the irony .
The approval of Bitcoin ETFs marks a major shift, bridging decentralized assets with centralized finance. While Bitcoin was designed as a peer-to-peer, decentralized currency, ETFs introduce custodians, brokers, and regulators—centralized elements that contrast its ethos. This opens access to traditional investors, driving liquidity and mainstream adoption, but it risks compromising core principles like self-custody and censorship resistance. Centralized exposure to decentralized assets creates paradoxes: price manipulation risks, custodial dependence, and policy influence. Yet, it may accelerate acceptance and infrastructure development. Ultimately, Bitcoin ETFs are a double-edged sword—expanding reach while testing the resilience of decentralization. Investors must weigh access and convenience against Bitcoin’s foundational ideals.