Bitcoin Adviser Onboarding
What to do before your session: complete DocuSign ID verification and ToS, enable 2FA on your email, have hardware ordered or in hand, and start exchange KYC if you plan to fund soon. On the call (~15 minutes): we build your Theya 2-of-3 vault together. After: you fund, then we deliver your Estate Plan Protocol and stay available for every transfer and question. Common delays: missing 2FA, incomplete DocuSign ID verification, hardware not arrived, or unfamiliarity with official domains and SMS numbers—details below.
- DocuSign ID verification + ToS must be finished before we can co-sign anything
- 2FA on email is mandatory before the setup session starts
- Hardware must be ready before you fund (software key alone is not enough)
- Save official channels early so you recognise real messages and avoid phishing
New to Bitcoin? See our Security Centre and FAQ.
Who Does What
Theya and The Bitcoin Adviser work together, but the roles are distinct. This page is the operational map; official domains, emails, and SMS numbers are listed under Communication channels.
Hosts the Theya app and web dashboard, sends vault invites from no-reply@theya.us, and runs the on-device flows you step through during setup and when you initiate transactions.
Your dedicated specialist runs the setup session, answers questions, performs Confirmation Calls, provides risk guidance, and counter-signs in line with our Terms of Service.
You hold your key material, initiate movements in Theya, approve or decline transactions, and choose when to involve family or executors. No one can move funds without your participation in the agreed workflow.
Your Bitcoin Adviser Journey with Theya Wallet
Every engagement pairs you with an adviser who stays beside you from invite through the confidence sessions you request. Here’s the high-level flow so you always know what’s next.
Request your collaborative security vault invite. Theya wallet sends it from no-reply@theya.us. Download the latest iOS app or open the web dashboard before your call so we can configure it together.
Unbox your Trezor (or approved hardware key) and confirm your iPhone is available if you plan to use the optional Theya software key.
Meet your Bitcoin Adviser specialist for a 15-minute Theya wallet setup session. We'll build your multisig vault together, confirm signer roles, and adapt the walkthrough to your team's existing experience. Your adviser stays on the line to guide you through every step.
Wire from your bank to the exchange, buy Bitcoin, then move it to your Theya vault—see Funding your vault for the operational sequence. Your adviser assists with transfers whenever you need help. For larger purchases, telegraphic transfers (TT) often reduce bank friction; we adjust the pace to your comfort.
Once your vaults are funded, you'll receive your customised Estate Plan Protocol. Your adviser shares the completion guide; full detail is in our Estate Plan Protocol Guide and Successor readiness below. Optional: a Bitcoin-aware will draft for your attorney (client-side; not legal advice).
Introduce next of kin or executors when you’re ready. We’ll host optional walkthroughs or refreshers on demand so everyone stays confident without unnecessary meetings.
Prerequisites Checklist
Gather these items before your Bitcoin Adviser onboarding call so you can move smoothly through the Theya wallet setup.
Must-complete before your session
If any of these are missing, onboarding usually pauses or reschedules—sort them first to avoid wasted time.
- Hardware on hand (or a clear delivery date): vault signing needs your device; we can plan the call around arrival if needed.
- 2FA on your email: required before we start; see the detailed box below.
- DocuSign ID verification + ToS: must be complete before we can co-sign transactions—see the dedicated section below.
- Exchange path: have KYC documents ready and an account started if you intend to fund soon after setup.
- Official contacts saved: add our numbers and domains so you recognise real invites and SMS—see Communication channels.
Critical Security Requirement: Enable 2FA
Whether you have a Theya or Unchained account, your email must have 2FA enabled before your setup session; we cannot proceed until this is in place. For the strongest protection, use a hardware security key (YubiKey) instead of SMS or authenticator apps.
- Your email account: Enable 2FA immediately. This is the most critical account to secure.
- Exchange accounts: Enable 2FA on any exchange you'll use to purchase Bitcoin.
- All other services: Enable 2FA on any service that will be part of your Bitcoin security setup.
Not sure how? See our Two-Factor Authentication Guide for step-by-step links (Gmail, Outlook, Proton, iCloud and others) and our YubiKey guide for hardware key setup.
Agreement Signing & DocuSign ID Verification
Before your Theya wallet setup begins, you'll sign our Terms of Service via DocuSign. This includes DocuSign ID Verification—a one-time step (typically about 5 minutes) that must be completed before you can view and sign the document. Per our Terms of Service, we cannot co-sign any transaction until DocuSign ID Verification is complete.
Why we do this: This verification protects your funds. When you later request withdrawals, we can verify it's really you—not a scammer or someone who has compromised your account. This one-time verification also enables us to better protect against impersonation or coercion attempts. It also enables formal, legal estate recovery if your executors or heirs need to access your vault in the future.
Privacy: We understand that identity verification can feel uncomfortable, especially for privacy-conscious Bitcoin holders. We want you to know that we do not store your ID. DocuSign handles the verification process and does not retain your actual ID documents. Only verification metadata (success/failure, timestamp, method) is kept for audit purposes. See our Terms of Service for full details.
Communication Channels
We contact you in a few specific ways. Saving our details now helps you recognise legitimate messages and avoid missing important alerts or mistaking them for spam or phishing.
Anti-phishing rule: We will never ask you to share your seed phrase, enter your seed phrase into a website, or send Bitcoin to "verify" your account. If unsure, contact your adviser first.
Official: Domains thebitcoinadviser.com and theya.us; signing email sign@thebitcoinadviser.com; SMS numbers below. Legitimate Theya vault invites come from no-reply@theya.us.
How we contact you:
- Vault invites: Theya wallet sends your invite from
no-reply@theya.us. - Transactional notifications: Invoice alerts, payment receipts, and overdue reminders are sent via SMS from region-specific numbers (see below).
- Adviser and signing: Your adviser’s email and sign@thebitcoinadviser.com for withdrawal notifications and signing-related comms.
Official SMS numbers (by region—we use the number appropriate to your location):
- Australia: +61 485 007 821
- Great Britain: +44 7426 780821
- United States (Irving, MN): +1 320 399 3080
Email: contact@thebitcoinadviser.com
Add our contact card to your phone or address book in one step so all of these details are saved together:
Funding Your Vault
Your adviser recommends regionally compliant exchanges that fit our Theya workflows. After Bitcoin clears at the exchange, move it to your vault and avoid leaving long-term balances on the exchange. Your adviser helps whenever you want assistance moving funds.
Before you fund
- Complete exchange KYC and enable 2FA on the exchange account.
- Confirm your vault is set up and you control your signing keys.
- Use a bank path you are comfortable with for exchange funding (see separate institution below if needed).
During your first purchase
- Follow your exchange’s funding instructions; keep records of reference codes and beneficiary details.
- Be explicit with your bank when required (e.g. Bitcoin purchase) to reduce unnecessary holds.
- Buy only what you intend to self-custody; plan the withdrawal to your Theya vault shortly after settlement.
After funds clear
- Withdraw to your Theya vault address; your adviser can guide the first sweep and any follow-ups.
- Verify the receive in Theya; use mempool.space if you want independent confirmation—we can point you to the right screen in app.
Do
- Withdraw to your own vault as soon as practical after the buy settles.
- Double-check addresses and amounts before broadcasting.
- Use TT/wires for large fiat deposits when your bank handles them more reliably.
Don’t
- Leave large balances sitting on the exchange “for convenience.”
- Rush a withdrawal when tired—pause and confirm with your adviser if unsure.
- Reuse non-Bitcoin workflows (e.g. stock brokerage assumptions) without checking exchange-specific steps.
Bank wire (TT) for larger fiat deposits
For larger purchases, a telegraphic transfer (TT) from your bank to the exchange often reduces the chance of flagged or frozen accounts compared with online transfers. Share the beneficiary details from your exchange dashboard and be clear with your bank that it's for a Bitcoin purchase. Timing and fees vary by bank and jurisdiction.
Separate banking institution for exchange funding
We recommend opening a dedicated bank account at an entirely separate banking institution—not just another account with your current bank—used only for sending money to bitcoin exchanges. Some banks block or shut down accounts when they see transfers to exchanges—even when the transactions are fully legitimate. If that happens, only that institution is involved; your main banking (salary, bills, savings) at your usual bank stays untouched.
We've had numerous clients experience disruptive account freezes or locks despite legitimate activity. Using a separate banking institution for exchange funding is a simple way to limit the impact and keep the rest of your banking unaffected.
How 2/3 Multisig Transactions Work
What 2-of-3 means in plain English: You hold one key and control the transaction request; a second signature is required to move funds. No single party can move funds alone.
Here's the flow for withdrawals, invoice payments, and vault updates:
You start any transaction in your Theya wallet—withdraw funds, pay an invoice, or update vault settings. You choose the destination address and amount.
You sign the transaction with your hardware key (or software key if using iPhone). This creates a partially signed transaction that's waiting for the second signature.
Your signature triggers a notification to The Bitcoin Adviser. Before we counter-sign, you'll have a short Confirmation Call with your assigned Bitcoin Adviser to confirm your identity, intent, and transaction details (destination, amount, timing). This is a security and fraud-prevention step required by our Terms of Service. Once confirmed, we counter-sign, completing the 2/3 requirement.
Once both signatures are in place, the transaction is automatically broadcast to the Bitcoin network. Funds move to your chosen address.
Invoices use the same signing path as other outgoing transfers. Step-by-step: Theya's invoice payment guide. Your adviser can walk you through it.
Withdrawals & Moving Funds
You can withdraw Bitcoin from your vault whenever you choose. The service agreement may include minimum-term commercial terms, but those terms do not prevent you from accessing your Bitcoin.
Follow the 2/3 flow above: initiate in Theya, sign, Confirmation Call, then we counter-sign. Larger withdrawals may need an extra confirmation step. We aim to sign within 48 hours; for urgency, contact your adviser or sign@thebitcoinadviser.com.
Risk Guidance & Advisory
We do not exercise discretionary control over your Bitcoin. Our role is to verify identity, confirm intent, and provide risk guidance before counter-signing in accordance with our Terms of Service.
When we observe potential red flags (e.g., rushed urgency, inconsistent details, or patterns consistent with scams or coercion), we provide clear, evidence-based guidance so you can proceed with full awareness of Bitcoin's irreversible nature. Before we counter-sign, we complete a Confirmation Call with you to confirm your identity, intent, and transaction details—documenting the discussion for everyone's protection.
You decide. We support and safeguard.
Ongoing Support & Assistance
Your adviser remains your primary point of contact for transfers, withdrawals, vault changes, estate updates, and general questions.
Practical help
- Exchange-to-vault transfers when you need a second pair of eyes.
- UTXO tidying and consolidation when it matters for fees or privacy—we keep the steps simple.
- Withdrawals and vault configuration changes.
- Blockchain verification pointers via mempool.space when you want to double-check what you see in app.
- Read-only balance view on iPhone with the TBA Vault Watcher app (no keys stored in the watcher).
Relationship
- Direct access to your Bitcoin Adviser specialist—no question is too basic.
- Guidance for as long as you're a client, at the pace you choose.
Save our contacts for SMS alerts
Invoice alerts, receipts, and reminders arrive via SMS from the numbers in Communication channels. Save them once so legitimate messages are obvious. Details in our Terms of Service.
Billing & service rhythm
Your vault is billed quarterly at 0.25% (1% annualised). Paying an invoice uses the same Theya signing path as a withdrawal. See Theya's invoice payment guide; your adviser can guide you the first time.
Estate Plan Protocol & Successor Readiness
Once your vaults are set up and funds are deposited, you'll receive your customised Estate Plan Protocol: named roles for executors, trustees, and beneficiaries; recovery sequence; step-by-step instructions for accessing or liquidating Bitcoin; coercion/scam awareness; and storage guidance alongside your Last Will & Testament.
Your adviser walks you through completion—details in the Estate Plan Protocol Guide. Optional will draft for your attorney (not legal advice). SMSF or audit questions: SMSF Bitcoin audit guide.
FAQ & Glossary
Onboarding essentials
What do I need to bring to the onboarding call?
Your hardware key, a secure device with 2FA-enabled email, and exchange details if you are ready to fund.
Have the Theya app or web dashboard open. Your adviser will confirm the full list before the session.
What happens if my hardware has not arrived yet?
We will run through everything we can without the device and schedule vault setup once hardware arrives.
Your adviser can help you track the order and plan the follow-up session.
Can my spouse or executor join the onboarding call?
Yes. Family members or executors can join if you want them to understand the setup.
Optional family orientation sessions are also available later.
What if I already have Bitcoin in self-custody?
Your adviser will guide you on moving it into your new Theya vault.
The process depends on where it is held; we will walk you through the safest way to consolidate.
What if I want to add another signer later?
Vault configuration can be updated after setup.
Contact your adviser to add signers or change roles; we will guide you through the Theya workflow.
Will you ever ask for my seed phrase?
No. We will never ask you to share your seed phrase, enter it into a website, or send Bitcoin to verify your account.
If anyone does, it is a scam. Contact your adviser.
Can I use only a software key?
We recommend at least one hardware key for resilience.
If you have an iPhone, the Theya app can serve as an additional software key, but hardware devices remain essential for long-term security.
Do I have to buy hardware through you?
No. We can ship devices if you prefer, but buying directly from Trezor or reputable resellers works just as well.
Avoid second-hand marketplaces. See our Security Centre for the Hardware Wallet Guide. When setting up Trezor, choose Bitcoin-only firmware instead of the multi-coin version.
How fast can I be live?
Most clients are onboarded within one to two adviser sessions once hardware is in hand.
The Theya wallet setup takes about 15 minutes during your onboarding call. Transfers depend on exchange verification and bank wire timing.
Can I withdraw funds from my vault?
Yes. You can move Bitcoin in and out of your vaults as often as you want with no penalties.
The early termination clause encourages holding for four years but does not block withdrawals. Use the 2/3 flow above or ask your adviser for help.
How does invoice payment work?
Same signing path as a withdrawal: initiate in Theya, sign, Confirmation Call, we counter-sign.
You will get an email alert 90 days after your first deposit with a Pay Invoice action. See Billing & service rhythm and Theya's guide.
Reference & glossary
What if I need an IRA-compatible vault?
During onboarding we will discuss Advanta + Theya workflows.
In rare cases we will coordinate with Unchained for US IRAs. Your adviser will cover the options on your call.
Where can my accountant or auditor find information about verifying Bitcoin holdings?
See our SMSF Bitcoin audit guide for how holdings are verified and what auditors should request.
The attached Statement of Holdings satisfies typical audit requirements.
Glossary
Collaborative Security: Multisignature custody where you and trusted parties each hold keys, removing single points of failure.
Telegraphic Transfer: Same-day bank wire initiated in-branch, ideal for large Bitcoin purchases.
Estate Plan Protocol: Your documented recovery and inheritance playbook created with The Bitcoin Adviser.
Hardware Key: A dedicated signing device (Trezor, Ledger, Coldcard, Foundation) that keeps private keys offline.