In crypto, one rule defines ownership: “Not your keys, not your coins.” This simple phrase captures the essence of self-custody  — directly controlling your crypto through personal wallets, not centralized exchanges. Yet, many users leave their digital assets sitting on platforms that can freeze withdrawals, get hacked, or even collapse overnight. To truly own your crypto, you must understand how digital wallets  work, why centralized exchanges (CEXs)  are risky, and how to s

In DeFi (Decentralized Finance), off-ramping ideally happens without relying on centralized intermediaries. Instead of using an exchange to withdraw to your bank, users leverage self-custody wallets, DEXs (Decentralized Exchanges), and DeFi-integrated off-ramp gateways to move value directly into fiat or fiat-linked products. This autonomy preserves privacy, control, and sovereignty — the core values of DeFi.