Why Self-Custody Matters

Self-custody is more than a technical feature – it's a fundamental shift in power dynamics that lies at the heart of Amanah's philosophy. This page explains why self-custody is particularly important for Muslim users and how it works in our system.

The Problem with Traditional Banking

Traditional banks can:

• Freeze your funds without warning
• Restrict your transactions based on opaque policies
• Close your account with little warning or recourse
• Control when and how you access your money

This is particularly concerning for Muslims, who have faced disproportionate scrutiny and restrictions in traditional banking systems around the world. Many Muslims have experienced account closures, transaction delays, or fund freezes simply due to their names, countries of origin, or transaction patterns.

The Self-Custody Solution

With Amanah's self-custodial system:

• Only you have control over your funds - not Amanah, not any third party
• No external authority can freeze or restrict your account - your access is guaranteed
• Your assets are truly yours, secured by blockchain technology
• You maintain complete financial autonomy while enjoying modern banking conveniences

Self-custody means that you alone hold the cryptographic keys that control access to your funds. While Amanah provides the interface and functionality, we technically cannot access or control your funds - by design.

How Self-Custody Works in Amanah

When you create an account with Amanah:

1. Our system generates a unique cryptographic keypair that only you control
2. These keys are secured through OAuth integration with your Google account
3. All transactions require your authorization, which is only possible with your keys
4. Even Amanah cannot move your funds without your explicit permission

This approach combines the security benefits of cryptocurrency with the ease of use of traditional banking interfaces. You don't need to understand the technical details to benefit from the security they provide.

Beyond Security: Philosophical Alignment

Self-custody aligns with Islamic financial principles in several key ways:

• True ownership: Islamic finance emphasizes clear ownership of assets
• Reduced intermediation: Minimizes unnecessary third parties in transactions
• Transparency: Creates clear, verifiable record of all financial activities
• Agency: Places responsibility and control in the hands of the individual

By embracing self-custody, Amanah isn't just offering a more secure banking option - we're creating a financial system that better aligns with Islamic values of ownership, responsibility, and transparency.

A Path to Financial Freedom

For too long, Muslims have been forced to choose between financial access and adherence to their values. Self-custody represents a path forward that doesn't require compromise. By putting control back in the hands of users, Amanah is helping create a financial system where Muslims can participate fully without sacrificing their principles or security.