Non-Custodial Access

Definition ∞ Non-custodial access refers to a system where individuals retain complete control over their digital assets, rather than entrusting them to a third-party custodian. Users manage their private keys directly, enabling self-sovereignty over their cryptocurrency holdings. This approach minimizes counterparty risk and enhances security by removing the need to rely on external entities for asset safekeeping. It is a core principle of many decentralized finance applications.
Context ∞ Non-custodial access is a fundamental concept in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, often highlighted in news about user autonomy and security. Debates center on the trade-offs between user control and the potential for lost private keys or operational complexities. The increasing development of user-friendly non-custodial wallets and interfaces aims to make self-custody more accessible, reducing reliance on centralized services and strengthening individual asset ownership.