Self-custody

Self-custody retains authority over an account without delegating it to an asset custodian. It can use a key, multisig or threshold signing. It does not necessarily require a BIP-39 phrase, and control over recovery, modules and signing shares matters as much as where they are stored.

It reduces dependence on a custodian to authorize operations but does not eliminate contract, issuer, network or interface risks. Multisig or MPC can distribute authorizations without guaranteeing participant independence.

Backups, recovery and permission review are part of operations. Some tokens retain administrative freezing or forced-transfer functions even in a self-custodied account. Key control and rights over the asset must be distinguished.