Bitcoin founded on self-custody: the radical idea that you should control your own money without banks, intermediaries, or gatekeepers.

But in 2025, the trend is clear: Custodial services are everywhere.

It’s faster. It’s easier. It’s frictionless... Until it’s not.


🏛️ The Risks of Custodial Creep

Every time a user gives up their keys:

  • They introduce counterparty risk
  • They expose themselves to hacks, freezes, fraud
  • They lose the sovereignty Bitcoin was built for

Custody is convenient, right up until someone else decides how, when, or if you can access your money.


🔐 Why Self-Custody Still Wins

  • Security: No reliance on external operators
  • Freedom: No permission needed to spend or move funds
  • Resilience: Survive regulatory crackdowns, bank failures, deplatforming
  • Global Reach: No KYC chokepoints blocking access to financial systems

For users and for businesses, self-custody is still the strongest foundation.


⚡ Where VLS Fits In

Lightning fast payments shouldn’t require giving up Bitcoin's core value.

VLS enables secure Lightning services where users, and businesses, retain custody.

You can build on Lightning at scale, without becoming a bank.

👉 Learn how VLS protects self-custody on Lightning