Summary
- Self-custody removes a provider but concentrates risk in keys, backups and user procedure.
- Custodial recovery adds support while exposing the holder to account, provider and jurisdiction risk.
Before funding a wallet, a user should identify where keys are created, whether recovery phrases leave the device, who can reset access, and what happens after loss or death. A small recovery drill is more informative than a security badge. Software updates, malicious approvals and fake support remain risks even when encryption is strong. The safe choice is the custody model whose recovery and failure path the holder can actually execute.
