When the rules matter
Review three fictional decisions about control of assets, execution order and wallet recovery. Identify what the technology actually guarantees.
Digital asset custody: beyond key storage
A firm controls 1,000 units on-chain and records client entitlements of 980. An operator proposes booking the difference as revenue. List possible timing differences, unallocated deposits and missing entries before drawing any conclusion.
Control of an address does not establish beneficial ownership of every unit. Trace transaction evidence and client records, assign an exception owner and resolve the difference under documented policy. A correct reconciliation explains differences; it does not merely force the totals to match.
MEV and transaction ordering
A fictional user signs a swap with a broad minimum-output tolerance. Other valid transactions change the pool before it executes, but its minimum is still met.
The signature authenticates the operation, not a promise of the original quote. Examine the accepted limits and ordering to explain the result.
Smart wallets and account abstraction
A fictional wallet requires two of three independent guardians and a 48-hour delay for recovery. One guardian is compromised. Assume the threshold is correctly enforced and no other recovery route exists.
The threshold and delay are separate conditions. Time alone does not supply the missing approval. Real assessments must also inspect upgrades and alternate recovery permissions.