As bitcoin continues to revolutionize global finance, debates about accessibility and the role of custodianship are gaining momentum.

Roundtable anchor, Rob Nelson, joined Kelly Kellam, Director at BitLab Academy, to delve into how bitcoin is shaping financial systems and empowering individuals while addressing the challenges of adoption and control.

"Most people want what's easy, fast, and has utility," Rob Nelson remarked, reflecting on users' priorities. Yet, he cautioned against overlooking the principle of self-sovereignty in digital finance, adding, "Not your wallet, not your coin." He underscored the critical trade-offs between convenience and control, a dynamic at the heart of bitcoin's adoption.

Kelly Kellam characterized bitcoin as "the first truly democratized decentralized freedom technology," emphasizing its ability to "bank the unbanked" with near-instant transactions at minimal fees. Comparing bitcoin to legacy financial systems, he noted its accessibility and efficiency, which are unparalleled. "It's such a small fee, it’s almost a no-fee fee," Kellam said, highlighting its cost-effectiveness.

While Kellam welcomed institutional involvement, he also addressed concerns about banks entering the crypto space. "If a bank or company wants to use bitcoin as a tool to create revenue through custodying or financial services, that's fine," he said. However, he acknowledged the accessibility gap, sharing his personal experience: "I've been in the market since 2015, and even I sometimes have to ask friends if I’m doing it right." He argued that offering multiple entry points, including custodianship and ETFs, is essential for mainstream adoption.

Kellam also pointed out the importance of flexibility in the crypto landscape. "Whatever access point you want to utilize—self-custody or an actual custodian—we have different opportunities," he said, emphasizing freedom of choice. He added that governments are beginning to accept bitcoin’s inevitability: "They can't stop it, they can't control it, all they can do is ride alongside it."

Looking ahead, Kellam expressed confidence in bitcoin's potential to shape the future. "Those that get in earliest stand to gain the most over the next 15 years and beyond," he said.