishing sites and always verify that you're on the official Elbaite.com website before entering any sensitive information.
