KEYS / IOUSOURCE-LED COMPARISONS
Bitcoin self-custody vs custodial service
Compare direct control of keys with a contractual claim against an exchange or other custodian.
Self-custody replaces counterparty dependence with personal operational responsibility. Custody can simplify recovery and transactions, but the user owns a claim until withdrawal is confirmed on-chain.
The user controls the keys and authorises transactions.
The provider controls keys and credits an internal account.
Loss, theft or misuse of backup and signing devices.
Insolvency, freeze, hack, policy change or withdrawal failure.
Depends on the user’s backup, inheritance and recovery plan.
Depends on identity checks, provider support and its records.
Ownership can be demonstrated by receiving to and spending from controlled keys.
Proof of reserves may show assets but not necessarily liabilities or individual entitlement.
Self-custody is not automatically safer for every person and amount. The safer design is the one whose threat model, backup process and operational complexity the user can actually manage.