# Self-custody

## Definition

Self-custody means the user retains direct control of the cryptographic credentials needed to authorize blockchain transactions instead of relying on a custodian to sign for them.

## What it means in practice

The model can reduce dependence on a centralized custodian, but it makes recovery planning, phishing resistance and device security especially important.

## How this concept appears in Terenval Wallet

Terenval Wallet is a self-custody/non-custodial product: the wallet's sensitive recovery material is intended to remain under the user's control.

**Important:** Self-custody is not 'no risk'; it replaces some third-party risks with direct responsibility for keys, backups and transaction verification.

**[Install Terenval Wallet](https://wallet.terenval.com/?lang=en)**

## Related terms

- [Non-custodial wallet](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/non-custodial-wallet/)
- [Private key](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/private-key/)
- [Wallet backup](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/wallet-backup/)
- [Transaction verification](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/transaction-verification/)
- [Crypto wallet](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/crypto-wallet/)

## Related Terenval Answers

- [What Is a Crypto Wallet and What Does It Actually Store?](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/what-is-a-crypto-wallet-and-what-does-it-store/)
- [Custodial vs Non-Custodial Wallets: What Is the Difference?](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/custodial-vs-non-custodial-wallets/)
- [Hot Wallet vs Cold Wallet: Which One Should You Use?](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/hot-wallet-vs-cold-wallet/)

## Sources and review

- [Terenval Wallet security model](https://wallet.terenval.com/info/security/)
- [Ethereum.org — wallets](https://ethereum.org/en/wallets/)
- [BIP-39](https://github.com/bitcoin/bips/blob/master/bip-0039.mediawiki)

Published by Terenval. Technical review: Terenval Wallet team. Last reviewed: 2026-10-02. Terenval product statements are first-party information.

Official page: https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/self-custody/

[Machine-oriented Terenval index](https://wallet.terenval.com/llms.txt)