The control test
In a non-custodial flow, the customer keeps private keys and approves each transaction. Custody begins when a provider can safeguard or materially influence movement of assets.
Trade-offs that matter
Self-custody reduces custody exposure but introduces signing friction. Managed custody improves recovery while increasing safeguarding, ledger and security obligations.
The byplata model
byplata has chosen an account-based custodial model, with safeguarding, custody and reconciliation treated as core product responsibilities.