How Do Self-Custody Wallets Interact with Token Ownership Standards?

Self-custody wallets (like MetaMask or hardware wallets) hold the user's private keys, which are the cryptographic proof of ownership for the tokens associated with their public address. When a user wants to transfer tokens, the wallet signs the transaction using the private key, proving they are the rightful owner as defined by the token standard.

The wallet simply facilitates the interaction with the smart contract functions.

How Do Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) Protect Private Keys in a Custody Setup?
How Is a Private Key Used to Sign a Transaction?
How Do Hash Functions Play a Role in the Security of Private Keys and Public Addresses?
How Do Private Keys Relate to Public Keys in a Cryptocurrency Transaction?
Can an HSM Be Used to Sign Transactions for Multiple Different Cryptocurrencies?
How Does a Smart Contract Enforce the Rules of a Token Standard?
What Is the Technical Term for “Holding Your Own Keys”?
How Does a Distributed Ledger Benefit from Non-Repudiation?

Glossar