Field notes
Digital Assets Archive
Five Crypto Terms That Are Easy to Misunderstand
A quick editorial glossary for custody, settlement, token, network and confirmation.
Archived digital-assets field note
01
Custody
Custody describes who controls the credentials that can move an asset. It is not the same as ownership in every legal or operational context.
02
Settlement
Settlement is the process by which a transfer becomes final under the relevant system. A screen update may appear before every underlying step is complete.
03
Token
Token is a broad technical label. It does not by itself explain rights, value, governance or risk.
04
Network
A network is the system of participants and software that communicates and validates data under shared rules.
05
Confirmation
A confirmation indicates that a network has included or built upon a transaction. The meaning and confidence level differ by network.
Editorial note. This page explains how we research and present educational information. It does not recommend an asset, platform, service or action.
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