Custody & Security Comparison
By Pontus Karlsson · Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:19:00 GMT
Custody models determine how private keys are stored and controlled. This fundamentally affects security and fund ownership.
| Terminal | Custody Model | Key Export | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axiom | WalletConnect or Turnkey | Yes | Low |
| Photon | Browser storage | Yes | Medium |
| GMGN | Managed custody | No | High |
Non-Custodial (WalletConnect)
Used by: Axiom
Full control through external wallet (Phantom, Solflare). Terminal requests signatures via WalletConnect but never accesses keys.
- ✓ Keys never leave wallet
- ✓ Full portability
- ⚠ Requires separate wallet app
Embedded Wallet (Turnkey)
Used by: Axiom
Keys generated by Turnkey key management service. Private key export available for migration.
- ✓ Exportable keys
- ✓ No separate wallet needed
- ⚠ Third-party key management
Browser Key Storage
Used by: Photon
Private key entered once and stored in browser local storage. Keys stay on device but browser storage has limitations.
- ✓ Keys on your device
- ⚠ Vulnerable to extensions
- ⚠ Clearing data deletes keys
Managed Custody
Used by: GMGN
Terminal generates and controls keys. No export available. Must trust custody infrastructure.
- ✓ Simplified onboarding
- ✗ No key export
- ✗ Trust-dependent
- ✗ Downtime = no access
General Security Advice
- • Never share private keys or seed phrases
- • Use hardware wallets for large amounts
- • Always verify transaction details before signing
- • Keep seed phrase backups in secure offline storage
- • Test with small amounts first