Non-Custodial Architecture

Overview

Meowtrades operates as a fully non-custodial platform, meaning you maintain complete control over your funds at all times. Your private keys never leave your wallet, and all transactions require your explicit authorization through blockchain-native permission systems.

How Non-Custodial Works

Your Keys, Your Funds

Unlike custodial platforms that hold your assets, Meowtrades never has access to your private keys or custody of your funds. All assets remain in your wallet under your complete control.

Authorization Without Access

Meowtrades uses blockchain-native authorization mechanisms to execute trades on your behalf without ever accessing your private keys. This is achieved through the Authz (Authorization) module.

Authz Authorization System

What is Authz?

Authz is a Cosmos SDK module that allows you to grant specific permissions to another address to perform actions on your behalf. It's a secure, blockchain-native way to delegate limited permissions without sharing your private keys.

How Meowtrades Uses Authz

When you deploy a strategy on Meowtrades:

1. Grant Creation

   • You create an authorization grant through your wallet
   • The grant specifies exactly what actions Meowtrades can perform
   • Grants are limited to specific message types (e.g., token swaps)

2. Limited Permissions

   • Grants are restricted to trading operations only
   • Meowtrades cannot transfer funds out of your wallet
   • Meowtrades cannot access other assets or perform unauthorized actions

3. Blockchain Verification

   • All grants are recorded on-chain
   • Every transaction is verified against your grant
   • The blockchain enforces permission boundaries

4. Full Control

   • You can revoke grants at any time
   • You can pause or close strategies whenever you want
   • You maintain complete oversight of all operations

Grant Types

Meowtrades uses specific grant types for different operations:

MsgExec Grant

• Allows execution of pre-authorized message types
• Limited to swap and trading operations
• Cannot be used for transfers or withdrawals

Time-Limited Grants

• Grants can have expiration dates
• Automatically revoked after expiration
• Provides additional security layer

Security Benefits

No Private Key Exposure

Your private keys remain secure in your wallet at all times. Meowtrades never requests, stores, or has access to your private keys.

Granular Permissions

Grants are highly specific and limited:

• Only specific message types are authorized
• Only trading-related operations are permitted
• No access to other wallet functions

Transparent Operations

All operations are visible on-chain:

• Every transaction is publicly verifiable
• Grant permissions are recorded on the blockchain
• Complete audit trail of all activities

Revocable Access

You maintain full control:

• Revoke grants instantly through your wallet
• Close strategies at any time
• No lock-up periods or withdrawal delays

How It Works in Practice

Setting Up a Strategy

1. Connect Your Wallet

   • Use Keplr, Leap, or MetaMask (for EVM)
   • No private key sharing required

2. Configure Strategy

   • Set your trading parameters
   • Choose your investment amounts
   • Select your risk level

3. Grant Authorization

   • Your wallet prompts you to create an Authz grant
   • Review the specific permissions being requested
   • Approve the grant transaction

4. Strategy Execution

   • Meowtrades monitors market conditions
   • When conditions are met, executes trades using your grant
   • All transactions are signed using the Authz mechanism

Monitoring and Control

Real-Time Visibility

• View all transactions in your dashboard
• Check transaction status on block explorers
• Monitor strategy performance live

Active Management

• Pause strategies without revoking grants
• Adjust parameters as needed
• Close strategies and revoke grants anytime

Grant Management

Creating Grants

Grants are created through your wallet interface when you deploy a strategy. The process is simple:

1. Meowtrades requests specific permissions
2. Your wallet displays the grant details
3. You review and approve the grant
4. The grant is recorded on-chain

Revoking Grants

You can revoke grants at any time:

1. Navigate to your active strategies
2. Select "Close Strategy"
3. Confirm the revocation transaction
4. Grant is immediately revoked on-chain

Viewing Active Grants

Check your active grants:

• Through your wallet interface
• On blockchain explorers
• In your Meowtrades dashboard

Comparison with Custodial Platforms

Custodial Platforms

• Hold your private keys
• Have custody of your funds
• You must trust the platform
• Withdrawal delays and limits
• Counterparty risk

Meowtrades (Non-Custodial)

• You keep your private keys
• Funds stay in your wallet
• Trust the blockchain, not a platform
• Instant access to your funds
• No counterparty risk

Security Best Practices

Wallet Security

• Use hardware wallets when possible
• Keep your seed phrase secure and offline
• Never share your private keys
• Use strong passwords for wallet applications

Grant Management

• Review grant permissions carefully before approving
• Regularly audit your active grants
• Revoke unused or expired grants
• Monitor transaction activity

Strategy Monitoring

• Check your strategies regularly
• Verify transactions on block explorers
• Set up alerts for important events
• Keep track of your investment performance

Technical Implementation

Cosmos SDK Authz Module

Meowtrades leverages the Cosmos SDK Authz module, which provides:

• Native blockchain authorization
• Cryptographically secure permissions
• On-chain verification of all operations
• Standardized authorization framework

Message Types

Authorized message types include:

• MsgSwap: Token swap operations
• MsgExec: Execute authorized messages
• Limited to trading operations only

Transaction Flow

1. Strategy conditions are met
2. Meowtrades prepares transaction
3. Transaction is wrapped in MsgExec
4. Blockchain verifies grant authorization
5. Transaction executes if authorized
6. Result is recorded on-chain

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Meowtrades withdraw my funds?

No. Grants are limited to trading operations only. Meowtrades cannot transfer funds out of your wallet or access other assets.

What happens if I revoke a grant during an active strategy?

The strategy will immediately stop executing. Any pending transactions will fail, and no further trades will be made.

Are there any risks with Authz grants?

Authz is a secure, blockchain-native system. The main risk is granting permissions to malicious actors. Always verify you're granting permissions to the official Meowtrades contract address.

Can I use Meowtrades without granting Authz permissions?

No. Authz grants are required for automated strategy execution. However, you can test strategies using paper trading without any grants.

How do I verify the grant address?

Always verify the grantee address matches the official Meowtrades contract address published in our documentation and verified on block explorers.

Learn More

For technical details on the Authz module:

• Cosmos SDK Authz Documentation
• Meowtrades Smart Contracts