Renowned Bitcoin analyst PlanB has confirmed transferring his Bitcoin holdings to Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), sparking fresh discussions on self-custody in the cryptocurrency world. Known for his stock-to-flow Bitcoin price model, PlanB cited convenience and peace of mind as primary reasons for his decision.
In a post to his 2 million followers on X, PlanB explained that managing his Bitcoin alongside traditional investments like equities and bonds via ETFs better suited his needs. “Not having to hassle with keys gives me peace of mind,” he admitted, distancing himself from the widely held belief in the crypto community that “not your keys, not your coins.”
Addressing questions about his move, PlanB also revealed that the Netherlands’ tax structure played a role in his decision. In the Netherlands, residents pay an annual wealth tax based on assumed asset returns, rather than capital gains tax on realized profits. This tax policy made ETFs a more attractive option for managing his investments.
The announcement has triggered debate within the cryptocurrency community, with Taproot Wizards advisor Dan Held framing the move as a question of trust—whether to trust oneself or third-party institutions. PlanB responded by defending ETFs as a “logical step in Bitcoin adoption,” questioning whether similar reactions would arise from investments in vehicles like MicroStrategy, which also offers indirect Bitcoin exposure.
The discussion underscores a broader shift in the Bitcoin community, where the balance between security and convenience is increasingly being scrutinized. While self-custody offers complete control, it requires meticulous key management to prevent theft or loss, whereas institutional options like ETFs bring professional management but necessitate trust in third-party custodians.
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