What it means
Holding your money yourself, in a wallet only you control, instead of trusting a bank or exchange to hold it.
It means nobody can freeze or lend out your balance. It also means the responsibility is yours: keep your sign-in safe and know how to export your key.
How it works
Defied is built on self-custody.
Related terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Non-custodial wallet | A wallet where you, not a company, control the key, so only you can move what's in it. |
| Private key | The secret that proves a wallet is yours and signs every payment from it. Whoever has it controls the wallet. |
| Custodial wallet | A wallet where a company holds the keys and your money for you, the way an exchange or a bank app does. |
This glossary explains terms in general. It isn't investment, tax or legal advice.