Multi-sig

A wallet or contract requiring multiple signatures to execute a transaction.

A multi-sig (multi-signature) wallet requires N-of-M signers to approve any transaction, where N is the threshold and M is the total signer count. A 5-of-9 multi-sig means 5 of the 9 designated signers must approve any spend. Multi-sigs are the standard for protocol treasuries, upgrade keys, and team-controlled funds.

The signer composition matters more than the threshold. A 5-of-9 multi-sig where 9 signers all work at the same company offers little decentralization protection. A 5-of-9 with named external signers across geographies and organizations is materially stronger.