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 split-key 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 2-of-3 key-share 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. Signing authority is split across the three shards under a 2-of-3 threshold. On the default service key, cosigning is performed server-side. This eliminates both the single-device-failure risk of hardware wallets and the counterparty risk of custodial solutions, while adding policy-gated signing 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 split-key signing - the user holds one, no single device has the complete key. JIL adds protection and post-quantum security.