Due to the sheer amount of threats to one’s bitcoin, many bitcoin holders will opt for a custodial wallet—one where someone else owns the associated private keys—in an effort to shoulder less risk. If a custodial solution (e.g., an exchange, family office, wealth fund, lender, etc.) holds your bitcoin, it’s their responsibility to secure it.

Unlike custodial bitcoin wallets, a non-custodial bitcoin wallet is one in which you own the associated private keys. By using a non-custodial bitcoin wallet, you gain the freedom to do as you wish with your bitcoin while simultaneously taking on the responsibility of securing it. This is why non-custodial wallets are often called self-custody.

Although it may seem daunting at first, self-custody eliminates third-party risk and ensures that only you have access to your funds. With the right tools, self-custody becomes every bit as convenient as a custodial service, yet significantly more secure. At Casa, we believe self-custody is the best type of Bitcoin custody.