> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.equiteez.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.equiteez.com/platform/self-custody-equiteez-core.md).

# Self-Custody: Equiteez Core

Equiteez utilizes a non-custodial model, shifting asset control from third-party institutions directly to the investor. This approach merges the security of traditional Real-World Assets (RWA) with the autonomy of blockchain technology.

#### Core Principles: Traditional vs. Self-Custody

The fundamental difference lies in who holds the keys. Under the Equiteez model, investors eliminate counterparty risk by maintaining direct ownership.

| **Feature** | **Traditional Custody**         | **Equiteez Self-Custody** |
| ----------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------- |
| Control     | Assets held by third parties    | Direct personal control   |
| Access      | Dependent on the institution    | Immediate & 24/7          |
| Security    | Institutional responsibility    | Personal responsibility   |
| Risk        | Subject to counterparty failure | No counterparty risk      |

#### Security & Wallet Management

Because investors act as their own "bank," Equiteez emphasizes a multi-layered security strategy:

* Hardware Wallets: The "Gold Standard" for security, keeping private keys offline and immune to digital attacks.
* Recovery Phrases: Recommended to be split and stored in multiple physical locations (e.g., safety deposit boxes or home safes).
* Daily Best Practices: Investors should use "hot wallets" for small, frequent trades while keeping the bulk of assets in "cold" hardware storage. Always verify transaction signatures and revoke unnecessary app permissions.

#### Platform Safeguards

While Equiteez does not hold user assets, they provide a secure infrastructure to facilitate management:

* Monitoring: Real-time alerts for suspicious transaction patterns.
* Institutional Tools: Multi-signature (Multi-sig) support requiring multiple approvals for high-value transactions.
* Vetted Infrastructure: Continuous smart contract audits to ensure the platform’s reliability and safety.

Self-custody empowers you with full ownership, but it requires diligent personal security. Equiteez provides the tools and monitoring to help you manage that responsibility safely.