External Wallet Transfer

Definition ∞ An external wallet transfer refers to the movement of digital assets from an exchange account to a self-custodied wallet or another address not controlled by the exchange. This action grants the asset holder full control over their funds and their associated private keys. It represents a shift from custodial storage to personal ownership on the blockchain. Such transfers are a fundamental aspect of digital asset management.
Context ∞ News concerning external wallet transfers often highlights shifts in investor behavior, with large outflows from exchanges potentially indicating a desire for greater security, long-term holding, or participation in decentralized finance. Conversely, inflows can signal an intent to sell or trade. The situation frequently relates to discussions about self-custody and the risks associated with leaving assets on centralized platforms. A critical future development involves improving the user experience and security of self-custodial solutions to support more widespread external transfers.