Glossary
What is Non-Custodial?
A type of application or wallet where only the user has access to their private keys and funds — no third party can access, freeze, or control your assets.
Non-custodial means you have full control over your cryptocurrency. No company, platform, or third party holds your private keys or can access your funds.
Custodial vs. Non-Custodial
Custodial (e.g., Coinbase, Binance)
- •The exchange holds your private keys
- •They can freeze your account
- •You need their permission to withdraw
- •If they get hacked, your funds are at risk
- •Requires KYC (identity verification)
Non-Custodial (e.g., SOL Wallet Shadow, Phantom)
- •You hold your own private keys
- •No one can freeze your funds
- •You can trade freely without permission
- •Your security is in your own hands
- •No KYC required
SOL Wallet Shadow's Non-Custodial Architecture
SOL Wallet Shadow is fully non-custodial:
- •Your private key is encrypted and stored only in your browser
- •No backend servers can access your wallet
- •No accounts to create or maintain
- •Transactions are signed locally in your browser
- •If the website went offline, your funds would be safe in your wallet
Why Non-Custodial Matters
"Not your keys, not your coins" is a core principle of crypto. When you use a custodial service, you're trusting them with your money. Non-custodial apps eliminate this trust requirement — you are always in full control.