If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think too much about where your money is stored. It’s just there, in your bank account or maybe under your mattress. But what about your crypto? Should you self-custody your crypto? Below, we’ll explore the pros and cons of self-custody to help you make a decision.

What is “self-custody” in crypto?

Self-custody in the crypto world means that an individual takes full ownership and control over their cryptocurrency assets. It requires setting up a secure wallet hardware or software-based, carefully handling private keys, and properly managing passwords. This is a powerful concept as it gives the user complete autonomy over their cryptocurrency by eliminating any third party interference or manipulation. Achieving true self-custody essentially pushes users one step closer to achieving decentralization with the underlying technology of cryptocurrencies.

Why you might WANT to self-custody your coins

Self-custody can offer many advantages; chief among them, the power of control over one’s own private keys. This goes beyond the security that chain-specific custodial services may provide; it brings with it a sense of empowerment knowing how much control one person wields over their own assets. With self-custody, there are no third parties needing to verify or approve transactions; users can carry out cryptocurrency transactions from start to finish in complete autonomy. Losing transaction fees is another plus – the savings can really add up! What’s more, users who opt for self-custody become part of a larger movement towards decentralization and taking back control over our financial data and freedom.

Why you might NOT want to self-custody your coins

Self-custody may provide a sense of control and ownership, but it also comes with an immense amount of responsibility. It requires vigilance and attention to detail in order to protect assets from hackers and scammers. Furthermore, it requires technical knowledge to keep up with the ever-changing trends that accompany online security. Simply put, self-custody requires an individual to dedicate a great deal of their time to actively manage their assets while protecting them from malicious actors. Even though self-custody can be very rewarding, potential investors should take the time to carefully consider if they have the capacity and commitment to properly maintain custody over their funds.

Is self-custody right for you?

When it comes to self-custody, there are both pros and cons to consider. If you’re considering taking control of your assets, you have to weigh the risks and rewards. On one hand, there are the benefits of managing your own assets – greater control over who or what has access, faster transaction times, and a potentially higher return on investment due to lower fees. On the other hand, self-custody presents its own set of risks – with no third party administrator acting as a secure resource, you must be sure to take all necessary measures to protect your funds from bad actors. Despite the potential reward, it’s important that users understand the complexities of self-custody before deciding if it is right for them.

If you do decide to self-custody…

If you’re interested in controlling your own cryptocurrency portfolio, self-custody can offer a great degree of flexibility and control. However, when it comes to safe storage of your crypto, security is of the utmost importance. Make sure to never store your wallet’s private key information online; there are countless horror stories of hackers stealing thousands from people’s wallets simply because they foolishly stored their private keys somewhere easily accessible. Also be sure to back up multiple versions of your private key offline on physical storage for extra safety in case something happens to one version. Finally, take advantage of two-factor authentication whenever it’s available – an extra layer of security that could protect you from being hacked. By following these tips and taking proper precautions, you can feel comfortable and secure while enjoying the benefits of self-custody!

Self-custody comes with a lot of pros and cons that you should consider before making any decisions. When it comes to your crypto, only you can decide what’s best for you. If you do decide to self-custody, make sure to take the necessary precautions to keep your coins safe. Do your research and always remember that responsibility falls on you when you opt for self-custody.

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Michael Hearne

Michael Hearne is the CEO of Decentral Publishing and the host of the Uncensored Crypto docuseries.