Control, custody and consequences.

Custody begins with the question of control. In self-custody, the user is responsible for protecting the credentials that authorize transactions. With a third-party service, the user depends on that provider's systems, terms and financial condition. Neither arrangement removes every risk.

A recovery phrase or private key can be more consequential than a familiar password. Phishing, device compromise, address errors and inadequate backup procedures can lead to irreversible loss. Operational discipline matters even when an interface appears simple.

Before relying on a provider, read the custody agreement, understand whether assets are segregated, examine withdrawal controls and ask how outages and disputes are handled. These questions are educational prompts, not an endorsement of a specific service.