A self-custody crypto wallet is a digital wallet where the user retains full control of their private keys. Unlike custodial wallets (where a third party like an exchange holds your keys), self-custody means you - and only you - can authorize transactions. Popular self-custody approaches include hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor) and MPC wallets (JIL Wallet).
The phrase 'not your keys, not your coins' highlights a fundamental truth: if someone else holds your private keys, they control your assets. Exchange collapses (FTX, Mt. Gox) have repeatedly proven this risk. Self-custody eliminates counterparty risk by ensuring the user always controls access to their funds.
JIL Wallet takes self-custody further with MPC 2-of-3 threshold signing. Instead of storing a single private key on one device (like Ledger or Trezor), JIL splits the key into three shards across different parties. The user holds one shard, ensuring JIL never has access to funds. This eliminates both the single-device-failure risk of hardware wallets and the counterparty risk of custodial solutions, while adding $250K automatic protection coverage and post-quantum security.
A self-custody wallet lets you hold your own private keys so you - and only you - can authorize transactions. No third party controls your funds.
Ledger stores one key on one device. JIL splits the key into 3 shards via MPC - the user holds one, no single device has the complete key. JIL adds $250K protection and post-quantum security.