Bitcoin Treasuries Need More Than Multisig

Holding Bitcoin on a company balance sheet is no longer experimental. But many corporate and operational treasuries are still relying on custody models built for individuals, not institutions.

Most corporations who take a position in Bitcoin choose from several common options. Some choose to get exposure to Bitcoin price action via investing in ETFs, without holding the bearer asset itself. Others opt to own Bitcoin itself, but choose to work with a custodian to hold it on their behalf. If holding the Bitcoin themselves, most corporations choose traditional legacy multisignature (“multisig”), where keys are organized in a quorum such as 3-of-5 to distribute custody between team members or stakeholders. 

Today, there is another option that enables all the benefits of holding native Bitcoin but with additional structure on chain that mimics corporate governance, security, auditability and resiliency.

This is where AnchorWatch comes in.

The Problem: Corporate Multisig Falls Short

Multisig is often pitched as the solution for operational custody, but it leaves critical risks unresolved.

• Governance is informal
  Anyone with two keys can move funds. There’s no way to enforce who should sign, when, or why.
• There’s no recovery path
  If two keyholders leave, die, or lose access, the Bitcoin is gone. This can create particular risks during business travel, where executives may travel together.
• Audit readiness is limited
  Regulators and boards need documentation, reporting, and controls, not just a quorum of signers.
• It’s self-insured
  Companies holding the bearer asset have been self-insuring the risks of loss; meaning, there is no back up plan or safety net if keys are lost or stolen
• Kidnapping and theft risks remain
  The best thought out security plans can still be compromised through violence or threat of violence to either the corporation’s employees or their family members.These risks are not theoretical. Businesses have lost millions due to internal disputes, lost devices, and succession failures. Corporate treasuries require institutional grade custody, but without the risks of a solo custodian .

The Solution: Insured, Policy-Enforced Vaults

AnchorWatch Vaults are purpose-built for operational Bitcoin holders who cannot afford catastrophic failure.

Here’s how it works:

• Supported Signing While Insured
  Every vault requires co-signing from the client and AnchorWatch while the policy is active. You hold both keys. AnchorWatch never has your private keys or unilateral access to your Bitcoin. We only enforce policy.
• Miniscript-Based Governance
  Vault access is controlled by policy, not just quorum. Using Miniscript, we define specific conditions for when, how, and by whom transactions can be sent..
• The Company is the Named Insured
  AnchorWatch vaults are each covered by a policy underwritten by Lloyd’s of London specific to that customer, which protects against theft, coercion, disaster, or operational loss. (See policy for coverage, exclusions, terms and conditions).
• Audit-Ready Architecture
  Vault and policy documentation includes governance policy, signer assignments, and transaction records, satisfying internal and external review. Proof of Assets as attested by AnchorWatch are available instantly from the customer dashboard. 
• User-based Access Controls
  Compliance, audit or legal teams (even Board Directors) can be added to a company’s vault as Viewers or Administrators.
• Automatic Transition to Self-Custody
  If AnchorWatch ceases operation or the insurance policy expires without renewal, your vault automatically transitions to ‘pure’ self-custody, fully controlled by the Company’s Key Holders.

Built for Operators

AnchorWatch Commercial Vaults are ideal for:

• Corporations managing Bitcoin on their balance sheet
• Miners and other bitcoin-related companies holding treasury reserves
• Foundations or companies that require more structured governance
• Any team that needs their Bitcoin custody to survive kidnapping risks, disasters or other causes of loss and desire to avoid the ‘risk of ruin’

Bitcoin treasury custody is not just about key security. It’s about operational survivability, audit compliance, and loss protection. We don’t just help you hold Bitcoin. We help you protect the mission it funds.

Ready to bring structure, resilience, and insurance to your Bitcoin treasury?

If you're holding Bitcoin on behalf of a company, foundation, or mission-driven organization, AnchorWatch Vaults offer a path forward—one that combines self-custody with enforceable policy, real insurance, and institutional confidence.

Schedule a call with our team to see how this works in practice.