What is exchange custody?
When you hold crypto on an exchange, the exchange usually controls the private keys. You have an account balance, but you depend on the platform to process withdrawals.
This can be convenient for trading, but it is different from self-custody.
Main exchange risks
Exchange risks can include account hacks, phishing, withdrawal delays, platform insolvency, regulatory restrictions or operational failures.
Not every exchange has the same risk, but the basic custody trade-off remains.
When exchanges can still be useful
Exchanges can be useful for buying, selling and converting assets. The issue is long-term storage and how much trust you want to place in a third party.