- PlanB moved all Bitcoin holdings from self-custody to ETFs, citing security and ease of management.
- Over $2.3 billion in crypto assets were stolen in 2024, highlighting risks in self-custody.
- Market reports state that U.S. spot BTC ETFs may attract over $50 billion in inflows in 2025.
Bitcoin analyst PlanB disclosed that he has transferred all his Bitcoin holdings from self-custody to spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). In a post on X on Feb. 15, he stated that the move allows him to manage his assets like traditional equities and bonds without handling private keys.
Analyst Cites Security and Ease of Management
PlanB noted on his X account that eliminating the need for private key management provides peace of mind. Self-custody, while promoted by Bitcoin maximalists, comes with risks such as loss or theft of private keys. Hackers stole over $2.3 billion in crypto assets across 165 incidents in 2024, marking a 40% increase from the previous year, according to onchain security firm Cyvers.
⚠️ Disclosure ⚠️
I have transferred my bitcoin to ETFs.
Yes I know, not your keys not your coins. But it is just easier for me to manage bitcoin the same way as equities and bonds. Also, not having to hassle with keys gives me peace of mind. I guess I am not a maxi anymore.— PlanB (@100trillionUSD) February 15, 2025
Lucas Kiely, chief investment officer of Yield App, stated in February 2024 that spot Bitcoin ETFs, futures ETFs, and direct Bitcoin ownership yield similar returns. The primary difference lies in management fees, making ETFs an alternative for those seeking institutional-level asset management.
PlanB Faces Mixed Reactions from Followers
PlanB’s announcement received varied responses from his 2 million followers on X. He acknowledged that he was unaware of the controversy surrounding Bitcoin ETFs. He questioned whether investing in Strategy instead of an ETF would be viewed differently. Some users also raised concerns about tax implications following his transfer.
PlanB clarified that in the Netherlands, capital gains on sales are not taxed. Instead, a wealth tax applies, assuming a 6% annual return on total assets, taxed at approximately 30%. This results in an effective 2% tax on net wealth annually.
Matt Hougan, Bitwise’s investment chief, projected that U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs could attract over $50 billion in inflows this year. Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $4.94 billion in January alone, which, if sustained, could total nearly $59 billion by year-end. Bitwise’s December forecast suggested that 2025 ETF inflows could surpass 2024 levels.
