---
title: "MPC (Multi-Party Computation)"
url: "https://www.unknowngravity.com/en/glosario/mpc-computacion-multiparte"
site: Unknown Gravity
published: "2026-09-21T11:55:13+00:00"
modified: "2026-09-21T11:55:14+00:00"
language: en-US
description: "In an MPC wallet, the private key never exists whole anywhere: it is generated and used split into shares across several parties (devices, servers, people), which cooperate to sign without ever…"
section: "Home > MPC (Multi-Party Computation)"
---

# MPC (Multi-Party Computation)

GLOSSARY · BLOCKCHAIN & WEB3

What MPC (multi-party computation) is when applied to wallets: the private key is generated and used in shares that are never put together.

WHAT IS IT? · FOR DUMMIES

In an **MPC wallet**, the private key never exists whole anywhere: it is generated and used split into shares across several parties (devices, servers, people), which cooperate to sign without ever reconstructing it. There is no key to steal — that is the point.

WHAT IS IT? · PRO

Multi-party computation lets several participants compute a valid signature by combining their shares, without any of them seeing the others'. Compared with [multisig](/en/glosario/multisig-multifirma) — several complete keys, visible on-chain — MPC produces a normal signature (cheaper and more private), works the same on any chain and allows fine-grained approval policies off-chain.

It is the dominant technology in modern institutional custody and in [wallet-as-a-service](/en/glosario/wallet-as-a-service) solutions; its small print is the implementation: security depends on the specific cryptographic protocol, on where the shares live and on the recovery procedures — the first thing we ask when evaluating a custodian in [crypto-asset custody](/en/articulos/crypto-asset-custody).

## 01 / Key points

- The key is generated and used in shares that are never reconstructed
- Normal on-chain signature: cheaper and more private than multisig
- Works on any chain; flexible approval policies
- Standard of institutional custody and wallet-as-a-service

## 02 / Advantages

- No complete key to steal
- Compatible with everything: the chain sees a normal signature
- Fine corporate policies without special contracts

## 03 / Disadvantages

- Trust in the specific protocol implementation
- Shares also need operating: backup and recovery are critical
- Less transparent on-chain than a visible multisig

This entry is informative. It is not legal, tax or investment advice. The rules cited change: check the current version on [BOE](https://www.boe.es) and [EUR-Lex](https://eur-lex.europa.eu).