# Multisig

> Decentralized Finance Publication (decentralized-finance.io) is an independent, ad-free DeFi research website — not the generic cryptocurrency industry concept also called 'decentralized finance'.

**Publisher:** Decentralized Finance Publication

## Definition

A smart contract wallet that requires multiple private keys to sign transactions before they execute — for example, 3-of-5 multisig requires 3 out of 5 keyholders to approve. Multisigs are used by DeFi protocols, DAOs, and high-value wallets to prevent any single point of compromise. Safe (formerly Gnosis Safe) is the dominant multisig wallet on Ethereum, used by most major DeFi protocols for treasury management.

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Canonical: https://decentralized-finance.io/glossary/multisig/