How Working With The Bitcoin Adviser Actually Works
A practical overview of the first conversation, onboarding, vault setup, first transfer, documentation, and ongoing support, so you know what happens before you become a client.
The Client Lifecycle page describes the long-term governance arc; this page walks through the practical steps from first contact through your operating rhythm with us.
Quick read
- We start with fit, goals, custody posture, and questions.
- If you proceed, identity verification and agreement signing happen before setup.
- Your adviser guides hardware, vault creation, first transfer, and documentation.
- Ongoing support focuses on vault operations, recovery readiness, and governance reviews.
- We provide education and operational support, not investment, tax, or legal advice.
Your Journey Overview
Here's the high-level flow of what happens when you work with us. Every step is designed to build confidence and remove uncertainty.
Step 1 · Discovery & Fit
We start with a conversation to understand your situation, assess fit, and answer your questions. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just honest dialogue about whether we're the right partner for your Bitcoin security needs.
Step 2 · Agreement & Planning
If we're a fit, we'll send an agreement outlining our partnership via DocuSign. Signing the agreement includes a one-time identity verification step (typically about 5 minutes) that must be completed before you can view and sign the document.
Why we do this: This verification keeps your funds safe. When you later request withdrawals, we can verify it's really you—not a scammer or someone who has compromised your account. 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. Identity verification is handled through DocuSign's verification workflow. We do not store copies of your ID documents in our internal systems; verification records are retained for audit and authorisation purposes. See our Terms of Service for full details.
Once signed, your dedicated adviser begins planning your setup. We'll recommend exchanges, guide hardware selection, and prepare everything for your vault creation.
Step 3 · Vault Setup
Your adviser guides you through setting up your collaborative security vault in a live session. We use Theya, multisig wallet software that makes the process simple. Most clients complete this in one 15-minute call.
Step 4 · First Deposit
Once your vault is ready, you'll transfer Bitcoin from your exchange. We guide you through your first transfer and every subsequent one. You set the pace. No rush, no pressure.
Step 5 · Estate Planning
With your vault secure, we help you create your Estate Plan Protocol: a documented playbook that ensures your heirs can access and manage your Bitcoin if needed. Your adviser walks you through this step-by-step.
Step 6 · Ongoing Partnership
You're now part of a long-term governance partnership. Periodic governance reviews on an agreed schedule, on-demand support for transfers and withdrawals, and ongoing guidance whenever you need it. Your adviser remains your primary point of contact.
What Happens First
After you reach out or book a call, here's exactly what to expect:
Initial Conversation
We'll schedule a brief discovery call (typically 30-45 minutes) to understand:
- Your current Bitcoin situation
- Your security concerns and goals
- Your family and estate planning needs
- Whether our collaborative security model fits your needs
This isn't a sales call. It's a mutual fit assessment. We'll be honest if we're not the right fit, and we'll explain exactly how we can help if we are.
Resources & Education
During and after our conversation, we'll share relevant resources to help you understand:
- How collaborative security works (see our Security Centre)
- What the setup process involves
- How estate planning integrates with your vault
- What ongoing support looks like
Take your time reviewing everything. We want you to feel confident and informed before making any commitments.
The Setup Process
Once you've decided to proceed, here's what the setup actually looks like. It's designed to be straightforward, not overwhelming.
Before Your Setup Call
Your adviser will guide you on what you'll need:
- Hardware key: Typically a Trezor device (we'll help you order the right model)
- Exchange account: We'll recommend regionally compliant exchanges
- Secure email: We'll emphasize security best practices
We don't expect you to know everything upfront. Your adviser answers questions at every step.
During Your Setup Session
Your adviser stays on the call throughout the entire process:
- You'll download the Theya wallet app together
- We'll configure your multisig vault step-by-step
- We'll test everything to ensure it works correctly
- We'll answer questions as they come up
Most clients complete vault setup in about 15 minutes. There's no rush. We adjust the pace to your comfort level.
The Ongoing Relationship
Collaborative security isn't a one-time setup. It's a long-term governance partnership. Here's what that looks like in practice:
Regular Support
Your Bitcoin Adviser team is available whenever you need help:
- Transferring Bitcoin from exchanges to your vault
- Making withdrawals when you need to access funds
- Understanding how transactions work
- Managing your estate plan protocol
- Any questions about your setup
No question is too basic. We're here to guide you until you feel confident.
Periodic Reviews
On an agreed schedule, we check in to:
- Review your vault health and security
- Update your estate plan protocol if needed
- Discuss any changes in your situation
- Answer questions about ongoing Bitcoin management
These reviews ensure your setup stays aligned with your goals and circumstances.
Want to understand the full partnership? See our Client Lifecycle page for a deeper look at how we work with families over the long term.
Client Responsibilities & Decision-Making
Collaborative security is a partnership, not a delegation of responsibility. Understanding your role helps set proper expectations:
Your Decision-Making Authority
You retain full decision-making responsibility for:
- Investment decisions and Bitcoin allocation
- Leverage choices and borrowing strategies
- External assets and consolidated reporting
- Coordination with investment advisers, tax professionals, and legal counsel
The Bitcoin Adviser is a specialist operator providing technical services for Bitcoin security and estate planning. We do not make investment decisions or act as your balance-sheet adviser.
Our Technical Services
We provide defined, technical services:
- Collaborative security vault design and implementation
- Estate plan protocols and documentation
- Beneficiary education and recovery planning
- Ongoing vault governance and support
This technical support does not replace your responsibility to coordinate with your own financial, tax, and legal professionals for investment advice, tax planning, and legal structures.
What Makes This Different
Bitcoin security shouldn't be stressful or chaotic. Here's how we ensure your experience is smooth:
No Technical Overwhelm
You don't need to be a Bitcoin expert. We guide the complexity so you understand the decisions without needing to become a technical expert. Every step is explained in plain language, and your adviser guides you through everything personally.
Structured, Not Rushed
We move at your pace. Whether you need time to understand concepts, gather information, or simply feel comfortable, we adjust our timeline to yours. No pressure, no deadlines.
Continuous Guidance
Your adviser relationship doesn't end after setup. You have ongoing access to the same person who helped you get started, ensuring continuity and familiarity.
Documented Procedures
Your Estate Plan Protocol gives heirs and fiduciaries clear next steps, roles, and escalation paths, without publishing sensitive operational detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the setup process take?
Most clients complete vault setup in one to two adviser sessions once hardware is ready. The actual vault creation takes about 15 minutes during your setup call. Transfers depend on exchange verification and bank wire timing.
Do I need to be technically skilled?
Not at all. We guide the technical work so you understand the decisions without needing to become a technical expert. We don't expect any prior technical knowledge.
What if I have questions after setup?
Your adviser remains your primary contact for all questions. Whether it's transferring funds, making withdrawals, or understanding how something works, we're here to help. No question is too basic.
Can I change my mind later?
You maintain full control over your Bitcoin at all times. You can withdraw funds, change signers, or adjust your setup as needed. We're here to support your decisions, not restrict them.
How does collaborative security actually work?
Your Bitcoin is secured in a 2-of-3 multisig vault. You hold one key, we hold one key, and a technology or vault partner holds or operates the third. Any transaction requires 2 of 3 signatures. You remain in a client-controlled structure: you initiate transactions, and no single party can move funds alone. Learn more in our Collaborative Security overview.
What happens if I pass away or become incapacitated?
Your Estate Plan Protocol documents exactly what your heirs need to do to access your Bitcoin. We can support executors and authorised parties through the documented transition process. Your vault is designed for generational continuity. See our Estate Planning page for details.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're ready to own generational Bitcoin without losing sleep, let's have a conversation.