What is Self-Custody in Crypto and Why It Matters for Indian Investors

What is Self-Custody in Crypto and Why It Matters for Indian Investors

Most Indian crypto exchanges ask you to trust them with your digital assets. At Giottus, we believe that trust should be earned and that users deserve the option to stay in control.

That’s why we’ve built something different. Giottus is the only major crypto exchange in India that offers self-custody, a system where you manage your funds directly, without depending on anyone else to protect your crypto.

This isn’t just a feature, it’s a way for Indian investors to participate in crypto more securely and independently. As digital assets become a larger part of individual wealth, self-custody empowers users with the tools to protect and own what’s rightfully theirs.

What Is Self-Custody?

In crypto, holding your assets means holding your private keys, the cryptographic credentials that prove ownership and give you access. With self-custody, you control these keys. Your funds aren’t held by an exchange or third party. They're held by you.

Most platforms use a custodial model, where the exchange manages the wallet and private keys on your behalf.

With self-custody, you put your funds in full control. Your crypto is stored in a wallet that only you can access. It can't be frozen, moved, or lost due to the actions of a third party.

Why Self-Custody Matters More Than Ever

The need for self-custody has grown as digital asset adoption increases and users become more aware of risks tied to centralised platforms. Investors want greater independence, stronger protection, and long-term peace of mind.

Self-custody provides:

1. Direct access to your funds at all times
2. Protection from exchange-related breaches or service disruptions
3. The ability to transact with crypto
4. Full transparency and accountability over your crypto holdings

For Indian investors navigating an evolving regulatory environment, self-custody provides an added layer of control and clarity.

At Giottus, we provide a secure, user-first self-custody experience. When you choose this option, you can withdraw your assets to a wallet where you and only you hold the private keys. That means you're in charge at all times.

While withdrawal limits apply to customers, we’re committed to supporting users who want to manage their funds independently.

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Challenges of Self-Custody

Self-custody brings significant advantages, but it also comes with responsibilities that users should understand.

• Key management: If you lose your private keys or recovery phrase, access to your crypto could be permanently lost.
• No recovery support: Unlike custodial wallets, there is no backup support or account recovery option. You alone are responsible for access.
• Risk of user error: Mistaken transfers or insecure device setups can lead to loss of funds.
• Security threats: Storing private keys on unsecured devices or cloud storage increases exposure to phishing, hacks, and malware.
• Steeper learning curve: New users may find wallet setup, seed phrase storage, and backup practices complex without proper guidance.

Self-custody may not be the right fit for everyone, especially those new to crypto or who prefer the simplicity of custodial platforms. At Giottus, we offer both options. If you're looking for greater control over your assets, self-custody is available to you, along with the support and guidance to manage it securely.

Giottus was designed with a core principle in mind: crypto should be owned, not just traded. That means giving users the choice and ability to manage their funds in a way that aligns with their own comfort and security preferences.

We believe users shouldn’t have to choose between convenience and control. At Giottus, you can have both.

Also read: Additional Safety Measure: Verify Your Crypto Deposit with Giottus

What Indian Investors Need to Know

Indian crypto investors are becoming more informed, more proactive, and more security-conscious. They demand platforms that not only deliver performance but also protect their interests.

Giottus’ self-custody offering is built for this new wave of Indian users who want flexibility, independence, and the ability to hold their assets with confidence.

Whether you're holding for the long term or actively trading, self-custody ensures your crypto remains yours regardless of what happens in the market, with policies, or across platforms.

With Giottus, you can choose what’s right for you. We provide both models, supported by the infrastructure, support, and education you need to invest with confidence.

Start your journey with self-custody today or keep trading with the assurance that the choice is always yours.

For questions, reach out to [email protected] or call us at +91-78248 78248.